Lehigh Times

Although COVID-19 isn’t the concern it once way, the aftermath of the pandemic has been challenging for many everyday people, and it’s time to give them the help they need, state Democratic leaders said.

State Sen Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester County) was among those who used a recent town hall meeting as an opportunity to press the General Assembly to pass Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan that calls for sending $2,000 to Pennsylvanians. 

“We are all eager to put COVID-19 behind us, but the fact is many Pennsylvania families are still recovering from the economic fallout of the pandemic and rising consumer costs,” Comitta said during the forum at Coatesville City Hall on Thursday, a governor’s release said. 

Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead also attended the public meeting and echoed the administration’s call for action on the bill.

“The cost of everything from gas to groceries is a little higher right now than it was just a few weeks ago and for Pennsylvanians living paycheck to paycheck even a small increase in expenses can mean painful decisions like paying for food or rent,” Snead said. “In the Department of Human Services, I see the disadvantages in communities across Pennsylvania and these $2,000 checks would make a great impact as prices around us soar.”

Rep. Dan Williams (D-Chester County) agreed that the General Assembly shouldn’t wait much longer to pass the bill.

“Pennsylvanians are feeling the pinch of rising prices on everything from gas to groceries,” said Williams. “While we still need to address the corporate greed and price gouging occurring, we’re seeing far too much of, our friends and neighbors need assistance right now. With a record state surplus this year and American Relief Plan funds that haven’t been used, let’s not delay and put this money to work for everyday Pennsylvanians. The Pennsylvania Opportunity Program would provide relief payments to help working families address their greatest needs.”