$2K Payments For PA Residents: Gov. Wolf Administration Issues Update

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Tom Wolf's administration is continuing to push for $2,000 recovery checks to be sent to Pennsylvanians amid the ongoing economic crisis, record inflation, and continued recoery from the pandemic.

The checks would be sent directly to all individuals with an income of $80,000 or less to help cover the rising cost of living, which officials argue is putting many on the edge.

“The cost of everything from gas to groceries is a little higher right now than it was just a few weeks ago," Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead said in a statement. "And for Pennsylvanians living paycheck to paycheck, even a small increase in expenses can mean painful decisions like paying for food or rent."

Two pieces of pending legislation, Senate Bill 1204 and House Bill 2531, have been introduced.

Snead stopped in Coatesville on Thursday, along with local state lawmakers, to call on the Republican-led legislature to support the payments.

“Pennsylvanians shouldn’t have to wait any longer,” Snead said.

“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," State Rep. Dan Williams added. "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.

It's not yet clear what level of support the bills have, though Republican leadership largely advocated for other recovery measures. State Senate President Jake Corman, for one, has called for cuts to the state's gas tax.

"Inflation does not need to be where it is," House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff said in a recent address to the House. "Gas prices can come down using the products we have right here in our own state and in our own country."

Jason Gottesman, the spokesperson for Benninghoff, reportedly said that payments like these would only contribute to the rise of inflation.

"Gov. Wolf in his proposal is trying to give Pennsylvanians the same pill that makes them ill," Gottesman told The Daily American earlier in June.

Advocates for the payments noted that if the money is not used, it will be sent back to the federal government by December 31, 2024.