Philly Leader

State Rep. Dan Williams joined a Senate colleague and a state secretary in calling for the state General Assembly to pass a bill that would give Pennsylvanians $2,000 to help them cope with an inflation rate that is at a 40-year high. 

“Pennsylvanians are feeling the pinch of rising prices on everything from gas to groceries,” Williams (D-Chester County) said in a recent town hall meeting, quoted in a press release from the governor’s office. “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.”

Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead joined Williams in the public meeting at Coatesville City Hall to call on Pennsylvania’s Republican-led General Assembly to pass legislation for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded $500 million PA Opportunity Program, which would send $2,000 checks to Pennsylvanians.

“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 release. “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.”

State Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-District 19) was also on hand to voice her support for the bill.

“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 in the release. “The Pa Opportunity Program puts relief where it belongs – in the pockets of Pennsylvanians who need it the most. This one-time payment can make a big difference for families struggling to pay for necessities like utilities, groceries, childcare, or gas.”