Pittsburgh Review

Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) on Feb. 2 announced a new $1.7 billion plan for COVID-19 relief for Pennsylvania.

The funds would come from the American Rescue Plan Act and would not pull from any general fund appropriations, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor.

“Pennsylvania is sitting on millions of dollars in additional federal aid that could help Pennsylvanians thrive," Wolf said in a Feb. 2 tweet. "That's why today, I’m unveiling my action plan for how the legislature should use the American Rescue Plan relief money to help Pennsylvanians who need it.”

The PA Opportunity Program would provide help with the cost of childcare, household expenses and education and higher learning, according to the release.

The release also reports that the COVID Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program would provide grants to small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic, according to the release.

"As Pennsylvania endured the pandemic, we strategically invested to support small businesses, frontline workers, agriculture, healthcare, first responders and more. This ensured that Pennsylvania survived,” Wolf said in the release. “Now it’s time for Pennsylvanians to thrive and investing $1.7 billion in a bright future for this commonwealth will give Pennsylvanians a sense of security and a clear path forward."

According to the release, Gov. Wolf wants to invest additional funds into the existing Property Tax Rent Rebate program for a one-time bonus rebate to current program users.

“My plan will not only help Pennsylvanians recover and rebuild financial security for themselves and their families, but it will improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians for generations to come,” Wolf said. “I urge the legislature to act now. Pennsylvanians can’t afford to wait.”

Support for Pennsylvania’s Healthcare System seeks to add long-term care recruitment and retention incentives, money to expand mental health services and student loan forgiveness.

“While Pennsylvanians are still bruised and trying to recover from the pandemic, we cannot sit on billions of dollars in federal aid that could heal Pennsylvania,” Wolf said. “It’s wrong to hold this money back from helping people. It’s past time we take action.”