Gov. Wolf Proposes Sending $2K Checks To PA Residents

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday called on state lawmakers to pass a bill that would send $2,000 checks to Pennsylvanians to help offset the rising costs of gas, groceries and other items.

Wolf's proposed $500 million PA Opportunity Program would provide direct payments of up to $2,000 to Pennsylvania households earning $80,000 or less per year, the governor's office said in a statement.

The program would be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus bill passed by Congress in 2021 that provided funds to state and local governments to address the continued financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"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," Wolf said in a statement.

In February, Wolf unveiled a $1.7 billion proposal to help the state recover from the devastation wrought upon the economy, healthcare system, and community by the coronavirus pandemic. In the plan, $500 million was earmarked for direct payments to Pennsylvanians.

If the $1.7 billion proposal is passed, another $225 million would go to small businesses, and $250 million would go to programs that will help build the critical healthcare workforce.

All proposals must be approved by the Republican-controlled state legislature.