Recovering From The Pandemic: Gov. Wolf's $1.7 Billion Plan

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Tom Wolf's administration has unveiled a $1.7 billion plan which it says will help the state recover from the devastation wrought upon the economy, healthcare system, and community by the coronavirus pandemic. The funds come from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Some $500 million is earmarked for payments to individual residents who suffered the most. Funds will be allocated for childcare, household expenses, and even degree seeking opportunities. Another $225 million will go to small businesses, and $250 million will go to programs that will help build the critical healthcare workforce.

The proposals and budget allocations must be approved by the Republican-controlled state legislature.

“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,” said Wolf. “I urge the legislature to act now. Pennsylvanians can’t afford to wait.”

A significant chunk — $450 million — would also be allocated to climate change resilience and conservation programs. Officials cited the record-breaking rainfall and floods of 2021, as well as other climate change-exacerbated extreme weather events. Projects would include recreation, preservation, and community revitalization efforts, along with agriculture conservation programs such as the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program and the existing Agriculture Conservation Excellence Grant Program.

Wolf, along with Democratic leadership, say that the funds should be used now and expressed frustration that they have not been disbursed.

"The ARPA dollars are waiting to be spent and they were designed to be spent like this," Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa said in a statement. "I’m fed up with hearing that we need to save them for a ‘rainy day.' Visit any hospital, talk to a small business owner, hear from a working mother who can’t find child care and now can’t work. They’ll all tell you that it’s raining now."

Further details on the proposal are included below:

• The PA Opportunity Fund, $500 million, to support workers and families with the continually increasing cost of living;
• Small Business Support, $225 million, to offer grants to small businesses economically impacted by the pandemic;
• Property Relief for Low Income Renters & Homeowners, $204 million, for a one-time bonus rebate to double existing rebates;
• Support for the Healthcare System, $325 million, to support recruitment and retention, behavioral health, and student loan forgiveness; and
• Investments in Conservation, Recreation & Preservation, $450 million, to revitalize communities and address the growing threat of climate change.