PA To Mull Millions For Ukrainian Refugee Aid

HARRISBURG, PA —A bill about to be introduced in the House that could provide $2 million in funding to Ukrainian refugees that arrive in Pennsylvania.

Democratic state representatives Kevin Boyle of Philadelphia and Rob Matzie of Allegheny County in Western Pennsylvania say the funds could help the refugees through what they described as potentially the most devastating invasion in Europe since World War II.

“The $2 million will get immediate aid flowing to these displaced families," Matzie said. "We will be able to help them with housing, food, and clothing, and work with relief organizations to set up longer-term support.”

The legislators contend the funding will allow Pennsylvania to:

• Support any Ukrainian, regardless of legal status.

• Provide assistance for as long as necessary. Currently, Pennsylvania only can provide 30 days of support for Afghan refugees and for other traditional refugees funding is cut off after 90 days.

• Providing for immediate needs such as short -term housing, or offering capacity to local partners to manage volumes of donations of both volunteer time and items like clothing or personal care products.

The $2 million figure matches recent federal infusion of funds to support Afghan arrivals.

The pending bill would have to be approved by the Republican-controlled House and Senate and then signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf.

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