Gov. Wolf makes stop in Poconos to promote PA Opportunity Program

Gov. Tom Wolf stopped by Stroudsburg's Pocono Family YMCA on Thursday to promote a recovery initiative that would put up to $2,000 in Pennsylvanians' pockets.

Wolf, joined by Rep. Maureen Madden (D-115), spent his visit discussing the American Rescue Plan Act-funded PA Opportunity Program, which would provide direct payments to residents earning $80,000 or less across the commonwealth if and when it makes its way through the General Assembly.

While the governor stated that he is focused upon finding long-term solutions to economic issues suffered by Pennsylvanians — including financial woes brought about by the pandemic, stagnant wages and inflation — the one-time cash injection, fueled by $500 million in ARPA funding, could provide a helpful hand in a time of need for many.

"Under my plan, they get $2,000, and families can use this for whatever they need," Wolf said, adding that "the needs of the workers have been put on the back burner for years."

"They can use it for groceries, they can use it to buy gas, pay rent, for childcare, or anything else that is causing hardship."

In addition, Wolf has also pushed for several other initiatives rooted in $1.7 billion of ARPA funding, such as $225 million in support for small businesses, $204 million for direct property tax relief, $325 million for Pennsylvania’s healthcare system, and $450 million to invest in conservation, preservation, and revitalization of Pennsylvania communities.

Wolf stressed that the PA Opportunity Program payments would take pressure off of citizens still struggling from the economic impact of the pandemic, in addition to managing the everyday increases in cost of living, "right now, when Pennsylvanians need it."

Madden noted that the funds could be especially beneficial to mothers in the commonwealth, who she said have struggled to work due to the rise in child chare costs. The representative pointed out that her own grandchild's cost for care prior to attending school amounted to $400 a week, a price that many individuals simply cannot afford to pay while working, and an issue that bars many parents from attending work or school.

"We're starting to come out of inflation, it's starting to go down. Our gas prices are beginning to go down. But wouldn't this be great to have this money to pay for child care, or maybe take your kids to a ballgame, because you've been stretching pennies for so long? As the governor said, it's money to be used at the discretion of the folks that we give it to," Madden said.

Christina Valdez, executive director of Along the Way — a nonprofit focused on assisting single mothers in Pennsylvania by providing free childcare on nights and weekends — applauded the idea of the PA Opportunity Program, and its potential to help fill in gaps that often prevent people from seeking education or employment.

"I envision that this $2,000 would absolutely move the mark for the families that we serve, to be able to pay for their car repairs, to be able to get more food, to have the utilies stay on," Valdez said, noting that the PA Opportunity Program payouts would be a boon to all 300,000-plus single mothers in the commonwealth.

Erica Carter, a young mother, full-time student and overnight worker, called attention to the work of Along the Way, along government assistance programs and initiatives, and how such resources can help lift people in need out of dire straits.

"You don't want to be stuck in poverty. You want to utilize the resources given to you so you can level up, and additionally, give back someday, and not have to rely on those resources," Carter said. "And I'm so thankful for you, Gov. Tom Wolf, for pushing that $2,000 package."

Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-2) and Rep. Brian Kirkland (D-159), who have been the main proponents for the bill in the Senate and House, have both adamantly pushed for the PA Opportunity Program and its ability to help citizens and local businesses throughout the state.

“Now it is time for Pennsylvania to step up and support our people, and I am excited to partner with Gov. Wolf to fight for the passage of the PA Opportunity Program. We have billions of dollars sitting in the bank, it’s time we start using it to help Pennsylvanians,” Tartaglione said in a statement from the governor's office issued on April 7.

“Our plan puts money into the hands of working people who will spend it at local businesses and build our economy from the bottom up. I’m proud to stand with Gov. Wolf and Sen. Tartaglione today to make it happen,” Kirkland said.

Wolf's office is looking to help usher the program through the General Assembly as soon as possible, lest the state sit on the funds and be forced to return them to the federal government by the end of 2024.

Madden noted that the House will return to session on April 25, along with the Senate on May 23, and that this spring would be a prime time to move the bills through committees and onto the floor for a vote.

"Clearly, we have long-term issues. What we're talking about today is not an alternative to doing something to address those long-term issues," Wolf said, calling on Republican colleagues to work alongside Democrats to pass the bill. "But we also have immediate issues, immediate needs, and that $2,000 will be very helpful right now. So, let's do it."