Senate Democrats React to Republican Proposal to Eliminate General Assistance for Vulnerable Pennsylvanians

 
Sen. Katie Muth stands strongly opposed to a Republican proposal to eliminate the state’s General Assistance program that provides cash assistance to some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians.

Today, the senator spoke on the floor by reading a statement from a Pennsylvanian who relies on the General Assistance program for basic necessities. During her remarks, Republican senators continued to try to shout down the senator’s remarks, but she persevered.

Muth joined her Senate Democratic colleagues at a press conference to discuss the vital importance of the General Assistance program and how shameful it is for the Republican members of the General Assembly to try and end the program.

Senator Katie Muth Offers an Amendment to HB 33

Here is her statement from that press conference:

“I can think of a few words to describe what just happened in that room – immoral, criminal, cowardly, wrong, not public service. I know I’m new here, this is my first budget season. I’m really not shocked. I am outraged that this is the stance our colleagues on the other side are taking. To take away $200 a month of General Assistance when they can collect two days of per diem that equals more than that, who are we and who do we represent? If you are not here fighting for the most vulnerable, then why are you here? I think today we’ve seen, and we now know for sure, why the other side of the aisle is here. It’s not to pass a moral budget. It’s not to create and protect programs to help other humans. It’s to advance ‘the agenda’, the special interests. It’s plain and simple, we are at moral war and we are not quitting because this is a battle and we don’t quit.”

Philly Inquirer

Rare fight erupts on Pa. Senate floor amid debate over program for the poor

by Liz Navratil and Angela Couloumbis

HARRISBURG — Chaos reigned on the Pennsylvania Senate floor Wednesday amid debate on a Republican drive to kill a cash-assistance program for thousands of poor and disabled Pennsylvanians, as senators shouted and traded accusations, and Democrats walked out in protest.

The fight erupted as Republicans successfully pushed a bill to end the state’s General Assistance program, which provides monthly stipends of up to $200 to the needy for basic necessities. Although the day ended with an uneasy detente, the conflict cast a cloud over efforts by the GOP-led legislature and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf to pass a new state budget, due Monday.

Continue Reading at the Philadelphia Inquirer →

Philly Inquirer

Rare fight erupts on Pa. Senate floor amid debate over program for the poor

by Liz Navratil and Angela Couloumbis

HARRISBURG — Chaos reigned on the Pennsylvania Senate floor Wednesday amid debate on a Republican drive to kill a cash-assistance program for thousands of poor and disabled Pennsylvanians, as senators shouted and traded accusations, and Democrats walked out in protest.

The fight erupted as Republicans successfully pushed a bill to end the state’s General Assistance program, which provides monthly stipends of up to $200 to the needy for basic necessities. Although the day ended with an uneasy detente, the conflict cast a cloud over efforts by the GOP-led legislature and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf to pass a new state budget, due Monday.

Continue Reading at the Philadelphia Inquirer →