Harrisburg, PA – The Senate has unanimously approved legislation to distribute $912 million to aid those hit hard by the coronavirus: schools, small businesses, and people struggling to pay rent or utility bills.
The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for its approval.
Most of the funding is federal aid approved by Congress in last month’s coronavirus recovery package. $145 million is reserve cash from a worker’s compensation fund; last month Gov. Wolf asked lawmakers to send the funding to businesses hit hard by the pandemic. The money would be available through counties in grants of up to $50,000 for bars, restaurants and hotels.
$570 million would be divided among all 67 of Pennsylvania’s counties based on population to help people struggling to pay rent or utilities. Landlords and tenants would be eligible to apply. $197 million, would be distributed to schools and educational institutions.
Listen to quotes from Senator Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia, Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
