by Christen Smith, The Center Square | January 15, 2021 07:00 PM Print this article
Three weeks ago, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said he had freed up $145 million in state funds for small business grants – the Legislature just needed to appropriate it.
As of Thursday, the money – originally from the Insurance Department’s Workers’ Compensation Security Fund – sits untouched.
“Constitutionally, I can’t act unilaterally,” Wolf said during news briefing Thursday. “I can’t do this myself. The people who can act on this are in the General Assembly. They need to step up and do their part.”
Democratic leaders from the House and Senate joined Wolf in support of using the transferred funds. But Republicans, who hold strong majorities in both chambers, contradicted the administration’s narrative, saying Wolf has yet to call their leaders, let alone transfer any money for distribution.
Wolf seeks $145M for businesses – Times News Online tnonline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from tnonline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Gov. wishes to send out $145M grants to struggling companies
Dec 24, 2020
HARRISBURG (AP) Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday proposed spending $145 million in reserves from a worker’s compensation fund to help the hardest-hit businesses cope with the raging coronavirus pandemic.
The Democratic governor’s plan requires a vote from the Republican-majority Legislature to appropriate the money, and there has been no deal to accomplish that.
Wolf said he wants the money to go out in the form of grants to businesses that have been most harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, among them restaurants, bars and gyms.
During an online news conference, Wolf said people were worn out by the pandemic, even as vaccines are starting to be administered.
MARK SCOLFORO and MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday proposed spending $145 million in a worker’s compensation fund to help businesses cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
The Democratic governor’s plan requires a vote from the Republican-majority Legislature to appropriate the money, and there has been no deal to accomplish that.
Wolf said he wants the money to go out in the form of grants to businesses that have been most harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, among them restaurants, bars and gyms.
During an online news conference, Wolf said people were worn out by the pandemic, even as vaccines are starting to be administered.
Wolf seeks $145M fund shift to help businesses with pandemic bismarcktribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bismarcktribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.