Erie County Times

Government officials in Pennsylvania are calling on the General Assembly to use $1.7 billion in leftover funds from the American Rescue Plan, to help the elderly and people with disabilities with property tax rebates.

Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a $1.7 billion action plan in February that directs $204 million to residents through a Property Tax Rent Rebate Program, according to a March 24 release form his office. The program would double existing rebates and benefit 466,000 Pennsylvania residents, who would receive an average additional rebate of $475.

Wolf was joined by Rep. Steve Samuelson at a press conference March 24 where the two called upon the Republican-led General Assembly to act immediately to use the funds, the release stated.

“The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits seniors and people with disabilities with more than 400,000 people receiving rebates each year,” Samuelson said in the release. “My office alone helps about 800 people each year complete their rebate applications. I commend Governor Wolf for proposing to use American Rescue Plan funds to bring additional relief to homeowners and renters in 2022. My legislation, if enacted, will double Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments this year.”

Many households across Pennsylvania continue to recover financially from the pandemic, with the brunt being borne by low-income households, Wolf said. The governor asked the General Assembly to spend the money that “is still sitting, unused, to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.”

“By investing more money into the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, older Pennsylvanians and individuals with disabilities can stay in their homes,” Wolf said. “That money is sitting around, not helping anyone right now and at a time when the people of this commonwealth are hurting, that’s just wrong.”

Sen. Maria Collett agreed with Wolf and stressed as the cost of living increases for low income residents, disabled people and the elderly must be taken care of.

“As the Democratic Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, I am pleased to work with Governor Wolf to introduce legislation to bolster the already-popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate program and get more federal relief funds to the Pennsylvanians who need it most.” Collett said in the release.

Wolf’s plan also calls for large investments across Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Opportunity Program would receive $500 million to provide relief to workers and families from the high costs of childcare, household expenses and provide opportunities to complete degrees and licenses, the release stated. The Statewide Small Business Alliance Program, which supports thousands of small businesses, would receive $255 million.

The plan would also provide $325 million for Pennsylvania’s healthcare system including $250 million for long term care recruitment and retention incentives, $40 million for mental health programs and $35 million to expand the student loan forgiveness program, according to the release.