Erie County Times

Gov. Tom Wolf has praised the proposal of Senate Bill 1176, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny County), and House Bill 2380, sponsored by Reps. Rob Matzie (D-Ambridge) and Kevin Boyle (D-Philadelphia), to appropriate $2 million in state funds to assist Ukrainian refugee resettlement efforts in Pennsylvania. 

This proposed legislation comes after Wolf’s call to the General Assembly to continue supportive moves and efforts to end financial connections to Russia.

“Pennsylvania was founded on the ideals of peace, tolerance, and safety for all people, and we will continue to model these ideals and be a welcoming home for any who seek safe refuge in the United States,” Wolf said in a release. “I am pleased to see the introduction of this legislation in our General Assembly to support necessary efforts in resettling Ukrainian refugees. This proposed funding will allow the commonwealth the flexibility to invest in refugee services quickly and efficiently, and ultimately provide a safe haven for these individuals.”

Williams also spoke openly in support of her own bill.

“The first Ukrainian refugees are beginning to arrive in Pennsylvania this week, and the agencies ready to receive them need our support” Williams said in a release. “Over 4 million people have fled Ukraine, leaving behind almost everything as they escaped Russia’s unprovoked attack on their homes and way of life. The New Neighbors Fund created by SB 1176 will allow our agencies on the ground to serve these refugees and meet their immediate needs as they arrive here in Pennsylvania and begin to heal and rebuild from the trauma they’ve experienced.”

Matzie sought to relate the legislation to the lives of ordinary Americans. 

“This is not some crisis affecting strangers on the nightly news,” Matzie said. “These are our neighbors’ families. This is local. This is real. This is touching our communities. It is time to again open our communities’ doors and hearts to welcome newcomers to our commonwealth.”

Boyle believes these plans fit the character and history of the state.

“Pennsylvania has a legacy of welcoming people fleeing oppression, and the same holds true now. I’m proud to support a plan to help Ukrainians who resettle in our communities,” Boyle said.