A local lawmaker has joined his colleagues in approving legislation to distribute over $900 million to schools, small businesses, and people struggling to pay rent or utility bills as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
State Senator Joe Pittman explains how the federal aid approved by Congress in last month’s coronavirus recovery package will be distributed through the bill he sponsored.
“This legislation now serves to drive out nearly $1 billion of assistance to our communities to address the ongoing impact of COVID-19,” Pittman said. “Through business assistance, rental assistance, and assistance to our education community, this legislation is vitally important to drive out these dollars that are literally sitting in our state treasury right now.”
$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.
$145 million is reserve cash from a worker’s compensation fund. The money would be available through counties in grants of up to $50,000 for bars, restaurants and hotels.
$197 million would be distributed to schools and educational institutions.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for vote.