Apr. 22, 2020
HARRISBURG – To assist organizations on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and local governments, Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover) announced he plans to introduce a bill to direct some of the federal CARES Act dollars toward public health and safety measures. The proposal also includes provisions to provide accountability of the appropriations.
“Pennsylvania is poised to received about $3 billion in federal taxpayer dollars and we must ensure it is used appropriately so no penny is wasted but rather used to its fullest extent,” Grove said. “The health care workers, whether hospital employees or those in nursing homes, as well as first responders, have been on the frontline since the pandemic reached Pennsylvania. My proposed legislation would direct money to organizations which have tirelessly worked to keep us safe, and to local governments.”
The CARES Act requires funding through the Coronavirus Relief Fund only be used to cover necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to COVID–19. Expenseswere not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of the enactment of the CARES Actfor the state or government and expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 30, 2020.
“Too often we hear from healthcare professionals, whether they work at our great hospitals or long-term care facilities, such as nursing home, that workers lack personal protective equipment. My proposal will send $800 million to reimburse healthcare organizations for the costs incurred fighting this deadly pandemic,” Grove said.
Included among the amount is $300 million for long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, where nearly half of all COVID-19 deaths have occurred, Grove noted.
Specifically, the legislation would drive out dollars targeted to public health and safety:
• $700 million for state government.
• $500 million for hospitals and healthcare systems.
• $400 million for local governments not eligible for the direct federal local government funds:
• $200 million for municipalities.
• $200 million for county governments.
$300 million for licensed nursing homes.
$300 million for EMS, police and fire services.
The remaining balance would be held in a contingency fund, which would only be appropriated by the General Assembly.
Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepGrove.com/ Facebook.com/RepSethGrove