May. 28, 2020
HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives today passed
Senate Bill 1108, which sets the guidelines for the distribution of $2.6 billion in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. Under the bill, $625 million would be designated for counties, with Berks County set to receive $38 million and Lehigh County set to receive $33.3 million to help address impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks/Lehigh).
“This funding will allow our county commissioners to distribute funding to businesses and organizations throughout the counties that have been adversely impacted by the pandemic,” said Mackenzie. “So many people are struggling right now and this money will serve as a lifeline to some of the service providers and economic generators our communities rely on and that have been so hard hit over the strict shutdown orders placed on Pennsylvania over the past three months.”
The remaining funds would be allocated across various state agencies and departments to provide services throughout the state. Highlights include $225 million for a Statewide Small Business Assistance Program; $632 million for nursing homes, long-term care and personal care; $10 million for food assistance programs; and $50 million for volunteer fire companies and emergency medical service (EMS) companies.
“In addition to the short-term, stabilizing budget we passed earlier this week, this funding will help shore up needed services, protect those who are most vulnerable and ensure people have a place of employment to return to,” said Mackenzie.
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepMackenzie.com /
Facebook.com/RepMackenzie