Nov. 10, 2015

HARRISBURG – Thanks to a strong bipartisan vote, the state House Monday passed legislation that would address attempts to “double dip” when applying for public assistance. Under House Bill 1322, which may now be taken up by the state Senate, anyone who moves to Pennsylvania would have to list places where they lived before and received welfare benefits. The legislation also requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to notify the other state or states of the change in residency of the applicant.

Members of the Adams and York County House Republican delegations, state Reps. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam), Seth Grove (R-Dover), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Dan Moul
(R-Gettysburg), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township), Mike Regan (R-Dillsburg), Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion) and Will Tallman (R-Abbottstown), issued the following statement in reaction to passage of the legislation:

“We as a state and as a country spend a great deal of money on public assistance. Where there are opportunities to game the system, it is our job as stewards of taxpayer dollars to make every effort to ensure those dollars end up in the hands of the people who truly need them as a bridge to a better life.

“There is nothing in current law that prevents all applicants for public assistance from receiving benefits from the state of Pennsylvania, as well as the state in which they previously resided. Under House Bill 1322, these individuals will be asked to look back five years and disclose benefits they may have received before moving into our state.

Adam-York County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
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