Apr. 17, 2018
HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation to promote work or community engagement for able-bodied residents who receive Medical Assistance (MA) program benefits through the state.
The York County House Republican delegation, comprised of Reps. Seth Grove (R-Dover), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg), Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam) and House Appropriations Chairman Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion) issued the following statement on the passage of the legislation:
“Passage of
House Bill 2138 is a first and major step in ensuring funds are directed to residents who are truly in need of MA benefits. People who can work, can and should work. This bill encourages self-reliance through work experiences and protects those who need MA benefits.
“Gov. Tom Wolf’s own Human Services Secretary Theresa Miller testified there are more than 486,000 able-bodied adults who receive MA benefits. This legislation would break the cycle of dependency on government by encouraging self-sufficiency. In doing so, the state’s economy would grow, further helping every Pennsylvanian.
“Enabling able-bodied welfare recipients to be more independent is not a new concept. In fact, former President Bill Clinton set into motion this concept at the federal level and Pennsylvania’s efforts can trace its roots back to the Thornburgh Administration of the 1980s.
“Under the bill, able-bodied MA recipients would have to work 20 hours a week or complete 12 job training-related activities a month. We believe these requirements are more than fair for the benefits individuals receive at no personal cost. These requirements are very similar to those imposed on residents who receive benefits through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance programs.
“The bill also outlines numerous exemptions to ensure our most vulnerable residents aren’t negatively impacted by this legislation. The exemptions include:
• Those who are physically disabled.
• Those who have a mental disability.
• An individual who is under 19 years of age.
• Seniors 65 years or older.
• Pregnant women.
• Those who are primary caregivers to a dependent child under 6 years of age.
• Social Security beneficiaries.
• An individual who experiences a crisis, serious medical condition or temporary condition which prohibits employment, such as domestic violence or a substance use disorder.
• Those who are the primary caregiver for a person who is permanently disabled or in hospice.”
York County Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com