Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolfe talks about efforts to send out $2,000 stimulus checks

(WHTM) – Tom Wolfe is closing out a two-term, eight-year term as Pennsylvania governor after a period marked by coronavirus shutdowns, election security issues, and budget surpluses.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there was the question of whether Pennsylvania would be able to send $2,000 stimulus checks directly to Pennsylvania residents. It happened during the federal government’s popular stimulus check program. Many said this helped them stay home and put food on the table when the economy shut down and workers were laid off.

Despite multiple efforts and public campaigns, Pennsylvania never got state funding $2,000 Stimulus Check Wolf Requested As part of the $1.7 billion PA Opportunity Plan.

In an extensive interview with abc27’s Dennis Owens, Wolf spoke of efforts to send stimulus checks to residents amid budget surpluses and an influx of federal funds.

“The money would have come from the federal fund, and it was just free money to send, and[the Republicans]didn’t want it. I said let’s use state money instead of using federal money and we didn’t have to raise anyone’s taxes so we had a lot.”

Under Wolf’s plan, Pennsylvania households with incomes of $80,000 or less would receive a direct payment of $2,000.

With residents facing inflation at grocery stores and gas pumps, Wolf said, “$2,000 would be a huge help. I don’t see why it couldn’t be done. “

The PA Opportunity Plan includes $225 million to help small businesses, $204 million in direct property tax relief, $325 million to Pennsylvania’s health care system, and protection and preservation of Pennsylvania’s communities. , $450 million invested in activation.

Any unused American Rescue Plan funds received by the State of Pennsylvania by December 31, 2024 must be returned to the federal government.

Wolfe’s full interview airs this week in Pennsylvania on Sunday, December 18th.