Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1168

Introduced

4/22/24

Refer

4/22/24

Caption

In emergency COVID-19 response, further providing for Housing Options Grant Program; and making appropriations.

Impact

The enactment of SB1168 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding housing assistance and emergency responses related to public health crises. It aims to streamline funding for housing grants, thereby facilitating quicker access to financial aid for individuals and families affected by COVID-19. This could potentially lead to an increase in the number of residents receiving assistance and improve overall community stability during challenging times.

Summary

SB1168 is a legislative measure aimed at enhancing the Housing Options Grant Program in response to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill's intention is to provide necessary appropriations to support housing initiatives that can alleviate the financial burdens faced by residents during this emergency period. By focusing on housing assistance, SB1168 seeks to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to maintain stable housing situations amidst economic instability.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB1168 appears to be positive, with broad support for improving housing access during emergencies. Lawmakers have recognized the strain that the pandemic has placed on many residents, and enhancing the Housing Options Grant Program is viewed as a critical step towards addressing these challenges. Supporters of the bill argue that timely help in housing can prevent displacement and homelessness, which are urgent concerns amid the current crisis.

Contention

While there is widespread support for the concept of providing housing support, some contention may arise regarding the allocation of funds and prioritization of applicants. Opponents might express concerns about the adequacy of fund distribution or call for more stringent criteria to ensure that the assistance reaches the most in need. As the debate unfolds, the discussion may center on how effectively the bill can navigate these challenges while ensuring that the intended assistance reaches affected communities.

Latest SB1168 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB605

In emergency COVID-19 response, providing for adult mental health program funding; and making appropriations.

PA HB2310

In emergency COVID-19 response, further

PA HB1300

In emergency COVID-19 response, providing for

PA HB849

In emergency COVID-19 response, providing for adult mental health program funding; in 2022-2023 budget implementation, repealing provisions relating to Department of Human Services; and making appropriations.

PA HB2407

In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies, for State Fire Commissioner and for curriculum, training and education certification management system; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.

PA SB1099

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, further providing for expiration of authority, repealing provisions relating to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for annual reports.

PA HB2067

Establishing the Professional Nurse Grant Program; providing for duties of Department of Health; and making an appropriation.

PA HB1672

Providing for J-1 Visa Waiver Primary Care Physician Grant Program; and making an appropriation.

PA SB1150

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.

PA HB2180

In pupils and attendance, further providing for Nonprofit School Food Program and providing for School Meal Debt Fund; and making appropriations.