Pennsylvania House Bill HB2634

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/21/24
• Refer: 10/21/24

Caption

In public assistance, further providing for workfare program.

Impact

If passed, HB 2634 would significantly alter the landscape of public assistance in Pennsylvania. The bill stipulates that after engaging in the workfare program for six months, individuals would transition to receiving a higher proportion of their cash assistance while working more hours. Ultimately, after twelve months, participants would be fully transitioned out of cash assistance. The intention behind this change is to shift individuals from dependency on assistance to regular employment, promoting economic self-sufficiency.

Summary

House Bill 2634 aims to amend Pennsylvania's Human Services Code by introducing a workfare program specifically for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The bill outlines the establishment of a pilot program in counties of the fourth and fifth class, wherein participants can gain work experience while receiving partial cash assistance over the course of their employment. This initiative is seen as a way to encourage workforce participation among individuals who rely on public assistance as a means of support.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 2634 has been mixed among legislators and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the workfare program is a crucial step towards reducing long-term dependence on government support while providing individuals with valuable work experience and skills necessary for the job market. Conversely, critics express concern that the program may not adequately address the diverse challenges faced by recipients of TANF and could impose undue pressure on vulnerable populations to conform to workforce expectations without sufficient support.

Contention

Key points of contention included the adequacy of the support provided to individuals transitioning from assistance to employment, as well as the program's potential implications for local economies. Opponents argued that county-level disparities could affect the program's effectiveness, raising questions about how uniformly it could be implemented across different regions. There are also concerns surrounding the adequacy of compensation and support for individuals who may struggle to find stable employment despite the introduction of this workfare program.