House Democratic Leaders Call on GOP Leaders to “Free the Funds”

HARRISBURG, March 10 -- On the eve of the anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act becoming law, Pennsylvania’s House Democratic Leaders are calling on elected Republicans in Harrisburg to finally free billions in federal funds and invest in Pennsylvania’s workers and families who are contending with higher fuel costs as a result of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war on Ukraine.

“Putin’s unprovoked and unjust attack on the Ukrainian people has reverberated around the globe.  We stand strong with our Ukrainian neighbors and, like 70% of Americans, support the Biden administration’s decision to ban the import of Russian oil.

“As in other states, our workers and families have seen fuel prices rise as a direct result of Putin’s war. However, unlike other states, elected Republicans in Pennsylvania have refused to allocate most of the commonwealth’s American Rescue Plan dollars. These funds are intended to help Pennsylvanians – and Pennsylvanians need help now.

“In January, when the General Assembly and Wolf administration worked together to approve a relief package for our health care heroes, we saw how people benefit when we put policy ahead of politics. We’re asking that our Republican colleagues stop politicizing this crisis and join us to help families and workers across Pennsylvania now.”