Burns unveils Welfare-to-Work legislative proposal

Pilot program would phase in work, address Cambria worker shortage

Rep. Frank Burns    August 21, 2024 | 9:28 AM

EBENSBURG, Aug. 21 – In the first step of his ambitious effort to create a “Welfare-to-Work” pilot program that would also help Cambria County businesses address a worker shortage, state Rep. Frank Burns is soliciting House co-sponsors for his game-changing proposal.

Knowing the majority of his constituents share his belief that the able-bodied should be working, Burns, D-Cambria, wants to gradually wean them off public welfare over 12 months, working with the private sector to phase out government assistance as a 40-hour work week is phased in.

“This would eliminate any disincentive they have to take a job, as the abrupt loss of welfare benefits would no longer be a viable excuse to NOT enter the workforce,” Burns said. “We can cut the welfare rolls, help families transition to self-sufficiency, and help businesses tap into a potential pool of new workers.”

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“Welfare-to-Work is a far better concept than Welfare-for-Life.” – State Rep. Frank Burns

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Burns’ proposed welfare reform would create a statewide pilot program in fourth- and fifth-class counties – including Cambria – under which:

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients would continue to collect full cash benefits in addition to 20 hours of pay per week as they train.
  • After six months, the business would pay the individual for 30 hours of weekly work while they continue receiving 70% of their cash benefits.
  • After one year, the business would pay the individual for the full 40 hours of weekly work, at which point cash benefits would be terminated.