Kaufer’s Welfare Reform Legislation Becomes Law
New law marks first major legislative accomplishment of first-term Luzerne County lawmaker
HARRISBURG – Legislation to close a gap in the state’s welfare laws which has allowed some individuals to receive public assistance from multiple states was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf Monday, said Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne), who championed the measure.
House Bill 1322, now Act 92 of 2015, requires applicants to disclose states in which they have previously received welfare benefits. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) may not authorize general assistance for the applicant until it receives verification that his or her benefits will be stopped in the other states.
Prior to Kaufer’s change, there was no law requiring DHS, which governs public assistance laws and policies, to communicate with other states about changes in residency of applicants.
Citing reports that the Commonwealth pays more than $5 million in out-of-state payments a month, Kaufer said closing this taxpayer-funded loophole was long overdue.
“Every dollar we can save from fraud, waste and abuse is a dollar that can go to someone who truly needs it,” Kaufer said. “This reform measure will prevent people from collecting benefits from multiple states, also known as double dipping, as well as ensure tax dollars are not supporting those simply seeking to take advantage of the system.”
This is the first major piece of legislation Kaufer has had signed into law.
“I am very proud that my first bill to become law focuses on such an important issue that affects the people of Luzerne County, as well as the entire Commonwealth,” said Kaufer. “I would like to thank my colleagues in the House, along with those in the state Senate and the governor, for making this issue a priority this session.”
Act 92 also includes changes to Pennsylvania’s child care benefits structure that will help families work their way out of poverty, as well as a redesign of the Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS) Program, an academic support program assisting low-income individuals who are seeking additional training or certification to improve their job prospects.
For more information about Kaufer’s legislation, or any other state-related issue, contact Kaufer’s district office in Luzerne located at 161 Main St., by calling 570-283-1001. Information can also be found online at
RepKaufer.com or
Facebook.com/RepKaufer.
Representative Aaron Kaufer
120th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Krisinda Corbin
717.705.2032
KCorbin@pahousegop.com
RepKaufer.com /
Facebook.com/RepKaufer