The General Assistance (GA) program is only for the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. The only people who can receive GA are:

Disabled or sick adults without children,
Domestic violence survivors,
Adults caring for another who is sick or disabled,
Adults participating in drug or alcohol treatment programs, and
Children living with an unrelated adult.

The GA program provides only a subsistence benefit level. GA pays only $205 per month in most counties (Five counties have higher amounts, 28 counties have lower amounts.) This amount is less than 25% of the federal poverty line and has not been increased since 1990.

Eliminating GA is penny wise and pound foolish. By cutting GA, more very poor individuals will turn to churches, homeless shelters, community assistance agencies, and other agencies as they struggle to survive. These agencies are already under enormous pressure because of the recession.

For many people, GA is simply a loan program. Many people receive GA while they wait for the Social Security Administration to consider their disability claim. When they are approved for disability, the Department of Public Welfare is reimbursed for their GA from their disability payments.

The GA program is not being misused. Since the current recession stated in December 2007, the Pennsylvania economy has lost over 100,000 jobs (net). Meanwhile, the number of people receiving GA has increased by only 10,352 (from 57,357 to 67,879). Today, less than half of one percent of Pennsylvanians receive GA, but for those that do, it is a critical safety net benefit that can literally be the difference between life and death.

Arbitrary cutoffs will worsen severe hardship. Without a GA safety net, battered women will have to remain with abusive partners. Disabled and sick adults will lose their housing. And already struggling Pennsylvanians will become even more desperate.

GA is already temporary--by law--for many individuals. Women receiving domestic violence services and individuals in drug or alcohol treatment programs that preclude work, are only eligible for nine months in a lifetime. Others only receive GA while they await a favorable decision on their application for disability benefits from the Social Security administration.

Governor Corbett announced today that he intends to eliminate the General Assistance program. This decision is morally and economically wrong. It is the wrong idea at the wrong time and punishes people, who need help the most.

Governor Corbett, I urge you not to eliminate the General Assistance Program of Pennsylvania! which is essential for many people in need for our help!

Thank you!

Sincerely