House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 16, 2023 12:16 PM
From:	Representative Donna Bullock and Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz
To:	All House members
Subject:	Modernizing WIC

Enrollment for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program in Pennsylvania has steadily decreased in the last four years, and it is no secret why – our system is outdated and does not fully support the underserved. Single parents and impoverished families are not able to reload their benefits online, struggle to identify which food item is covered by WIC before getting to the check-out line, and hold a strong belief that non-WIC participants look at them with a stigma and shame. Even in determining eligibility, a person is required to navigate up to seven forms of documentation for their first meeting. Our current program does not treat enrollees with respect.

It is for this reason that we plan to introduce a bill package that modernizes our WIC system. From streamlining the eligibility screening process to supporting the Department of Health in its initiatives to upgrade the program’s infrastructure, these pieces of legislation will affirm our belief that everyone has the right to dignity – especially those who ask for help when needed. Specifically, this legislation will allow WIC applicants the opportunity to submit eligibility documentation online and establish a WIC Modernization Fund. Moreover, our legislation would establish a WIC Advisory Board within the Department of Health.

Please join us and co-sponsor this much needed legislation. Together, let us put families first and provide WIC with the tools that it needs to succeed.

Document #1

Introduced as HB665

Description:	This bill would clarify that a person may submit eligibility documentation online to a WIC agency before meeting to confirm their enrollment, as well as create a WIC Modernization Fund.

Document #2

Introduced as HB664

Description:	This bill would establish a WIC Advisory Board within the Department of Health.