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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 8, 2022 10:31 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Robert F. Matzie |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Pennsylvania Public Utility COVID Arrearages Assistance |
| During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Energy Association estimates that residential gas and electric customers may have up to $500 million in arrears. Many Pennsylvanians were forced to choose between paying their utility bills and feeding their families over the last two years. My proposal is to create a program administered by the Public Utility Commission that would allow Pennsylvania utilities to apply for American Rescue Plan funds to cover the arrearages caused by the pandemic. The Federal government has provided states with funding to assist families with their energy costs. States have been directed to develop assistance programs for hard-pressed families struggling to pay their electric and gas bills. While the LIHEAP program is providing assistance to lower-income families, there are many households not eligible for assistance. Doing nothing will cost us all. Help is available from the Federal government and already appropriated. Pennsylvania has the flexibility and responsibility to use ARPA funds to help all families keep their lights on. The time to act is now. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |