Lancaster, Pa- Governor Wolf presented himself at Nicole Taylor Boutique, located 325 N. Queen St., Ste. B01, Lancaster, PA 17603. In the press conference he urged the PA Legislature to approve the disbursement of funds from the ARPA-American Rescue Plan Act- to support Pennsylvanians in a range of multiple areas that his administration has identified as needs. “This is free money from the federal government” he said during the press conference “We must use that money to help Pennsylvanians instead of sitting on those funds”. The ARPA funds must be used before 2024 or the state government will have to return the money to the federal government.
The $1.7 billion action plan would support the following initiatives:
- The PA Opportunity Program, $500 million
- Small Business Support, $225 million
- Increased Property Relief for Low-Income Renters & Homeowners, $204 million
- Support for Pennsylvania’s Healthcare System, $325 million
- Investing in Conservation, Recreation & Preservation, $450 million
During the press conference he stressed the need for these funds to be used, after his speech, Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace come up tp the podium to shared how important it is that the legislature approves this action plan, she also shared how small business owners in Lancaster have been able to support themselves during the pandemic because of the first round of grants that the state government provided small businesses.
“Lancaster City’s unique business community is continuing to recover from the pandemic, and we are at a unique moment,” said Mayor Sorace. “COVID is receding, there are clear signs of economic recovery, and recovery is still fragile. Additional grant dollars through the American Rescue Plan can further strengthen our small business community, ensuring the fabric of our entrepreneurial community is not just surviving but also thriving.” she said in a press release.
Nicole Vasquez shared how helpful it was for her to receive the first round of grants to support her business. “We had opened our store two months before the pandemic hit and we really needed the money to remain open…I also want to ask those who can (the legislature) to support this action plan”.
Author: Amaury Abreu
