Pennsylvania "WelFAIR" Legislation Update

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So far this week two bills from the WelFAIR initiative won final passage in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and another was agreed to on second consideration as amended.

HB1312, the bill proposed to change the DPW’s nearly $20 million Special Allowance Program from a grant program into a loan program, was agreed to on second consideration on Tuesday after amendments by Democrats were voted down. The bill won final passage on Wednesday by a vote of 159-29 and will proceed to the PA Senate.

HB1297, the bill proposed to create a requirement for people with felony drug convictions to undergo drug testing in order to receive public benefits, was also agreed to on second consideration on Tuesday after failed attempts by Democrats to make amendments, and won final passage in the House on Wednesday with similar support, by a vote of 164-23.

HB1301, which would limit reimbursements by the Medical Assistance Transportation Program to trips under 50 miles, was agreed to on second consideration on Wednesday, with voting on final passage expected soon.

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