‘Welfare to work’ aims to lower costs for Pennsylvania taxpayers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has introduced a bill that looks to help families transition out of welfare programs.

The “ Welfare to Work ” pilot program, introduced by Frank Burns (D-Cambria), would encourage companies to hire individuals enrolled on the welfare rolls, which aims to help families to transition to self-sufficiency.

The program would also include:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients will continue to collect full cash benefits in addition to 20 hours of pay as they train
• After six months, the business will pay the individual for 30 hours of work while they continue receiving 70% of their cash benefits
• After one year, the business pays the individual for the full 40 hours of work, at which point cash benefits are terminated

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The legislation also looks to lower costs for taxpayers by working with the private sector. The program, if passed, will first be introduced to counties of the fourth and fifth class.

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