HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Talks are starting this week in Harrisburg on how lawmakers should divvy up 4$ billion in revenue that will flow through the legislature. The money represents much of Pennsylvania's share of federal Caronavirus disaster funding approved so far by Congress and the President.
State Senate Minority leader Jay Costa of Forest Hills told reporters in a conference call. "We've heard from people in our communities, workers, businesses, so many other folks have said to us we need assistance as we go forward."
The plan put forth by Senate Democrats is called PA Cares. Costa says it focuses on healthcare and front line workers, education and child care, and small business assistance.
"These are one time revenues that are coming to our Commonwealth," said Costa. "One time revenues that need to be spent between now and December 31, 2020."
The plan breaks down into $1.1 billion for working people and families for things like housing, debt relief, utility relief and nutrition. $900 million for education and child care. $650 million for front line workers including COVID testing and personal protection equipment. $425 million for small business and agriculture. And $300 million for disadvantaged and communities of color.
Costa says the state is looking at a loss of tax revenue between $2.6 billion and $3.9 billion over the next 15 months.
He hopes for agreement with the governor and legislative Republicans in advance of the start of the fiscal year July 1.
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