PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Gov. Tom Wolf has thrown his support behind a bill introduced in the state house and senate that would use $2 million in state funds to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of their country.
Senate Bill 1176, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Williams, and House Bill 2380, sponsored by Reps. Rob Matzie and Kevin Boyle, all Democrats, would allocate the money to Ukrainian refugee resettlement efforts in the state.
The legislation is requiring that the money go to the Pa. Department of Human Services Refugee Resettlement Program’s contracted providers.
The governor’s office says the funding will be used to secure short- and long-term housing, ESL (English as a second language) education and support, job training and work certification courses.
To date, over 4 million people have fled Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion. Lawmakers say some of the first Ukrainian refugees arrived in Pennsylvania last week, and they want to make sure DHS is prepared to help them.
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Pennsylvania is home currently to more than 122,000 Ukrainians, the second-most of any U.S. state, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
Wolf said he looks forward to signing the bill as soon as it gets to his desk.