Some 70,000 of Pennsylvania’s poorest citizens get checks from the state for more $200 a month. These people have no other sources of income. They qualify for cash assistance under the Department of Public Welfare’s strict income and resources guidelines. Many of these people cannot work because they care for a disabled loved one. Others were certified as unable to work by their physician.

But this meager assistance is being cut off. As of next month, Pennsylvania will no longer provide cash grants of General Assistance to the state’s poorest. As members of the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Social Security Practitioners Committee, we support a formal resolution to restore funding of the state’s General Assistance Cash Grant Program. Please join us in opposing these budget cuts by contacting your state lawmakers today.