Gov. Tom Wolf commended the introductions of Senate Bill 1176, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Williams, and House Bill 2380, sponsored by Reps. Rob Matzie and Kevin Boyle, to appropriate $2 million in state funds to aid Ukrainian refugee resettlement efforts in Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvania was founded on the ideals of peace, tolerance and safety for all people, and we will continue to model these ideals and be a welcoming home for any who seek safe refuge in the United States,” said Wolf. “I am pleased to see the introduction of this legislation in our General Assembly to support the necessary efforts in resettling Ukrainian refugees. This proposed funding will allow the commonwealth the flexibility to invest in refugee services quickly and efficiently, and ultimately provide a safe haven for these individuals.”
In the proposed legislation, the $2 million in state funds will be awarded to the Department of Human Services Refugee Resettlement Program’s contracted providers. The funding will be used to supplement existing federal investments and create faster and more flexible ways to deliver expanded services that will help refugee populations find and retain employment, achieve self-sufficiency and fully integrate into their communities, including:
– Securing short- and long-term housing, or other housing coordination initiatives
– Targeted English as a Second Language education and support
– Occupational skills and training to prepare individuals for in-demand jobs in Pennsylvania
– (Re)certification courses for arrivals with degrees overseas that are not transferable to the United States
“The first Ukrainian refugees are beginning to arrive in Pennsylvania this week, and the agencies ready to receive them need our support,” said Williams. “Over 4 million people have fled Ukraine, leaving behind almost everything as they escaped Russia’s unprovoked attack on their homes and way of life. The New Neighbors Fund created by SB 1176 will allow our agencies on the ground to serve these refugees and meet their immediate needs as they arrive here in Pennsylvania and begin to heal and rebuild from the trauma they’ve experienced.”
“This is not some crisis affecting strangers on the nightly news,” said Matzie. “These are our neighbors’ families. This is local. This is real. This is touching our communities. It is time to again open our communities’ doors and hearts to welcome newcomers to our commonwealth.”
“Pennsylvania has a legacy of welcoming people fleeing oppression, and the same holds true now,” said Boyle. “I’m proud to support a plan to help Ukrainians who resettle in our communities.”
Currently, Pennsylvania is home to more than 122,000 Ukrainians, the second most of any U.S. state.
“Pennsylvania stands ready to support Ukrainians fleeing their country and would welcome them here in the commonwealth,” said Wolf. “Thank you to the members of the General Assembly for proposing this critical legislation that I look forward to signing into law when it lands on my desk.”
