Despite last-minute pleas from Democrats, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to pass a bill Wednesday that would end a program that provides cash grants to Pennsylvanians who don’t qualify for other welfare and assistance programs.

 

House lawmakers voted 106-95 to pass House Bill 33, which would we bring an end to the General Assistance program that provides cash grants of approximately $200 a month to some of the poorest residents in the state.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro revealed findings from a grand jury investigation into the state’s medical assistance program earlier this week, outlining three potential legislative solutions that could help Pennsylvania crack down on Medicaid fraud. 
 

Shapiro said the investigation emanated from two separate Medicaid fraud investigations that inspired the grand jury to explore ways to better police fraud in the state’s medical assistance program. One involved the mother of an autistic daughter who directed caregivers to perform work around the house rather than care for her daughter. 

With so much legislation filed in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, some naturally garner more attention than others. From resolutions designating the state pet of Pennsylvania to bills that have significant financial implications, a lot can be unearthed from sifting through the legislature’s co-sponsorship memos.
 
In the past week, there has been an array of proposals that would affect everything from sexual assault protocols in schools and the General Assembly to how special elections in the state are funded, which is why we’re going to take a look at some of the most interesting co-sponsorship memos filed in the General Assembly this week.

Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed legislation to add work requirements for able bodied adults to receive medical assistance in Pennsylvania Friday.

The bill, HB 2138, passed the House in April and the Senate last week with ayes and nays from both parties.

It was written to exclude those under 18 and over 65, parents of kids under six, pregnant women, the disabled and some others from the requirements. But Wolf, who expanded Medicaid in his first term, said the bill would create unnecessary barriers.

It was a busy week in Harrisburg with both chambers in session, and so while a flurry of activity is expected, here are three bills that deserve a little extra attention: