Governor’s Handling of Unemployment Assistance for the Unemployed is Unacceptable, Says Kaufer

4/11/2020

LUZERNE – Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) responds to the Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement of distributing unemployment assistance funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act citing the fact that these funds are not coming quickly enough.

“People in our community and across the state are struggling. For those who are self-employed, small business owners, independent contractors, and gig workers to wait at least another two weeks just to apply is not acceptable. This does not even take into account how long it may take to actually get the money in their hands. We need a faster turnaround time – not only for these programs but for Unemployment Compensation as well.

“Mom-and-pop businesses, people who are self-employed and contractors make up the backbone of our community and of this Commonwealth. They rely on the patronage of their customers to put food on the table for their families and keep a roof over their head. This virus has all but crippled these businesses. Under the governor’s timeline, many of these individuals will not be able to put food on the table without these funds.

“Our state and its economy are dependent on these small businesses thriving and providing services to our communities. They have shut down their businesses in an effort to protect our community. It is time that we get them the funds they desperately need so they can make ends meet until it’s safe to reopen their businesses. They need their money now.”

Representative Aaron Kaufer
120th Legislative District
PA House of Representatives