Program that aids vulnerable Pa. residents ends this week

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A state program that provides cash assistance to about 70,000 Pennsylvanians is ending this week.

The General Assistance program has provided money to vulnerable residents, including the disabled, domestic violence victims and people undergoing addiction treatments since the Great Depression.

Gov. Tom Corbett proposed eliminating the $200 monthly payments in February and the measure was included in the budget approved in late June. A one-month extension runs out Wednesday.

The elimination of the General Assistance program will save the state about $150 million. Officials say those losing assistance can receive aid through other programs.

But service providers across the state are worried about how the cut will affect thousands of people. A message left for a Corbett spokeswoman was not immediately returned; House Democrats did not immediately comment.