Provide high-quality supports and protections to vulnerable Pennsylvanians
"I take our obligation to protect vulnerable populations in our commonwealth very seriously."-Governor Tom Wolf
Why is this goal important?
Protecting Pennsylvania's most vulnerable residents and supporting them on a path toward healthy, self-sufficient lives is at the heart of the commonwealth's mission. The commonwealth is responsible for ensuring that vulnerable Pennsylvanians have access to high-quality services and supports – delivered efficiently – that enable them to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
What are we working on to reach this goal?
Governor
Wolf has strengthened services for older Pennsylvanians, persons with
disabilities, and individuals and families participating in the commonwealth's
benefit programs. The executive order overhauling
state services and systems intended to protect the most vulnerable
Pennsylvanians,
is yielding
results
with stronger compliance requirements for facilities providing services to
vulnerable populations, greater awareness for identifying and supporting human
trafficking victims, and progress toward a single system for child welfare case
management. Shortly after entering office, Governor Wolf took
action to save more than 180,000 seniors from losing their health plans. He has also signed legislation increasing
income eligibility for prescription drug coverage, making the program available to an additional 17,000
older Pennsylvanians. The Community
HealthChoices
program continues to support older Pennsylvanians in securing high-quality
health care close to home. Demonstrating his commitment to increasing home and
community care options, Governor Wolf launched a Community
Living Waiver to
make services available to approximately 1,000 more individuals with an
intellectual disability (ID) or autism. As part of his commitment to help
people with disabilities find competitive jobs in the community, Governor Wolf
announced the inaugural Employment
First Oversight Commission
annual report, outlining goals and recommendations for the commonwealth to
continue prioritizing competitive integrated employment for Pennsylvanians with
disabilities. Additionally, in 2021 the
Wolf Administration established the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to administer $569 million in assistance to
renters, landlords, and utility providers who have been affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic and economic insecurity.
How are we doing?
Serving People in the Community
Related Measures
Protecting Vulnerable Children
Supporting Nutrition
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. By increasing their purchasing power in grocery stores and supermarkets, SNAP provides eligible low-income households with access to a nutritious diet. In Pennsylvania, SNAP serves roughly 1.8 million people, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.
Related Content
Return to Governor's Goals Homepage