Tom Wolf asks Congress citizenship for essential immigrant workers

A path to citizenship for essential immigrant workers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and DREAMers are among the priorities Gov. Tom Wolf urges Congress to consider for supporting state residents.

As published by the Official Pennsylvania Government website, the priorities represent the major aspects of President Joe Biden’s American Families Plan and they also include the approval of a comprehensive paid sick and family leave policy, universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-old children with strong investments in these programs and access to postsecondary education through investments in the plan’s proposed College Completion Fund.

On a letter sent to the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, the Democratic governor shared the key aspects that need to be addressed. “The American Families Plan will have life-changing impacts on Pennsylvanians and I’m grateful that President Biden shares my priorities for hard-working families across this commonwealth and country, “Gov. Wolf said.

To pave the way

“As Congress considers this historic plan, I urge our representatives to consider key aspects of this critical piece of legislation that will make crucial investments in the American people and pave the way for a sustained and equitable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The governor also urged Congress to address the global climate crisis by extending and expanding tax incentives and credits for clean energy and clean transportation, establishing a Civilian Conservation Corps, and creating a Chesapeake Bay Resilient Farms Initiative.

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In addition, the governor also called for increased funding that would provide states with enhanced Medicaid funding for home and community-bases services if they carry out certain activities that will support expanding access to these services and strengthen the workforce providing them. This funding would create jobs and help give seniors and those with disabilities the care they deserve, the governor said.

“Much like my budget plan for Pennsylvania this year, this federal budget plan should make these crucial investments and extend and expand tax cuts for low- and middle-income individuals and families by implementing tax reform to close existing loopholes and ensure that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share,” Gov. Wolf said. “I urge Congress to support these key priorities, which will help millions of Pennsylvanians.”