Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

August 20, 2026

New Law Aims to Stop Benefits Fraud

The difference between a “hand up” and a “handout” is an important one.

I was taught very early in life that if you have a neighbor in need, and if you can help them, you should.

Trying to apply this same sentiment to programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, certainly, I want to help those who really need it. However, programs like SNAP must be administered responsibly, and free of fraud and abuse.

The growing number of cases of stolen SNAP benefits has prompted the General Assembly to pass legislation aimed at transitioning to chip-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Under Act 21 of 2026, the Department of Human Services will upgrade the state’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to include chip-enabled technology. Chip cards are encrypted and more difficult for fraudsters to copy or hack into than standard cards. 

In 2024, there were more than 5,000 cases of card skimming in Pennsylvania, equating to more than $15 million being used illegally. Since October 2022, Pennsylvania has recorded more than 23,000 cases of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits being stolen through skimming schemes.

Unlike modern debit and credit cards, EBT cards lacked chip security technology, making them highly vulnerable to fraud. Chips generate unique transaction codes that cannot be cloned, making theft via skimming virtually impossible.

Fighting fraud and abuse is an important and ongoing effort and helps protect the integrity of these programs. More importantly, because they are funded by tax dollars paid by Pennsylvania residents and families, Harrisburg is obligated to make certain these programs are accessed by only those they are intended to reach.

This notion is precisely why I am introducing legislation to revise a program known as Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD). The program is intended to empower individuals with disabilities to work to their full potential without fear of losing critical Medical Assistance benefits.

But a glaring flaw in its eligibility rules undermines this mission by discouraging responsible financial planning and disincentivizing a recipient to save for retirement. Under current MAWD policy, participants must keep their countable resources below $10,000 to remain eligible.  The cap includes funds in retirement savings accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s and employer pension plans.

My bill proposes to exclude retirement savings plans from the MAWD resource limit. This reform would ensure that workers with disabilities can save for their future without fear of losing essential health care benefits. By fixing this flaw, we can uphold MAWD’s clear purpose: to empower every Pennsylvanian to work, save and build a future with confidence and dignity.

Programs intended to help vulnerable populations can be important lifelines to those who really need them. But every dollar used fraudulently, or awarded to someone who really doesn’t need it, is a dollar that could have otherwise helped someone who does. These common-sense reforms are consistent with that mission. 

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Veterans, Mark Your Calendars for Oct. 31! - If you’re a veteran, be certain to mark your calendar for my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 31, 8:30-11 a.m. Open to all veterans in the 55th district and one guest each, the event includes retired Rear Adm. Charles Kubic as guest speaker. He served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years and established Kubic Engineer Group in 2012. Register by Oct. 26 by emailing aadams@pahousegop.com, or calling 724-472-4102 or 724-387-9113.

Treasury Announces Bonus for Families’ Education Savings - Pennsylvania families with qualified PA 529 College and Career Saving Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts could receive a $1,000 bonus contribution, enhancing education savings for about 107,000 Pennsylvania families.

The bonus is being paid for through surplus dollars in the GSP Fund. As of June 30, the GSP fund was 156.04% funded, reflecting a surplus of $1.06 billion. Nearly 107 million in surplus funds will be distributed across 106,914 PA 529 GSP accounts, representing 89% of participants in the plan.

PA 529 GSP savers with at least a $1,000 account balance, or those with at least a $100 balance with contributions made since 2022, as of July 31, are eligible for this bonus deposit. Account owners will see this deposit reflected in their third-quarter statement.

Visit pa529.com to learn more. 

Applications Open for Motorized Trails and Recreation Grants - The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced it is accepting applications for snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, motorized trails and facilities-related project grants. 

The program, now named the Motorized Trails and Recreation Program, awards grants from the ATV and Snowmobile Management Restricted Accounts for projects proposing land acquisition, planning, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, equipment purchase or relevant educational programs.

Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, and counties and municipalities in the Commonwealth. Proposals must be submitted via DCNR’s online grant application portal by Wednesday, Sept. 30, which can be found at PA.gov.



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com