Cutler LIHEAP Reform Legislation Approved in House
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today unanimously approved legislation authored by Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) to implement fraud detection and prevention mechanisms for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program.
“This legislation will help to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being directed only to those individuals who are truly needy,” said Cutler. “This bill represents a bipartisan collaboration, as well as a cooperative effort with Auditor General Jack Wagner and the Corbett administration. It is our job, as stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars, to defend against fraud, waste and abuse.”
House Bill 1991, which was co-authored by Rep. Ron Waters (D-Delaware/Philadelphia), expands on the House’s efforts to reform Pennsylvania’s welfare system. It strengthens fraud reporting measures, expands whistleblower protections, and requires the use of the Income Eligibility Verification System to determine the eligibility of applicants.
In addition, the legislation requires periodic performance audits by the Pennsylvania Department of Auditor General.
Cutler noted that Auditor General Jack Wagner was instrumental in the crafting of this legislation.
Wagner uncovered a LIHEAP fraud ring in Philadelphia County, in which 16 people, including several state employees, were charged with stealing more than $500,000 worth of LIHEAP funds. His audits also uncovered cases of recipients receiving benefits by using the Social Security numbers of deceased individuals.
“We have fought for this legislation for a long time, and this vote is a victory for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers,” said Cutler. “I will continue to work for integrity and openness in our public programs.”
More information about Cutler and his legislative priorities is available at
www.RepCutler.com or
www.Facebook.com/RepBryanCutler.
State Representative Bryan Cutler
100th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nicole Wamsley
nwamsley@pahousegop.com
717.783.8063