Several years ago, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society conducted a Same Day Work and Pay program in partnership with the Philadelphia City Council, the mayor’s office, and seven community-based organizations. The program established a means of assisting communities whose residents have historically been disenfranchised. Under the program, underemployed and unemployed individuals worked to clean and beautify Philadelphia neighborhoods and, in return, were provided with payment for their work on the same day that the work was performed.

I plan to introduce legislation that would expand on this concept through the establishment of a statewide Same-Day Work and Pay Pilot Program. Under this program, participating municipalities, with the support of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) would offer work to underemployed and unemployed individuals. These individuals would perform daily work assignments, such as the rehabilitation and repair of community parks and recreation facilities, conservation and beautification projects, and other community improvement projects. Eligible individuals would receive a set compensation amount per day based on a set number of hours worked and would be paid at the completion of each workday.

The Same-Day Work and Pay Pilot Program would operate for a period of one year. Upon the close of the program, DCNR would issue an evaluation of the program, which would be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and made publicly available on the department’s website.

I hope you join me in supporting innovative programs that beautify our communities and provide work experience to those who could use short-term work. Thank you for sponsoring this important legislation.