In the coming days, I will be introducing legislation to create the Climate Emergency Basic Income Act, a new state-level program that will provide direct cash payments to Pennsylvanians who suffer catastrophic personal loss or injury during climate-related disasters.

As we face a future defined by more frequent and more severe disasters—floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and storms—we must build a rapid, inclusive, and dignified safety net. While traditional disaster relief is slow, bureaucratic, and often inaccessible to low-income or unhoused residents, this legislation creates a simple solution: monthly, no-strings-attached payments to help people recover.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

• Eligible individuals will receive $1,000 per month for up to six months following a state-declared disaster.
• An additional $500 per month will be provided per dependent.
• Individuals must have experienced either catastrophic property loss (including the loss of tents, vehicles, documents, or essential belongings) or a serious injury resulting from the disaster.
• Residents of designated encampments, shelters, mobile home parks, or apartment buildings declared uninhabitable will qualify automatically through group-based eligibility.
• The program will be jointly administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Labor & Industry, leveraging both emergency management infrastructure and direct payment capacity.

This legislation recognizes the realities of disaster survivors and does not require proof of homeownership, formal residency, or government-issued ID. It is designed to meet people where they are—with immediate, unconditional support.

The Climate Emergency Basic Income Act is a practical, compassionate response to the climate crisis and a step toward building the resilient Pennsylvania we need