Soon, we will introduce a resolution requesting that Congress explore options to enhance and streamline the ability of states to implement new federal program mandates. Recent changes in federal law require states to conduct expanded eligibility verification and community engagement activities in programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. These mandates are now established law, and Pennsylvania must comply in order to maintain federal funding and ensure continuity of services.
 
The resolution urges Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Pennsylvania with the tools needed to carry out these responsibilities in a fair, efficient, and responsible manner. Access to federal datasets such as wage, revenue, and employment information would enable the Commonwealth to verify eligibility and community engagement status more effectively, minimize administrative costs, and reduce burdens on beneficiaries, providers, counties, and the Commonwealth.
 
This approach would allow Pennsylvania to implement federal requirements responsibly, safeguarding taxpayer resources, protecting program integrity, and ensuring that eligible individuals maintain access without disruption while protecting their privacy. Our goal is to meet these federal obligations with prudence and efficiency, while supporting both beneficiaries and administrators in the process.
 
We invite you to join us in sponsoring this resolution to ask Congress and CMS to provide the resources and infrastructure needed for Pennsylvania to comply with federal law in a fair, effective, and fiscally sound manner.