Medical Assistance (MA) funding has a significant economic impact on Pennsylvania’s economy. For each $1 dollar of public funds invested, an additional $1.77 in economic activity is generated.

This indirect economic impact or “ripple” effect in the local economy is created through the wages funded and the purchase of goods and services at local businesses.

The federal-state investment of $15.8 billion in MA for fiscal year 2008-09 creates a total economic impact of more than $44 billion in annual economic activity in Pennsylvania.

MA is responsible for more than $1 billion dollars of economic activity in each of the following 11 counties: Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Delaware, Erie, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Westmoreland.

The mission of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is to protect and serve Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, to promote, improve and sustain the quality of family life, and to break the cycle of dependency, while managing our resources effectively and promoting respect for employees.

The focus for the DPW FY10-11 Budget is sustainability—preserving services for those who need them, quality and results—ensuring services improve the lives of those who receive them, and accountability— ensuring efficient use of tax dollars.

For more information about the DPW budget visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.

Want to support the programs described here as PA enacts its FY10-11 Budget? Visit http://betterchoicesforpa.com/default.aspx to join a coalition of Pennsylvania organizations who care about social services and health care for Pennsylvanian citizens.