Area legislators supporting ID fee waivers for homeless people

By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Mon Valley legislators are doing their part to help those living on fixed incomes or trying to reenter society.
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, is among several local officials supporting House Bill 2296, which was passed by state legislation last week.
The bill would waive photo identification fees for many vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and she hopes Gov. Tom Wolf will soon sign the bill into law.
The bill was presented to the governor Nov. 19.
House Bill 2296 would waive the photo identification fee for anyone who affirms in writing that they are homeless. The bill would help thousands of Pennsylvanians who live on fixed or limited incomes or are attempting to reenter society due to homelessness, addiction or metal heath recovery. Access to identification can help these individuals find employment and access other critical resources, Bartolotta said.
“Photo identification is an absolute necessity for finding a job, accessing assistance programs and applying for housing,” Bartolotta said. “Unfortunately, Pennsylvania currently has one of the highest photo ID fees in the country. These costs should not serve as a barrier to employment, housing, education and other services that will help vulnerable people take the first steps toward financial security and independence.”

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