SOME workers in a prominent US state will be getting monthly checks starting next month.
The direct payment opportunity comes as part of new legislation that involves those injured on the job.
Some Americans can get $250 checks soon (stock image)[/caption]
Employers in Pennsylvania would be required, under House Bill (HB) 1766, to reimburse wounded employees up to $250 per month.
HB 1766 was introduced on Monday, and requires that workers who want reimbursement be registered with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program.
Additionally, for those who aren’t registered, the bill would pay back the fee required to obtain and renew an identification card from the state program.
Pennsylvania currently charges $50 for medical cannabis patient ID cards.
Doctors in the state who are approved by the Department of Health to certify conditions that would qualify someone for a medical marijuana card charge between $100 and $350, according to Business Insurance.
Qualifying injured workers have until September 22 to get their card, as the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will return from recess then.
RESTRICTIONS REMAIN
Recreational marijuana still isn’t legal in the state of Pennsylvania, per Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP.
It legalized medical marijuana through the Medical Marijuana Act in 2016, with the state expanding its cannabis program significantly.
This spring the Pennsylvania House of Representatives actually passed HB 1200, which would have legalized adult-use marijuana for recreation.
Except, on May 13, the Senate Law and Justice Committee reached a vote of seven to three to pause the bill.
The committee rejected HB 1200 for three crucial reasons.
First, the lawmakers claimed that the legislation would limit access for medical dispensaries and small businesses.
They also argued that HB 1200 was introduced and passed far too quickly, leaving not enough time for compromise or bipartisan negotiation.
Lastly, senators argued that the model from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), which would be used for cannabis, was outdated.
States Where Recreational Cannabis is Legal
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
There are plans for a new bill that has a Cannabis Control Board (CCB).
CASH INCOMING
Select Pennsylvanians will also get surprise checks up to $500 automatically sent from a little-known Money Match program soon.
It aims to return unclaimed property to thousands of residents, and was created in 2024 under a law unanimously supported by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Josh Shapiro.
Unclaimed property is financial assets that an owner has abandoned or forgotten about, such as the following:
- Uncashed paychecks
- Insurance payments
- Checking and savings accounts
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
- Utility and security deposits
- Contents of safe deposit boxes
Around 80,000 Pennsylvanians will get a letter in September about payments for the unclaimed property via the program.
About 45 days later, they’ll get up to $500 automatically, without a claim form required.
There could be unclaimed property worth far more, however, and according to Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s website, the average payout for those who file claims $1,000.
Another “wave” of $1,702 stimulus checks are also going out this month to certain Americans.
Some only have up to September 15 to get $5,000 in debt relief also.
