Posted: | April 22, 2022 10:48 AM |
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From: | Representative Thom Welby |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Studying Mileage Reimbursement for State Employees |
With rising gas prices, many households across the country and in Pennsylvania are reevaluating their personal spending habits and making tough decisions. Families must make the choice to put their family vacation on hold or wait to visit relatives that live far away. And while some workers may be able to limit their spending by teleworking, there are over 15,000 state employees and Commonwealth travelers who continue to drive and provide services on behalf of the state. The current mileage reimbursement rate does not adequately factor in the rise in gasoline prices that has occurred since February. To develop a new way of paying back state employees and Commonwealth travelers, I plan on introducing a resolution that would direct the Joint State Government Commission to look into tying the state reimbursement rate to the average price of gasoline in Pennsylvania. The Commission would study the number of individuals who benefit from the reimbursement rate, the financial impact of tying the reimbursement rate to the average price of gasoline, as well as a review of any potential mechanism that could be used to raise the reimbursement rate in the event of an emergency. The sudden spike in prices at the pump shows that our current reimbursement rate does not adequately support those workers who provide invaluable services to Pennsylvanians. As elected representatives, we owe it to these civil servants to support them further. Please join me in studying new ways to assess mileage reimbursement for state employees and Commonwealth travelers. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. |