Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
State Rep. Tina Davis is among a group of lawmakers who is looking to expand access to diapers for those who need them.
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On Monday, Davis, a Democrat from Bristol Township, spoke at a news conference on the issue at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg along side Democratic state representatives Carol Hill-Evans, of York County, and Eddie Day Pashinski, of Luzerne County.
Davis supports Hill-Evan’s H.B. 692, which was first introduced in 2021. The legislation, if approved, would set up a grant program to improve, enhance, and expand access to clean diapers for children and incontinent adults.
With social safety net programs like SNAP and WIC not allowing families to purchase diapers with provided money, the bill would look to expand assistance by funding volunteer training, fundraising, collection, and outreach efforts specific to diaper resources.
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“Diapers and incontinence products are both expensive, but a necessity,” Davis said. “The need for these products was only intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and the costs of these products have only increased with inflation. We must make sure these products are available to those in need in our communities.”
“According to the National Diaper Bank Network, there is a growing lack of access to diapers in communities across the nation as many families struggle economically. In fact, about one in every three families finds it difficult to provide diapers for their children. And for seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes, incontinence products could cost well over $1,000 per year,” a memo introducing the legislation said.
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H.B. 888, which has introduced by State Rep. Kyle Mullins, a Democrat from Lackawanna County, would allow the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to help some low-income people purchase diapers for kids 36 months or younger.
“The lack of access to a clean, consistent supply of disposable undergarments is a serious health risk for many people, and we must do everything we can to address their needs,” Pashinski said.
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