Waiting for Corbett to deliver options

They spend the money on rent, medical co-pays, and other necessities. Without it, many are likely to come crashing into the shelter system, or, worse, the criminal-justice system. That will cost the state a lot more than the $205 monthly checks, not to mention the GA recipients' dignity.

Corbett was able to find money in the budget for business tax cuts and to subsidize a Shell Oil petrochemical plant, initiatives he says will spur economic growth.

With state tax collections beating expectations, he needs to also provide for Pennsylvanians who are out of options.

Advocates have been trying to get a meeting with the governor's office to ask whether he has made any progress finding viable options to the cut GA funds. That is an excellent question, and 70,000 people deserve an answer.

No governor should stand by while that many people fall through his state's safety net. Corbett is getting a reputation for turning a deaf ear to the poor. Here's a chance for the governor to prove that he does care.