Bill to Change Welfare Agency's Name Sent to Governor

State lawmakers are changing the name of the Department of Public Welfare, and some supporters hope it'll help remove a stigma sometimes associated with public assistance and welfare.

The House voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to rename the massive agency the Department of Human Services.

Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to sign the measure.

Proponents say the new name also better describes the department's mission. The vote was 155 to 35.

The department estimates that the name change will cost about $1 million to implement, although Corbett's spokesman, Jay Pagni, says the cost will be spread out over time.

For example, Pagni says the department will continue using its existing letterhead for now and will only change the letterhead once it's time to reorder.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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