The federal government says most states, including Pennsylvania, have chosen to collect from custodial parents. A state Department of Public Welfare spokeswoman says noncustodial parents are harder to track down. If the state were to pay the fee, it would cost taxpayers $2.6 million this year and $3.2 million next year.
Not all custodial parents must pay. Parents who have received cash assistance from the welfare department and those who receive $500 to $1,999 a year in child support are exempt.
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Information from: Reading Eagle, http://www.readingeagle.com/
