HARRISBURG — Republicans in the state House voted Wednesday to end a Pennsylvania cash welfare program, a year after it was revived following a court decision.

The Republican-majority House voted 106-95 to eliminate the $54 million in payments, bundled in the bill with a subsidy for Philadelphia hospitals.

The cash benefit, a program with roots in the Great Depression, had grown to about $150 million a year when it was ended in 2012 under then-Gov. Tom Corbett, a Republican.

The Supreme Court overturned that law in July 2018 on technical grounds, and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration restarted the program.

“This was a dormant program, it did not exist,” said Rep. George Dunbar, R-Westmoreland, the prime sponsor. “It was only brought back by the governor, who did it without consulting with the General Assembly.”

Wolf’s press secretary J.J. Abbott said after the vote that the governor has sought a compromise.

“The budget process and negotiations are still ongoing,” Abbott said. “Republicans have made eliminating general assistance a top priority despite Gov. Wolf’s clear resistance and multiple offers to negotiate a compromise.”

Supporters described the money as a lifeline for the vulnerable, while those trying to eliminate it said the program lacks accountability. The debate was peppered with biblical references and disputes about what forms of charity are most effective.

The typical monthly payment is about $200, and the great majority of the recipients qualify because they are permanently or temporarily disabled.

One Democrat and four Republicans crossed party lines in the Wednesday vote. The bill went to the Senate.