Lt. Gov. Joe Scarnati, a Republican, disagrees with Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat, over whether a better system to prove residency is needed for anyone getting public benefits such as Medicaid, cash assistance and unemployment compensation.

Mr. Scarnati, who is also the top Republican in the Senate, said yesterday he will try again with Senate Bill 9, which would require the Department of Public Welfare to positively establish that anyone getting these benefits is legally in the United States and has a permanent residence.

Mr. Scarnati said a recent audit by state Auditor General Jack Wagner found that at least 2 percent of those receiving property tax or rent rebates, welfare payments, Medicaid and jobless benefits aren't legally residing in Pennsylvania. Mr. Scarnati claimed that "tens of millions" could be improperly being paid out by the welfare department.