MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (February 3, 2026) – LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano today issued the following statement on Governor Josh Shapiro’s FY 2026–27 budget proposal:
“As Pennsylvania’s population continues to age, the Commonwealth must make needed investments in aging services to ensure that older adults and their families can rely on a stable, sustainable ecosystem of care. Unfortunately, the Governor’s budget proposal overlooks that essential need.
“While we recognize the fiscal constraints facing the state, it’s imperative that policymakers prioritize one of the fastest-growing and most vulnerable populations in the final FY 2026-27 state budget. The underlying funding systems for aging services are broken, with providers facing inadequate and uncertain Medicaid funding year after year. Now, coupled with looming impacts of federal government actions and a historic lack of state investment, we urge the administration and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to work collaboratively with LeadingAge PA and our mission-driven provider members to help bring greater predictability and sustainability to the aging services ecosystem. This includes establishing reasonable funding floors and investing approximately $274 million in nursing homes and approximately $19.3 million in the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program.”
“LeadingAge PA stands ready to work with policymakers to achieve that goal and ensure older Pennsylvanians have access to necessary services and supports when and where they need them. Anything short of that is a failure of our commonwealth’s obligation to serve and care for the most vulnerable among us.”
About LeadingAge PA
LeadingAge PA is a trade association representing 400+ high-quality senior housing, healthcare, and community services across the Commonwealth. These providers serve more than 75,000 older Pennsylvanians and employ over 50,000 dedicated caregivers on a daily basis. Services our members offer include Life Plan Communities/Continuing Care Retirement Communities, skilled nursing communities, assisted living residences, personal care homes, LIFE providers, home and community-based services, and affordable senior housing. LeadingAge PA advocates on behalf of our members at the state and local levels to influence positive change and affect a healthy vision for the delivery of quality, affordable, and ethical care for Pennsylvania’s seniors. For more information, visit www.LeadingAgePA.org.
Toshi Nelson, Communications Manager
