LeadingAge PA Issues Statement on Gov. Shapiro 2024-25 Budget Proposal
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (Feb. 6, 2024) — LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano today issued the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2023-24 budget proposal:
“We look forward to working together with Gov. Shapiro and the Pennsylvania General Assembly on a state budget that will prioritize the growing needs of the commonwealth’s older population by ensuring access to high-quality care and services. We commend the administration for supporting older Pennsylvanians through proposed investments in Affordable Housing, the Long-Term Care Transformation Office, and the Master Plan on Aging.
"As the budget process moves forward, we will continue to strongly advocate for long-term care providers who are grappling with rapidly rising costs, a well-documented workforce shortage, and increasing nursing home staffing minimums that can't be ignored and must be funded. In addition, without providing an adequate investment in the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program, we jeopardize the ability of PA’s aging services network to provide care and community to people who need it most in the setting of their choice. LIFE rates are simply not keeping pace with the true costs of sustaining this model of care.
"LeadingAge PA will continue to work alongside aging services providers to build a strong workforce, improve efficiencies, and effect positive change through LTSS Evolve, while being laser-focused on the immediate need: necessary funding.
“As we said when Gov. Shapiro first took office, Pennsylvania has a tremendous opportunity to create a long-term care system that is the envy of the nation — one that puts our oldest Pennsylvanians first and reassures their loved ones that no one does it better than the Keystone State. But we cannot do that unless a reasonable increase in funding for nursing home care and the LIFE program is in the final budget. The time is now. We stand ready to advocate and collaborate with Gov. Shapiro, state lawmakers and fellow stakeholders to accomplish this critical goal.”
# # #
About LeadingAge PA
LeadingAge PA is a trade association representing 400+ high-quality senior housing, health care 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, home and community-based services, LIFE, 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.
Media Contact:
La Torre Communications for LeadingAge PA
David La Torre
david@latorrecommunications.com