March 09, 2022
Leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) today outlined the health care priorities included in Governor Wolf’s 2022–2023 budget proposal, as well as the public health challenges facing the commonwealth.
During a Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing, Acting Health Secretary Keara Klinepeter thanked Pennsylvania’s front-line health care workers and staff for their response to the pandemic, while noting the ongoing strain on the state’s hospitals.
“I would extend that gratitude to all our front-line health care workers who are in our hospitals, our long-term care facilities, home health, etc.,” she said. “I think the work that all of them have done collectively has saved thousands of lives, and I’m very appreciative to each of them.”
Among the takeaways from the hearing:
Lawmakers also asked Klinepeter about COVID-19 vaccination and testing rates, recent changes in the state’s medical marijuana program, lead remediation, and other critical public health concerns facing the commonwealth.
Released during February, Governor Wolf’s $43.7 billion budget includes several new investments in health care, including:
Additional information about Governor Wolf’s budget proposal is available online. HAP will continue to advocate with the General Assembly for health care priorities to be addressed in the spending plan.
The hearing is available online.
For questions on HAP’s state budget advocacy, contact Heather Tyler, HAP’s vice president, state legislative advocacy.
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