HARRISBURG — The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved bipartisan legislation authored by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) to help address Pennsylvania’s long-term care workforce shortage today.
Senate Bill 116 would allow high school juniors and seniors to earn graduation credit by working or volunteering in licensed care settings that provide 24-hour care and supervision for the elderly, exposing them to this meaningful career path.
“Too many of our families, including mine, have faced the difficult decision of moving a parent or grandparent into a long-term care center,” Argall said. “The professionals who provide their care are facing increasing challenges because of workforce shortages. This bill would show students what a career in long-term care looks like, encouraging them to consider it as they prepare to enter the workforce.”
Health care leaders and senior advocates strongly support this measure and note that Pennsylvania’s population over the age of 65 is expected to nearly double by 2040. Despite this sharp increase, labor statistics revealed that from 2019 to 2022, Pennsylvania saw a 14% decrease in long-term care professionals.
CONTACT: Seth Hubler