Lycoming News

Senator Dave Argall (R-29) has successfully advanced two bills through committee with bipartisan support, aimed at protecting corrections officers and bolstering the long-term care workforce.

Senate Bill 113 focuses on the procedural rights of corrections officers and forensic employees. It proposes a fair investigation process for those accused of wrongdoing, responding to cases where officers were previously suspended without pay or hearings. The Senate Labor and Industry Committee approved this bill unanimously with an 11-0 vote.

“While wrongdoers should be prosecuted, we need to ensure that all corrections officers, who put their safety on the line to protect us from Pennsylvania’s most dangerous criminals, are afforded their constitutional right to due process,” Argall stated.

The second piece of legislation, Senate Bill 115, co-sponsored by Senator Michele Brooks (R-50), seeks to allow those without a high school diploma or GED to qualify for long-term care certification through a skills competency examination. This bill aims to address workforce shortages in the sector. It passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with a 13-0 vote.

“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 noted. “The professionals who make sure they are cared for have an extremely important job yet are facing increasing challenges because of workforce shortages.”

Pennsylvania is facing a demographic shift with the number of residents aged 65 and older expected to double by 2040. Meanwhile, the state experienced a 14% drop in long-term care professionals from 2019 to 2022. Both bills now proceed to the full Senate for further deliberation.