AARP Pennsylvania Statement on 2025-2026 Budget

HARRISBURG, PA. – AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh provided the following statement today in response to the finalized budget for fiscal year 2025-2026:

“AARP Pennsylvania appreciates that after a four-month stalemate, members of the General Assembly and the Governor found common ground to approve a $50.1 billion dollar 2025-2026 state budget which includes investments in the Department of Aging and its network of local area agencies on aging, along with the state multi-sector plan for aging – Aging Our Way, PA, and the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Division. While appreciated, these measures are simply not sufficient.

The consequences of inaction are real. Every day, older Pennsylvanians struggle to access the services that allow them to age with dignity and independence. Family caregivers—unsung heroes—provide over $22 billion in unpaid care each year, yet they are stretched to the breaking point. Senior centers have closed their doors and waitlists for in-home services continue to grow. Transportation options for older adults continue to struggle under the weight of financial instability. And local area agencies on aging – the lifeline for so many – are forced to do more with less.

By 2030, older Pennsylvanians will outnumber every other age group. They have built our communities, raised our families, and contributed to our economy. They deserve more than just words—they deserve action. If investments in the next budget do not increase, a larger number of older Pennsylvanians may not receive necessary assistance, and more families could encounter difficult decisions.”

AARP Pennsylvania will continue to advocate for responsible funding that supports older Pennsylvanians and their caregivers.

Connect with AARP Pennsylvania on Facebook: @AARPPA, X: @AARPPA, Instagram: @AARPPennsylvania, & YouTube: @TheAARPPA

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.