AARP Pennsylvania Statement on Governor Shapiro’s Proposed Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:February 4, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:TJ Thiessen | tthiessen@aarp.org | 717-381-7420

The following statement was issued by AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh following the release of Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2025/2026 budget:

“On behalf of our 1.8 million members across the Commonwealth, I thank Governor Shapiro for prioritizing older Pennsylvanians in his budget proposal, which recognizes the urgent need for stable fiscal support of the services and programs that help them remain living in their homes and communities as they age. From ensuring safe and affordable housing to investing in our healthcare workforce, from accessing reliable transportation to paying for rising energy prices and prescription drug costs, today’s spending plan proposal is a solid starting point and good news for older Pennsylvanians and their caregivers.

“With a rapidly growing aging population, the Governor accurately captured in his budget address that the funding of state’s network of local area agencies on aging, who have decades of experience developing, coordinating, and delivering services that address the health, human and social service needs of older adults in the communities they serve, has been woefully insufficient for far too long.

“While it is now up to the General Assembly to join the Governor in coming to an agreement on a final budget that delivers a commitment to older adults who deserve the assistance and services needed to age safely with dignity at home, where they prefer to be, AARP Pennsylvania looks forward to working with all elected officials to achieve these critical budget priorities and improve the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians 50-plus and their families.”