Apr. 26, 2017
HARRISBURG – Raising concerns about the impact upon Pennsylvania residents who rely on state services and programs, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) today led the House Human Services Committee in reporting out legislation that would halt the merger of four state health-related departments into one immense agency until further studies can be done.
Earlier this year, the governor proposed merging the departments of Health, Aging, Human Services, and Drug and Alcohol Programs into the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Although I’ve never been a supporter of the proposed consolidation and have been vocal about my numerous concerns, moving ahead with this merger sets poor public policy and can jeopardize many of the positive steps we’ve taken in the fight against opioid abuse and addiction,” said DiGirolamo, chairman of the committee.
House Bill 1248, which passed the committee by a close 14-13 vote, would prohibit the administration from merging agencies as proposed in the governor’s 2017-18 budget until studies are completed by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and the Joint State Government Commission. The two studies would be shared with the pertinent standing committees of the General Assembly for review and would be due within one year of the effective date of the legislation.
“Since this concept was unveiled, very few details have come forward, and two joint hearings of the standing committees in the House, along with hearings in the Senate, have raised considerable questions about programs and services, along with logistical details of how such a merger would proceed,” DiGirolamo said. “This proposal is being rushed through without enough clear direction, and that gives me great pause about whether or not this is the right direction for the people who need these services the most.”
The legislation now moves to the full House for consideration.
Representative Gene DiGirolamo
18th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Keaton
717.705.2094
jkeaton@pahousegop.com
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