HAP News Releases and Statements

HAP Statement on Governor’s Budget Proposal

Address highlights workforce, mental health, rural access to care

Harrisburg, PA (March 7, 2023) – The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) today reacted to Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2023–2024 state budget. HAP President and CEO Andy Carter released the following statement:

“HAP and Pennsylvania’s hospitals thank Governor Shapiro for calling attention during his budget address to the importance of investing in the health care workforce, Pennsylvanians’ mental health, and access to care in rural communities. Pennsylvania’s health care infrastructure is in crisis and we need state investments to help ensure the financial sustainability of hospitals and safeguard access to care.

“We appreciate the governor’s plans to provide incentives for nurses to practice in the commonwealth and expedite licensure. Pennsylvania’s health care workforce shortage is among the worst in the nation. We need a comprehensive strategy to grow and support health care professionals, including expanding the training and education pipeline and ensuring that health care professionals can quickly get to work caring for patients.

“The commonwealth also needs more behavioral health services throughout all settings so that Pennsylvanians can get the care they need, when and where they need it. The governor’s proposals to begin ramping up funding for county-provided behavioral health services and to invest in students’ mental health are good steps to support Pennsylvanians’ well-being.

“We look forward to revie­­­­­­wing the governor’s budget in detail. We stand ready to work with the administration and General Assembly to support investments that grow and support the health care workforce, support mental health, preserve access to care, and ensure hospitals’ sustainability as committed partners in improving all Pennsylvanians’ health.”

Background:  Growing the health care workforce, supporting behavioral health care, and sustaining access to care in all communities are top priorities for Pennsylvania hospitals. On behavioral health, HAP is advocating for renewed investments that expand services throughout all care settings, remove barriers that get in the way of patient care, and reduce strain on hospital emergency departments. Related to workforce, HAP recently released survey results highlighting a statewide shortage of health care professionals along with comprehensive policy recommendations to address the crisis.


Media Contact

Chris Daley, Vice President, Strategic Communications

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