West Central PA News

Reps. Abby Major and Donna Oberlander have announced their support for legislation aimed at providing federal COVID-19 funding to hospitals and frontline healthcare workers. The House approved the bill, which includes $920,113 allocated to Armstrong County Memorial Hospital.

“The pandemic has caused great strain to all parts of society,” said Major. “Our health care workers especially have shouldered an enormous burden. While this money will never repay them for all their work, I hope it will provide some encouragement and help stem the tide of those leaving the profession.”

Oberlander added, “This investment in our hospitals and frontline personnel provides a critical lifeline to help ensure our residents can access quality health care, whatever their particular needs may be.”

House Bill 253 proposes a total allocation of $225 million to hospitals and their employees. The distribution includes $100 million for acute care general hospitals, $110 million for critical access hospitals and facilities with a high volume of Medicaid patients as well as behavioral/psychiatric providers of inpatient services, and $15 million for the PA Student Loan Relief for Nurses Program.

The bill specifies that funding must be used for retention and recruitment programs for staff, excluding hospital executives, administration, contracted staff, and physicians from receiving payments. The funds are intended solely for nurses and other hospital employees.

Both legislative chambers plan to pass additional legislation directing $25 million to EMS and fire companies in the near future. The governor has expressed support for both bills.

House Bill 253 is now awaiting consideration by the governor.

The 60th Legislative District encompasses several townships and boroughs across Armstrong County, Butler County, and Indiana County. Meanwhile, the 63rd Legislative District covers all of Clarion County along with specific communities in Armstrong County and Forest County.