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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Erickson: "Alarmist and Inaccurate" Statements Impede Budget Process Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman challenges Health Secretary’s claims. Harrisburg – Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Ted Erickson (R-26) today challenged the state Health Secretary’s claims that the Senate-approved state budget plan "threatens the health of millions of Pennsylvanians." "Such alarmist and inaccurate comments are a disservice to our citizens and impede the budget process," Erickson wrote in a letter to Health Secretary Everette James. "Pennsylvania currently faces a $3 billion shortfall this fiscal year. As you know, the Commonwealth cannot spend money that it does not have. Senate Bill 850 was crafted to ensure that essential services are provided to our citizens given our available resources." The senator noted that, contrary to claims made in the Health Department press release, Senate Bill 850 continues to ensure vital access to health care and services that protect the health of Pennsylvanians, providing:
The senator noted that the programs that were not funded in Senate Bill 850 include many of the Governor's proposed health care reform programs, which have not been approved by the General Assembly and for which the Governor has not provided a funding stream. Senate Republicans welcome the opportunity to discuss the merits of these programs and how they will be funded without levying increased taxes on our citizens, Erickson said. Erickson pointed out that, under Senate Bill 850, Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening programs in the Department of Health equal current year funding, and funding for Breast Cancer Screening was maintained in the Department of Public Welfare’s Budget, ensuring that almost $4 million in state tax dollars will continue to be allocated for screening. Additionally, $16 million continues to be available in the Department of Public Welfare for pharmaceutical services for those with AIDS. The senator also noted that, contrary to claims in the Health Department’s press release, Senate Bill 850 would not eliminate Pennsylvania’s innovative program to detect, report and prevent health care-acquired infections – a program established by legislation Erickson authored and shepherded though the General Assembly. The Patient Safety Authority, the independent state agency which collects the infection data, is funded through assessments on hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities in the Commonwealth. Finally, to ensure that primary care is available for working Pennsylvanians and those living in areas with few hospitals, clinics and necessary medical staff, Erickson again urged the administration to support his legislation, Senate Bill 5, to provide grants to establish or expand primary health care clinics in those areas of Pennsylvania without access to such services. "Senate Bill 850 makes some of the hard choices required to enact a balanced budget as required by the Constitution. And, in making these choices, the health and safety of our citizens were paramount concerns," Erickson said. "Although we are facing a $3 billion shortfall, this budget will continue to protect the health and safety of our citizens. To imply otherwise is simply disingenuous." Letter to Health Secretary Everette James (PDF) CONTACT: Michele Hansarick
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