The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously approved a bipartisan bill introduced by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) aimed at addressing the shortage of workers in long-term care facilities across the state.
Senate Bill 116 would permit high school juniors and seniors to receive graduation credit for working or volunteering in licensed settings that provide round-the-clock care and supervision for elderly individuals.
“Too many of our families, including mine, have faced the difficult decision of moving a parent or grandparent into a long-term care center,” Argall said. “The professionals who provide their care are facing increasing challenges because of workforce shortages. This bill, if approved by the House of Representatives and signed by the governor, would show students what a career in long-term care looks like, encouraging them to consider it as they prepare to enter the workforce.”
Supporters of the measure include health care leaders and advocates for senior citizens. They point out that Pennsylvania’s population over age 65 is expected to nearly double by 2040. However, between 2019 and 2022, there was a 14% decline in long-term care professionals in the state.
Senate Bill 116 is part of a broader package designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s long-term care workforce. Other bills in this package—Senate Bill 114 and Senate Bill 115—were passed by the Senate last year and are now awaiting consideration in the House.
Argall serves as senator for Pennsylvania’s 29th District according to his official website. He has provided constituent services through offices located throughout Pennsylvania, assisting residents with state agency matters and community projects as detailed on his website. In addition to legislative work on issues such as revitalizing older industrial neighborhoods as noted online, Argall chaired the Senate Majority Policy Committee where he oversaw hearings on topics including education funding per his biography.
He holds degrees from Lycoming College and Pennsylvania State University according to official records, and traces his background to Cornish, Welsh, German farming families, coal miners, and factory workers as reported on his website.
