Burns optimistic about Shapiro’s budget proposal
Says he’s excited about proposals to add to the state police complement, offer more grants to fire departments and address private equity-owned hospitals
Rep. Frank Burns February 4, 2025
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 -- State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, released the following statement after Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his 2025-26 budget address to the Pennsylvania General Assembly today:
“I’ve been vocal about the local challenges of Conemaugh Hospital being owned by the second largest private equity firm in the country; now Governor Shapiro is demanding action to hold these private equity firms accountable,” Burns said.
Shapiro spoke about how private equity is motivated to make a profit quickly at the expense of patients, hospital workers and the community, and that it’s time for the state to stand up and put into place safeguards such as empowering the Attorney General’s Office to review all sales, mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcy claims, keeping a community’s best interests in the forefront.
“Governor Shapiro is well aware of the troubling issues with private equity owned hospitals, like Conemaugh Hospital, and that’s why he called for major health care reforms in his budget.
“The governor also talked about adding 432 new state troopers to the Pennsylvania State Police. Johnstown struggles under the weight of a devastating mix of poverty and crime, fueled by a huge transient public housing population coming largely from Philadelphia, and an infusion of hundreds of additional troopers would go a long way in combatting crime and helping residents to feel safe,” said Burns, who wrote the governor last summer urging him to establish a state police substation in Johnstown to help the city with its high crime rate.
“I also was pleased to hear about the governor’s proposal for an additional grant program to help fire departments.
“The annual Fire and EMS grant program is a welcome help for fire departments, but it’s no secret that volunteer companies across the state have been struggling to fundraise to pay for needed equipment, facilities and training. This is another example of our commitment to first responders, who serve our community regardless of time, day or weather.”