Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House adopts Fleming resolution directing LBFC to study blindness services

House adopts Fleming resolution directing LBFC to study blindness services

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    July 1, 2026 | 2:05 PM

HARRISBURG, July 1 – The state House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted a resolution sponsored by state Reps. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, and Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, directing an analysis of the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s current services for people with vision impairment.

According to a report by VisionServe Alliance, about 6% of older Pennsylvanians report severe vision impairment or blindness. Women, African Americans, and people 80 and older report even higher rates of vision impairment.

House Resolution 208 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit and issue a report on services, processes, and wait times in the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services.

“We have an obligation to care for Pennsylvanians with vision impairment,” said Fleming. “According to 2020 Census data, Pennsylvania is among the top 10 states for residents age 65 and older. As age-related impairment becomes more prevalent, we need to access our commonwealth’s resources.”

“Pennsylvanians with vision impairment deserve timely access to the services that help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Marcell. “This resolution will give us a clearer understanding of where gaps exist and help ensure our resources are meeting the needs of the people they are intended to serve.”