In advance of introducing his proposed FY 2022 budget next week, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has issued a statement outlining his policy priorities for the coming year.

In this statement he addresses health care both indirectly, with references to health equity and opportunity, and directly as well.

Highlights include:

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions and layoffs to Pennsylvania’s workforce, disproportionately impacting low-wage workers, people of color, people with disabilities, and certain industries. Our economic recovery requires a strategic investment in workforce development that addresses these inequities, supports workers most significantly impacted by the pandemic, and focuses on high-quality, well-paying jobs and careers. Building on the bipartisan Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center, the governor is proposing a multi-billion-dollar injection into the workforce development system to provide rapid re-employment assistance to workers impacted by the pandemic and address barriers to employment.

Also,

Building on the overwhelming bipartisan support to establish the state-based health insurance exchange in Pennsylvania, increasing access to affordable care and saving money for both the state and taxpayers, Governor Wolf offers a plan that addresses comprehensive health reforms focusing on both physical and behavioral health and promoting affordability, accessibility and value in health care. The Health Value Commission, a key component to the health reform package, would be charged with keeping all payors and providers accountable for health care cost growth, to provide for the long-term affordability and sustainability of our health care system, and to promote whole-person care.

Next Tuesday Governor Wolf will unveil his proposed FY 2022 budget, which is expected to proposed specific programs and investments in pursuit of these objectives.

Learn more from this news release from the governor’s office.