HARRISBURG – Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) announced the advancement and Senate passage of several critical measures this week to address long-term care workforce shortages, strengthen Holocaust education and support Pennsylvania’s fire and emergency services.
“These initiatives focus on removing barriers to meaningful work, preserving the memory of those lost in the Holocaust and strengthening our community safety networks,” Brooks said. “They reflect real needs and offer real solutions.”
Workforce Solutions for Long-Term Care
Brooks is championing two bipartisan bills alongside Sen. David Argall (R-29) to address the urgent shortage in long-term care staffing.
Senate Bill 114, approved by the Senate Education Committee, enhances the availability of nurse aide training programs across the commonwealth. By making these programs more accessible, the bill would expand the pipeline of qualified caregivers at a time when demand is soaring.
Senate Bill 115, which passed the full Senate this week, offers an alternative path to employment for individuals seeking to work as direct caregivers. The bill allows candidates to take a skills competency exam in lieu of having a high school diploma or GED, helping more people enter the workforce while maintaining standards of care.
“These bills offer commonsense changes that open doors for caring individuals who are ready to help but may have faced unnecessary barriers,” Brooks said.
Senate Bill 114 now moves to the full Senate for consideration and Senate Bill 115 is in the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Expanding Holocaust Education
Also approved by the Senate Education Committee was Senate Bill 127, introduced by Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33) and Brooks. The bill strengthens Holocaust education in Pennsylvania schools by building on the state’s existing mandate and ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction statewide.
“As antisemitism rises globally and here at home, educating our students about the Holocaust is more important than ever,” said Brooks. “This legislation ensures that future generations understand the lessons of history and the importance of standing against hatred.”
Senate Bill 127 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Helping Fire and EMS Departments
Brooks also secured Senate passage of her legislation, Senate Bill 466, to address Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage and fix recent issues with emergency services grant funding.
The bill allows job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification, giving volunteer recruits a more flexible pathway to credentialing. It also corrects a recent administrative error that led to more than 10 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services grants being rescinded after award. Many departments had already budgeted for those funds. The bill ensures they receive the support they were promised.
To prevent similar issues in the future, the bill also establishes a one-time, 15-day grace period – available once every three years – for fire and EMS companies to submit required reports without needing to demonstrate undue hardship.
“Volunteer departments are the heart of public safety in our rural and suburban communities,” said Brooks. “This legislation supports their work, eases the path for new recruits and ensures fairness in the grant process.”
Senate Bill 466 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
CONTACT: Adam Gingrich