The Senate Aging & Youth Committee yesterday recommended Senate confirmation of the nomination of Teresa Osborne to serve as state Secretary of Aging, according to Committee Chair Senator Michele Brooks (R-50).
Osborne, who was confirmed by the full Senate on Wednesday, is a native of Scranton. She previously served as the executive director of the Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging and as chancellor and chief operating officer of the Diocese of Scranton. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree and holds a Masters of Health Service Administration from Marywood University.
“Pennsylvania has the fourth largest senior population by percentage of population in the country and I was pleased that Secretary Osborne supports efforts to keep our loved ones at home as long as possible,” said Senator Brooks. “From her testimony, Secretary Osborne shares our goal of maintaining local support and services that are provided by organizations like community Area Agencies on Aging rather than shifting those services to Harrisburg.”
Secretary Osborne has extensive background, experience and expertise in a wide array of issues related to the elderly, which makes her a good choice to lead the Department of Aging and further its mission of serving Pennsylvania’s senior citizens, stated Senator Brooks. “I look forward to working with Secretary Osborne and my colleagues to provide quality care as well as supporting an environment of independence for our seniors and ensure they have options available,” said Senator Brooks.
The Aging and Youth Committee also approved at yesterday’s meeting House Bill 753, a freestanding act that establishes the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council within the Department of Aging. The Council will advise the Secretary of Aging and make recommendations on regulations, licensure and financing of long-term care.
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Contact:
Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322
More information from the meeting is available at http://dev.www.pasenategop.com/
