Frankel cheers governor’s budget plans for cannabis reform, rural health care and more
Rep. Dan B. Frankel February 4, 2025
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel praised Gov. Josh Shapiro’s call during Tuesday’s budget address to finally legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania – and to do so in a way that puts Pennsylvanians first.
“Very soon, the House Health Committee will hold the first votes in the history of the General Assembly to legalize and regulate cannabis, joining our neighbor states at the same time that we ensure that the benefits are enjoyed by Pennsylvanian communities, workers and businesses,” said Frankel, a prime cosponsor with Rep. Rick Krajewski of a legalization bill they are preparing to introduce.
Frankel echoed Shapiro’s statement before the General Assembly, agreeing that Pennsylvania cannot afford to wait, now that 24 other states – including nearly every state that shares a border in Pennsylvania – have already legalized recreational cannabis.
“We share the governor's vision of setting up a marketplace that will help small businesses and farms thrive in the long term, even within what we know is a cutthroat industry that heavily favors multi-state operators elsewhere,” Frankel said.
The Health Committee held six hearings in the 2023-2024 legislative session to examine the successes and failures of cannabis programs in other states.
The resulting bill would work through a hybrid system of bolstered state retail operations, privately owned on-site consumption spaces and a social equity and small business advantaged license program up and down the supply chain. It would also include automatic expungement and restorative justice for those affected by past drug policy enforcement.
Additional budget priorities
Shapiro talked at length about the growing problems caused by private equity companies buying up hospitals, nursing homes and doctors’ practices in Pennsylvania -– an issue that Frankel said has been a constant conversation in Health Committee hearings and meetings.
“These companies are just doing what they are set up to do – make a profit. But when they do it in the health care sector, the wellbeing of our constituents can pay the price.” Frankel said. “I'm excited to be part of reorienting our system toward patients and their health, no matter who owns their health care facilities.”
Frankel also applauded the governor’s commitment to addressing the crisis of rural hospital closures. He noted that the House Health Committee is set to vote Wednesday on a bill he crafted with Republican Health Committee Chair Kathy Rapp that would provide grants for medical loan repayment for health professionals serving in rural areas.
“We must all work together to ensure that quality care reaches every corner of our state,” Frankel said.
Frankel expressed gratitude that Shapiro used his address to support the inclusion of Affordable Care Act protections into Pennsylvania state law. Frankel’s bill to bar insurance companies from imposing lifetime and annual limits on coverage is part of a legislative package that would keep ACA provisions in place even if they are struck down by lawsuits or repealed in Washington.
Frankel commended Shapiro’s broader budget proposal, highlighting a much-needed expansion of Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council transparency programs, an investment in Area Agencies on Aging, a call to raise the minimum wage, funding for gun violence prevention and the whole home repair program, and critical support for Medical Assistance programs.
“A state budget that fuels growth and innovation while uplifting communities and reaching those in greatest need is the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Frankel said.