Posted: | July 31, 2019 04:26 PM |
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From: | Senator Jay Costa |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Resolution to Study the Impact of Housing and Health Quality |
In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution asking the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the impact of substandard housing on health quality. Health issues related to lead contamination, poor ventilation, ill-constructed waste disposal systems and other elements have been documented as contributing factors to negative health outcomes for the homeless or those living in substandard housing. In addition, our elderly population is especially susceptible to injuries due to sub-standard housing. Given that Pennsylvania has the second highest number of pre-1950 built homes in the nation, health issues from inadequate housing will continue to be a health risk factor for years to come. To find out details of the how substandard housing impacts public health, my resolution asks the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to study the problem. The study will include background information and data related to housing conditions, health effects of substandard housing and a review of health-related housing initiatives. The LBFC study will include an analysis of health care costs related to substandard housing and detail how much public and private money can be saved by addressing the problem. In addition, the study will outline how interventions can help meet housing needs and improve health outcomes. The LBFC will reach out to stakeholders, departments, organizations and other appropriate agencies to gain insight. Under my resolution, LBFC will have one year to complete the study and issue its report. Please join me in cosponsoring this resolution. |
Introduced as SR196