Advocacy
- Margie has been recognized for her dedication and contributions to the field of aging by Argentum, Southwestern PA Partnership for Aging (SWPPA), and Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association (PALA).
- For 3 years (2021, 2022, 2023) Margie was recongized by PA City and State in the Health Care Power 100.
- COVID-19 was ravaging the senior living industry. Margie pushed for testing, PPE and vaccines for residents and staff. She worked with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health to provide guidance and assistance to senior living communities. Because of her advocacy, $106.7 million was appropriated through the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act to Personal Care and Assisted Living communities to help with the battle against COVID-19 and the workforce crisis.
- Margie also successfully lobbied in 2023 for a $20 million increase in supplemental security income for low-income seniors.
Margie has presented at meetings of the House Aging and Older Adults Committee and the Senate Aging and Youth Committee on the long-term continuum of care in Pennsylvania. She advocated with the Senate and House Appropriation committees for funding for seniors.
Margie was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Long-Term Care Council representing Personal Care and Assisted Living providers and the seniors they serve. The council’s current project is working to develop a 10-year strategic plan for aging in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania and the 59th district population is aging. Margie will focus on implementing this plan to benefit the seniors and all the residents of the district.
https://www.aging.pa.gov/publications/MasterPlan/Pages/default.aspx