HARRISBURG – Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, issued the following statement regarding the release of Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s audit of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging:
“The release of the Auditor General’s audit should have a chilling effect on all Pennsylvanians. The Department of Aging has systemic issues that the secretary continues to refuse to address. Since becoming chair in 2025, I have heard numerous concerns from the media, advocates, whistleblowers, and now the Auditor General regarding the department’s failure to fulfill its oversight responsibilities to protect older adults, yet the department insists there is no issue.
“Following the Department’s continued inaction on necessary reforms, I joined Sen. Jarrett Coleman in sponsoring Senate Bill 1376 to provide essential oversight and implement critical improvements within the Department of Aging and the Area Agency on Aging network. This bill directly addresses many of the deficiencies identified by Auditor General DeFoor and is focused on keeping older adults safe and alive. It is unfortunate that the legislation received a party‑line vote in committee.
“Furthermore, I am deeply disturbed that the Department of Aging, through its inaction, delayed the release of this report for six months. This report must spur immediate action by the department for the safety of older adults across the commonwealth.”