June 2025 | Legislative Update
Thanks to Aaron Zappia of Long Nyquist & Associates (and formerly our Director of Government Affairs) for his continued work on our behalf and the information included in this update.
As we write this update, the Pennsylvania General Assembly is taking action on a number of bills that impact our housing and community development priorities. This update is likely to be out of date in as little as 10 minutes!
The days and weeks before the state budget is finalized are a flurry of activity with bills moving forward at a breathtakingly fast pace.
The state budget is still in flux. While the state is required to complete the state budget by June 30, it remains unclear how soon the legislature will finalize the budget package and send to the Governor.
No matter when the budget is finalized, here’s what is active and what we hope to see in a final budget package.
$50 million for the PA Home Preservation Program
- House Bill (HB)1650 introduced by Rep Lindsay Powell (D) was introduced on 6/20/25, voted favorably from Committee on 6/26/25, and passed the PA House on 6/26/2025. The legislation and its movement demonstrates interest among legislators for its possible inclusion in the budget package.
- Senate Bill (SB) 876 introduced by Senator David Argall (R) was introduced on 6/24/25. The purpose of introduction is to educate legislators and gain buy in to be included in the final budget package.
- What’s different about the bill versus the Whole Home Repair Program? (Text from the co-sponsorship memo): In 2022, the Commonwealth used one-time federal American Rescue Plan dollars to fund a home repair program that counties could tailor to the needs in each county. Because the program is outpacing available funding, over 18,000 Pennsylvania homeowners ended up on wait lists for home repairs and the need is much larger.
- This legislation focuses on the delivery of critical health and safety repairs for homeowners. It does not include the rental repair or workforce development components which were included in the Whole Home Repair Program. The Housing Alliance fully supports this legislation.
- The Housing Alliance compiled data and stories from 20 counties across the Commonwealth on the need for and impact thus far of home repair resources. Check it out here.
Additional funding increases for PHARE, our state housing trust fund
- Created in 2012, we in collaboration with you have been incredibly successful at gradually increasing statewide funds for PHARE which is set to provide $100 million in the 2027 fiscal year.
- But we know that because housing affordability has vast benefits to the people and communities across Pennsylvania, more funds are needed.
- HB 643 would expand PHARE to $110 million annually beginning in the 2027-28 fiscal year. It passed the House on 4/24/25. It was included in the Governor’s budget proposal released earlier this year.
This update does not include every possible related item that may be in the final budget package.
What can you do? As always, a relationship with your state legislator matters. Call them to tell them why these issues matter to you and the community you serve.
For an update on other important state legislation, visit https://housingalliancepa.org/our-top-priorities/