Williams Files Amendment and Legislation to Create $200 Million Hospital Acquisition Fund
HARRISBURG – Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) announced today he has filed both an amendment to the state budget and a free-standing bill to create the Hospital Acquisition Assistance Fund. The initiative would provide $200 million to support the purchase and reopening of hospitals that have closed in the wake of failed private equity takeovers, most notably Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Delaware County.
“This is about moving from oversight to action,” said Williams. “We passed legislation earlier this month to give the Attorney General review authority over future private equity acquisitions, but that will not reopen Crozer or restore emergency care access for the families in my district. This proposal is about reopening the doors and helping the community recover.”
The Hospital Acquisition Assistance Fund would be housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development, acknowledging the significant economic impact hospital closures have on local communities.
Williams has introduced the measure through two legislative paths. One as an amendment to
House Bill 1330, the state budget vehicle, which would not require new spending or revenue in the FY2025-26 budget; and a free-standing bill to solicit broader support from colleagues.
“I have said from the beginning that we cannot allow private equity firms to raid our hospitals, drain resources and walk away without consequences. At the same time, we must do the hard work of finding a path to reopening. This proposal begins that work,” Williams added.
As Williams said recently on the house floor a bill that gives the Attorney General some supervision over hospital acquisitions is helpful, but it will not reopen hospitals in Delaware or Chester County. These measures would.
Representative Craig Williams
160th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Patterson
267-688-2590
wpatterson@pahousegop.com
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