Maternal and Rural Health, Marijuana Major Priorities in Pennsylvania Health Care Hearing

(The Center Square) – "We all just need a little break. It’s been a tough hearing,” said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen toward the end of her testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday. Legislators grappled with tough issues - and each other - as they pushed for clarity on the proposed 9.7% budget increase for the state’s primary health agency. There were differences of opinion on the most important objectives in a field with need in every direction, frequently leading back to the perceived competition between rural and urban regions for state resources.