Boscola Applauds House Vote Advancing Water Assistance Program
HARRISBURG, PA – May 6th, 2025 – Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton) applauds the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee, chaired by Rep. Danilo Burgos, for advancing House Bill 921 (Davidson), legislation to create a permanent Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) in Pennsylvania.
Boscola, who chairs the corresponding Senate Committee, said the House vote marks key momentum toward ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to safe and affordable water service.
“I commend Chairman Burgos, Rep. Davidson, and members of the committee for recognizing that water service is essential,” Boscola said. “Standing up a permanent assistance program will protect seniors, working families, and other vulnerable customers and strengthen public health across our communities.”
HB 921, sponsored by Rep. Nathan Davidson (D-Dauphin), is the companion to Senate Bill 363, sponsored by Sen. Boscola. It builds on the success of the federal emergency LIHWAP program, which helped over 1.6 million households nationally maintain water service during the pandemic, including 240 families in Bethlehem, PA in Sen. Boscola’s district.
Water affordability remains a growing crisis. Pennsylvania ranks among the top five states for unpaid water bills, with average household debt exceeding $473.92, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nationally, one in five households owe past-due balances on their water service.
Representative Davidson praised the committee’s action and the growing bipartisan support for water affordability.
“Establishing a permanent state LIHWAP is an essential step to provide relief for Pennsylvania families facing high utility debts. This bill is a win-win for both the ratepayers and the water utilities across the Commonwealth. I thank the committee for understanding the importance of this program and for their affirmative vote to move this bill forward. This moves us closer to establishing a critical safety net for Pennsylvania families and I look forward to seeing this legislation considered on the House Floor.”
In the Senate, Boscola’s bill has broad bipartisan support, with Senator Frank Farry (R-Bucks) partnering as the lead Republican sponsor. A bipartisan group of Senators, including Bartolotta, Fontana, Pennycuick, Comitta, Kearney, Schwank, Tartaglione, Haywood, Kane, and Flynn, have also signed on as cosponsors.
HB 921 now advances in the House, with hopes it will swiftly head to the Senate for further consideration.
“Rising costs are hitting households hard, and programs like LIHWAP ensure help is there when it is needed most,” Boscola said. “I will continue working to bring this vital program to Pennsylvania.”
Information provided to TVL by:
Kurt J. Derr
Office of Senator Lisa Boscola
