Mako Assigned to Four House Standing Committees

January 18, 2019

HARRISBURG – Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) this week was named to four House standing committees for the 2019-20 legislative session.

His committee assignments are Aging and Older Adult Services, Finance, Professional Licensure, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. He also was appointed a deputy policy chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee.

“I look forward to continuing my service on the Aging and Older Adult Services, Professional Licensure, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees for the next two years,” Mako said. “As I am now more familiar with the committee process, I anticipate taking a more active role. Also, I’m eager to serve on the Finance Committee as I studied this subject area while at Kutztown University.”

The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee is responsible for all programs and services available pursuant to the State Lottery Law, such as PACE/PACENET and senior transportation programs (shared-ride and fixed-route transportation sometimes shared with the Transportation Committee); long-term care (from a resident rights standpoint); Office of Long-Term Living issues (assisted living licensure, home and community-based services, etc.); Area Agencies on Aging; Department of Aging; Pennsylvania Council on Aging; and Intra-Governmental Council on Long-Term Care. Also included in the committee’s oversight and legislative development process are the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program (shared with Finance Committee) and matters dealing with elder abuse.

The Finance Committee oversees matters relating to taxation and fiscal policy, investment of the Commonwealth’s money and regulations of the Department of Revenue. In addition, it reviews legislation dealing with the operation of the Pennsylvania Lottery, as well as bills regarding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program and the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) Program, both of which are funded by the lottery.

The Professional Licensure Committee maintains jurisdiction over all legislation dealing with the 29 professional and occupational licensing boards located administratively in the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in the Department of State. Professionals range from physicians and cosmetologists to real estate agents and funeral directors. Additionally, the committee is charged with reviewing the various regulations put forward by the Department of State regarding licensed professionals.

The Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee focuses on the needs of Pennsylvania’s first responders and veteran community, as well as works to keep all Commonwealth residents safe. For example, a key focus this session will be the recruitment and retention of the state’s emergency responders.

The House Majority Policy Committee conducts hearings and roundtable discussions about important statewide and regional issues that matter most to Pennsylvania citizens; gathers testimony and information from key stakeholders; and works within the House Republican Caucus to develop policies to address those issues. The Policy Committee also works in tandem with the speaker and majority leader to examine and refine critical pieces of legislation in advance of floor consideration.

The 183rd District includes South Whitehall (part), Washington and Whitehall (part) townships and Slatington Borough in Lehigh County. It also consists of Allen, Lehigh and Moore (part) townships, and North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport boroughs in Northampton County.

Representative Zachary Mako
183rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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