Senator Mensch to Serve on Five Senate Committees

Appointed Vice Chairman of Public Health and Welfare panel

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati recently appointed Senator Bob Mensch (R-24) to serve on five Senate Committees including reappointment to serve as Vice Chairman of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee for the 2011-12 Legislative Session.

"I again look forward to serving as vice chairman of the Public Health and Welfare Committee," Senator Mensch said. "Since the committee oversees the Department of Health and the Department of Welfare, its actions significantly impact the quality of life of many citizens across the state."

Senator Mensch will also serve as a member of four other Senate Committees: Appropriations; Communications and Technology; Intergovernmental Operations; and, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

"These are excellent assignments. Our region is a target area for the development of high-tech businesses, which is a key role of the Communications and Technology Committee. As a fellow veteran, I understand the needs of the substantial number of veterans living in the district and I can be an advocate for their interests as a member of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee."

Senator Mensch expressed particular pleasure with his appointment to serve on the Appropriations Committee, which oversees the state budget and approves state spending.

"This is a very important committee with a major role in shaping Pennsylvania's future," Senator Mensch said. "We need only look at the fiscal problems currently facing our Commonwealth. We have a basic responsibility to ensure that state spending is practical and prudent in order to forestall financial problems and potential tax increases."

The Appropriations Committee appointment complements Senator Mensch's assignment to a proposed new committee that will be tasked with streamlining state government operations.

"The new Intergovernmental Operations Committee, once it is approved by the Senate, will have jurisdiction over proposals to restructure state government, such as consolidating state agencies, with the purpose of cutting costs and improving efficiency," Senator Mensch said.

In addition to his assignments with the Senate standing committees, Senator Mensch will continue to co-chair the Senate Economy, Business and Jobs Caucus, a special panel created to develop initiatives aimed at creating and sustaining good jobs in Pennsylvania.

Senator Mensch will also continue to serve as a Senate member of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, a 12-member bipartisan, bicameral legislative service agency that conducts studies and make recommendations aimed at eliminating unnecessary expenditures; promoting economy in the government of the Commonwealth; and assuring that state funds are being expended in accordance with legislative intent and law.