Jan. 24, 2017
HARRISBURG – Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair) this week received her committee assignments in the House of the Representatives for the 2017-18 legislative session. They are the Health, Human Services, State Government, and Tourism and Recreational Development committees.
“Now that the new session is underway and we have our committee assignments, I am excited to get started on discussing and vetting legislation coming before the General Assembly,” said Ward. “I think each of these assignments will help me serve our district even better in several key areas, such as health care and social services, issues impacting state government actions and operations, and the economy through bringing in more tourism dollars.”
Within the legislative process, the committees are where all bills are first sent and reviewed. During the committee process, amendments can be offered, discussions on the bills take place and sometimes public or informational hearings are held to gather more information on a legislative issue before a vote is taken on whether or not to advance a bill for a vote before the full House.
The State Government Committee focuses on matters including the Election Code, Right-to-Know Law, the Sunshine Act, Lobbying Disclosure Act, Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, and the conveyance or leasing of state-owned land.
The House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee considers legislation and issues ranging from tourism promotion and museum funding to the film industry and amusement parks.
“With tourism being the state’s No. 2 industry, this is an important revenue generator for the state,” said Ward. “With DelGrosso’s amusement park, Fort Roberdeau, Horseshoe Curve and many other area attractions, Blair County has a lot of offer the visiting public, which is one of the many reasons I am pleased to serve on the committee.”
The House Human Services Committee has oversight of issues within the Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Among the issues it has dealt with included legislation to address the heroin and opioid overdose crisis by trying to prevent these powerful drugs from getting into the wrong hands. The committee will continue to convene hearings regarding the delivery of human services throughout the Commonwealth and the challenges faced by individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, along with those needing mental health services and drug and alcohol treatment.
The Health Committee focuses on issues such as abortion, disease management, stem cell research, health savings accounts, hospital-acquired infections, Medical Assistance, patient safety, pharmaceutical issues, telemedicine and much more.
“Of course, as a nurse, the Health Committee is a natural fit where I can contribute a great deal of inside knowledge on many of the issues that come before the committee,” said Ward. “I served on this committee previously and look forward to continuing to engage in meaningful discussions and votes that impact health care in the Commonwealth.”
For more legislative information or to connect with Ward, check out her website at
RepJudyWard.com or “like” her on Facebook at
Facebook.com/RepWard.
Representative Judy Ward
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepJudyWard.com /
Facebook.com/RepJudyWard