Jan. 26, 2015
By Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair)
As the newly elected state representative for the 80th Legislative District here in Blair County, I have been hitting the ground running and enjoying my time discussing state-related issues with people in the district, getting the district offices set up and familiarizing myself with the legislative processes in Harrisburg.
There is much to accomplish in the coming months and I look forward to the challenge of working to pass a balanced, on-time state budget and dealing with issues such as pension reform, property tax reform, liquor privatization and education.
The committee assignments for all members of the House of Representatives have now been released and I am happy to have been assigned to four very active committees that will have an impact on the quality of life in Pennsylvania and here in Blair County.
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.
As a Registered Nurse, I am most excited to be assigned to the House Health Committee. This committee will give me a chance to share my knowledge base on health issues I know are important to both medical professionals and patients alike. The committee deals with a wide range of issues, including abortion, disease management, Health Savings Accounts, hospital licensure, Medical Assistance, patient safety, welfare reform and pharmaceutical issues, just to name a few.
I have also been named to the Human Services Committees which dovetails nicely with the Health Committee. The Human Services Committee deals with drug and alcohol programs and mental health issues.
The House Labor and Industry Committee will capitalize on my experience as a small business owner and development professional. Issues the committee handles include unemployment compensation, job training, child labor laws, workers’ compensation and the Prevailing Wage Act. This is a great opportunity to help shape laws that impact Pennsylvania workers.
I am also serving on the State Government Committee, which 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.
We have many session days before us and I am looking forward to serving as the voice of the people of the 80th Legislative District on all these issues and more.
The 80th Legislative District includes part of Blair County consisting of the townships of Allegheny, Antis, Blair, Catharine, Freedom, Frankstown, Greenfield, Huston, Juniata, North Woodbury, Snyder, Taylor, Tyrone and Woodbury and the boroughs of Bellwood, Duncansville, Hollidaysburg, Martinsburg, Newry, Roaring Spring, Tyrone and Williamsburg.
I also want to remind residents that if they need assistance with a state-related matter they should feel free to stop in at my district office at 324 Allegheny St. in Hollidaysburg. The telephone number is (814) 695-2398. I am also in the process of setting up a second district office in the northern part of the district to better accommodate folks in that area. Stay tuned for more on that in the near future.
To connect with me online, please visit my website at
www.RepJudyWard.com or “like” me on Facebook at
www.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/RepWard