Senator Chris Gebhard has received assignments to serve on six standing Senate committees for the remainder of the 2021-22 Legislative Session.
Republican Gebhard, 46, of North Cornwall Township, represents Lebanon County and small parts of York and Dauphin counties after winning a special election on May 18 to fill the 48th Senate District seat, which was left vacant when Senator Dave Arnold died Jan. 17 from brain cancer.
Read More: State Senator Dave Arnold dies from brain cancer at age 49
Read More: Lebanon County primary/special election results: Gebhard wins 48th District seat
He will serve on the following Senate committees: Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Game and Fisheries, Intergovernmental Operations, Urban Affairs and Housing, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness.
“I am eager to use the knowledge I’ve gained as an employer to represent the views of district residents as our state budget is developed and debated,” he said in a statement. “I understand the unique challenges employers are facing now as they fight to stay in business despite the struggles they faced because of the governor’s persistent closures.
“We have real work to do, and I’m ready.”
Here’s where Gebhard will be focusing his efforts during the upcoming months, according to his release:
The Appropriations Committee reviews the state budget and determines how to put tax dollars to use to provide critical programs and services.
The Banking and Insurance Committee focuses on improving consumers’ access to high-quality, affordable insurance and financial services while supporting a fair and healthy marketplace that is transparent and cost-competitive.
The Game and Fisheries Committee works to promote the importance of hunting and fishing and shares information with Pennsylvanians about new boating and hunting laws, as well as lake stocking.
The Intergovernmental Operations Committee considers legislation to streamline governmental operations, enhance governmental transparency and reform the state’s regulatory code. Improving the commonwealth’s permitting process to help employers in the aftermath of the pandemic is a high priority.
The Urban Affairs and Housing Committee focuses on addressing housing challenges in urban and rural areas, as well as promoting affordable housing and revitalization of communities. Specifically, Gebhard said he looks forward “to working on bills that would address abandoned and blighted properties and promote community revitalization.”
The Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee works to preserve first-responder services in the commonwealth and care for active military members as well as veterans. It also focuses on maintaining a strong system of law enforcement.
Residents of the 48th district can find more information on Gebhard’s work on his website, Facebook Page, and Twitter.
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