Burns appointed to five House committees for 2017-18
Rep. Frank Burns January 24, 2017 | 9:12 AM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 24 – Eagerly looking to begin work, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has received his House committee assignments for the 2017-18 legislative session of the General Assembly.
The five committees on which Burns will serve are: Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Liquor Control, Tourism and Recreational Development, and Veterans’ Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. Burns’ assignments were announced by House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody.
“These committees perform a vital function in the legislative process, specifically, vetting proposed bills before they are approved and sent to the full House for votes,” Burns said. “I am pleased with my assignments and look forward to delving into the issues that come before us in these areas.”
So constituents can better understand his areas of responsibility, Burns offered the following committee primer:
Commerce – evaluates legislation involving the banking industry and financial services industries; reviews bills that control interest rates, and wage and employment issues; and has oversight of the Department of Banking, Department of Community and Economic Development, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Securities Commission and the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority.
Consumer Affairs – reviews bills pertaining to issues such as vehicle lemon laws, consumer privacy and contract language; and has jurisdiction over the Public Utilities Commission, as well as many consumer issues.
Liquor Control – reviews any bills which pertain to the sale or distribution of alcohol in Pennsylvania; and handles legislation dealing with the state’s Liquor Code and oversees the operations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, as well as the control of liquor by slot machine operators under the Gaming Control Board.
Tourism and Recreational Development – oversees legislation pertaining to the state’s large tourism industry; has jurisdiction over the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; and operates subcommittees on Arts and Entertainment, Recreation and Travel Promotion.
Veterans’ Affairs and Emergency Preparedness – reviews bills affecting veteran-related and other military issues, as well as disaster preparedness and emergency response; and has oversight of the Department of Military Affairs and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, as well as the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services under the Department of Health.