Howard announces committee appointments for 2021-22 session

Southeast Delegation    January 11, 2021 | 4:26 PM

HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Kristine Howard announced today her committee appointments for the 2021-22 session are to the Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Children & Youth, State Government and the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committees.

“I am proud to have these opportunities to use my expertise and experience to shape and advocate for legislation that will improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians, from our youngest citizens to our esteemed veterans,” said Howard, D-Chester. “I’ll be a voice for our farmers who grow the food on our tables, and for every single Pennsylvanian by ensuring the security of our elections.

“As a former child welfare investigator, I’m very glad I will continue serving on the Children & Youth Committee, as the well-being and safety of the most vulnerable members of our society are very close to my heart.

“As an American committed to our constitutional right to free and fair elections, I will work to ensure that our elections are safe, secure and beyond question. As a supporter of Pennsylvania’s great agriculture industry, I will guarantee we have legislation that both regulates and protects agriculture in PA. As someone who cares deeply about the welfare of our veterans, I will strive to pass legislation that addresses their needs.”

The description of the committees on which Howard will serve are the following:

  • The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee reviews bills which directly affect agriculture in Pennsylvania, as well as other rural areas of the commonwealth. The committee has oversight of the Department of Agriculture, the Farm Show Bureau, Milk Marketing Board, State Conservation Committee and Agriculture Land Preservation Board.

  • The Children and Youth Committee reviews bills pertaining to the youngest residents of Pennsylvania. The committee reviews bills which affect the Office of Child Development and Learning and the Office of Children, Youth and Families under the Department of Human Services.

  • The House State Government Committee reviews legislation on issues ranging from voting and elections to campaign finance reform, the Right-to-Know Law, the Sunshine Act and the Procurement Code. It oversees the departments of State and General Services, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, as well as the Governor’s Office, State Athletic Commission, Independent Regulatory Review Commission, Joint Committee on Documents, the Public Employee Retirement Commission, State Employees’ Retirement Commission and the Pennsylvania Public Television Network. The committee is also responsible for state election regulations.

  • The Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee has oversight of the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency as well as the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services under the Department of Health. The committee reviews bills which affect veteran-related and other military issues, as well as disaster preparedness and emergency response in the commonwealth.