Irvin Receives House Committee Assignments
HARRISBURG – This week, as the House began the 2017-18 legislative session, Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Centre/Huntingdon/Mifflin) was named to four committees within the House of Representatives. They are the Local Government, Insurance, Human Services, and Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees.
“I am especially excited about having the opportunity to serve on the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee, since so much of the 81st District is considered a farming community,” said Irvin. “This appointment will provide me with the opportunity to have more say in some of the legislative measures coming before the House that deal with the state’s No. 1 industry.”
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 House Local Government Committee, which deals with local taxation, planning and zoning, municipal pensions, municipal codes and the powers and duties of local officials, will capitalize on Irvin’s experience working as Huntingdon County treasurer.
“My previous experience as a county treasurer has served me well in getting to know many of our local elected officials and the many issues they deal with on a daily basis,” said Irvin. “This is my second session serving on the committee, and I look forward to continuing our work to help the state’s local governments be more effective and have the resources they need to meet their communities’ demands.”
The House Insurance Committee helps oversee the Insurance Department and ensure any legislation running through the House that pertains to insurance matters is studied with extreme care. During the upcoming session, the committee will examine legislation that will ensure insurance regulations are fairly enforced while being mindful of the consumer. The committee will also look closely at any changes made by the federal government with respect to ObamaCare and those potential changes on the state.
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.
For more legislative information or to connect with Irvin, check out his website at
www.RepIrvin.com or “like” him on Facebook at
www.Facebook.com/RepIrvin.
Representative Rich Irvin
81st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
tlehman@pahousegop.com