Jan. 08, 2021
HARRISBURG – Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) has been appointed to serve as majority chairman of the House Human Services Committee for the 2021-22 Legislative Session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The announcement was made by Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) following the swearing-in ceremony.
“As a lifelong resident of our community, I count myself very fortunate to represent the residents of the 142nd Legislative District, and I thank them for their continued support and for placing their faith in me,” Farry said. “To be named chairman of the House Human Services Committee is a tremendous honor and one I take very seriously. During this unprecedented time, many have faced hardships and challenges far beyond what most have ever experienced. In this position I can effectively continue my advocacy of issues in aiding those struggling by offering solutions.”
In prior sessions, Farry authored legislation and led the House effort to establish a Recovery House Task Force to regulate recovery homes and establish statewide standards to govern these facilities. “Recovery housing is a very important part of the process to overcoming addiction; therefore, we must ensure they are operated in a safe and appropriate manner to warrant the best possible outcomes for those seeking treatment and the surrounding communities,” Farry said.
In addition, he was part of a bipartisan group of legislators that rallied to prevent individuals with disabilities from being forced out of workshops where they worked comfortably. “I’ve had the chance to meet with many of the individuals and parents who benefit from the great work being done in these facilities. I think it’s vital they have a choice in where they work so they can continue to thrive and live as independently as possible,” Farry said. He also sponsored a resolution recognizing the value sheltered workshops have in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Last session, Farry worked to develop legislation after several first responder suicides in Bucks County. He co-authored House Bill 1459, which became
Act 69 of 2020. The legislation establishes a Mental Wellness and Stress Management program within the Pennsylvania Department of Health to protect emergency responders living with post-traumatic stress and/or brain injuries and provide them with tools to utilize when dealing with post-traumatic stress injuries. “It is critical we afford Pennsylvania’s first responders with the opportunity to lessen the psychological impact of their jobs,” Farry said.
The House Human Services Committee will continue to tackle matters regarding the delivery of human services throughout the Commonwealth and the challenges faced by individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, along with those needing mental health services and drug and alcohol treatment. The committee is also responsible for legislative oversight of matters for parts of three state agencies: Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Department of Health and Department of Human Services.
“Chairman Farry has never wavered in his commitment to understanding the challenges and issues facing his community,” Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said. “In his new role that commitment will carry through to all corners of the Commonwealth, and his efforts will have the potential to make a positive impact on every Pennsylvanian.”
Representative Frank Farry
142nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rene Morrow
717.260.6273
rmorrow@pahousegop.com
RepFarry.com