Jan. 12, 2021
HARRISBURG - With the 2021-22 Legislative Session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly officially up and running, state Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) again finds himself asked to play a key role as a returning member of the House Appropriations Committee.
“Legislators’ primary responsibility is to ensure fiscally responsible spending of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars and this committee plays a vital role in ensuring that happens,” said Struzzi, who was also a member of the committee during his freshman session in 2019-20. “I’m honored to be asked by leadership to again serve in this capacity and respect the faith they have demonstrated in me.
The Appropriations Committee is responsible for determining the Commonwealth’s budgetary priorities and appropriating funding that supports the core functions of state government. Struzzi knows the committee faces some challenges moving forward.
“We really need to restart Pennsylvania’s economy, which is suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he commented. “People need to provide for their families and cannot afford to be hit with tax increases, especially in these difficult times. More Pennsylvanians in the work force and the resulting improved economy translates into food on the table and tax dollars that support our communities. It’s a circle that must be restored without placing an additional financial burden on our neighbors.”
Struzzi has also been asked to serve on the Children and Youth, Human Services and Insurance committees, all especially worthwhile assignments in light of the pandemic.
“Social services have been heavily impacted in the last year with families feeling the increased stress brought on by job loss and changes in students’ learning patterns,” Struzzi added. “All of these committees deal with different aspects of society that we must maintain and support through laws and policies that protect our most vulnerable citizens.”
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Struzzi’s Indiana district office at 724-465-0220.