Jan. 06, 2015
HARRISBURG – Building on the work from the last legislative session, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) has been appointed to continue his service as chairman of the House Human Services Committee for the new 2015-16 session, which kicks off today with swearing-in ceremonies.
“Serving in this capacity is one of the highlights of my tenure in the House,” DiGirolamo said. “There is nothing more fundamental in public service than helping people, and with this committee, we have the ability to enact meaningful policies that will truly help those with some of the greatest needs.”
The House Human Services Committee has oversight of issues within the Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Under DiGirolamo’s leadership for the past two sessions, the Human Services Committee held extensive hearings regarding the delivery of human services throughout the Commonwealth and the challenges being faced by individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, along with those needing mental health services and drug and alcohol treatment.
In addition, the committee reported out legislation that renamed the Department of Public Welfare to the Department of Human Services, better reflecting the true mission of the state agency.
Of particular note is legislation DiGirolamo spearheaded out of committee to establish a drug overdose “Good Samaritan” law for those who summon medical assistance and increase access of medication, known as Narcan, to help with heroin and opiate overdoses, and to create a task force to further study opioid and heroin overdose deaths.
In the new session, DiGirolamo will be focused on helping to restore many of the devastating budget cuts to human service programs in the last few years and to ensure that resources are available at the state level to help those in our communities with the greatest needs.
Representative Gene DiGirolamo
18th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Keaton
717.705.2094
jkeaton@pahousegop.com
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