Comitta to review state budget with Gov. Wolf

State Rep. Carolyn Comitta said that she looks forward to reviewing Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2019-20 budget as a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

“I’m pleased to see the governor’s plan to continue to boost our investment in education, starting with early childhood programs. Providing children with quality education programs from an early age is key to preparing them for a successful future,” said Comitta, D-156. “With my recent appointment to the Appropriations Committee, I’ll be reviewing the entire budget proposal in more detail and look forward to helping the legislature adopt a plan that works for all of us.”

The House Appropriations Committee, which reviews bills that regulate state spending, will hold a series of hearings on the governor’s budget proposal beginning Monday, Feb. 11.

Comitta was also recently appointed to the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. As pipeline projects have cut through her district, Comitta has been a strong advocate for putting the health and safety of residents first. She recently convened a meeting of multiple state and federal agencies to give residents the opportunity to ask questions about the safety of pipeline projects.

“Serving on the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee gives me a greater opportunity to advocate for pipeline safety on the community’s behalf,” Comitta said. “Through this appointment, I will also push for Pennsylvania to be a leader in the fight against climate change. It’s critical that we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and push for clean energy sources. We all deserve clean air and water, and I’m committed to making sure we’re doing everything we can to preserve our environment for future generations.”

Comitta will also serve on the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. Pennsylvania has more than 3.1 million residents who are 60 or older, and the senior population is growing – it is estimated that by 2025, more than one in five Pennsylvania residents will be 65 or older.

“Serving on the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee gives me the opportunity to advocate on behalf of seniors in my district and across Pennsylvania and to ensure they have access to quality services such as health care, transportation and housing that will enable them to enjoy life and continue their valuable contributions to our communities,” Comitta said.

There are 24 standing committees in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The committee system allows legislators to assess and amend legislation and evaluate important issues before bringing bills to the full House for a vote.

In addition to standing House committees, Comitta was reappointed to serve on two special committees for the 2019-20 session.

She was reappointed by House Speaker Mike Turzai to the Joint Legislative Conservation Committee, a bipartisan, bicameral agency created to make recommendations regarding the custodianship and care of Pennsylvania’s land, water and air. The committee works to determine challenges facing Pennsylvania natural resources and find collaborative solutions.

Comitta was also reappointed by Gov. Tom Wolf to the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, which advises the governor on policies and legislation that impact women. The commission supports economic and civic opportunities for women and encourages mentoring programs for girls and young women, among other activities.

She was first appointed to both special committees in 2017.

Carolyn Comitta