Republicans Announce Senate Standing Committee Chairs For 2017-2018, Half New

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) Thursday announced the Republican Chairs for each of the 22 Senate Standing Committees for the 2017-2018 legislative session. Eleven of the chairs are new to their committees.

“I am pleased to announce today the Chairs of each of the 22 Senate Standing Committees,” said Sen. Scarnati. “The Senate Republican Caucus is comprised of members with extensive knowledge of various issue areas, many of whom will provide committee direction this session. I am confident these Committee Chairs will ensure that legislation receives close examination before advancing to the full Senate.”

Senate Standing Committee Chair Assignments:

-- Aging & Youth – Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Crawford)

-- Agriculture & Rural Affairs – Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver)

-- Appropriations – Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh)

-- Banking & Insurance – Sen. Don White (R-Indiana)

-- Communications & Technology – Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) NEW

-- Community, Economic & Recreational Development – Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) NEW

-- Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure – Sen. Robert Tomlinson (R-Bucks)

-- Education – Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair) NEW

-- Environmental Resources & Energy – Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming)

-- Finance – Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) NEW

-- Game & Fisheries – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Fayette) NEW

-- Intergovernmental Operations – Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington) NEW

-- Judiciary – Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery)

-- Labor & Industry – Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) NEW

-- Law & Justice – Sen. Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks)

-- Local Government – Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) NEW

-- Health & Human Services– Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) NEW

-- Rules & Executive Nominations – Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre)

-- State Government – Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon)

-- Transportation – Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery)

-- Urban Affairs & Housing – Sen. Tom McGarrigle (R-Delaware) NEW

-- Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness – Sen. Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) NEW