HARRISBURG, Jan. 8, 2013 — The Senate Democratic Leadership has appointed state Sen. Judy Schwank as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Members of this committee make key funding decisions and determine the fiscal impact of legislation on Pennsylvania. The committee members also develop the state budget and determine Pennsylvania’s spending priorities.
“I’m very excited to be joining this important committee to ensure that Pennsylvania properly spends taxpayer dollars,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “Determining state spending priorities is a major responsibility, especially as we prepare to receive the governor’s budget address in February and participate in subsequent budget hearings. I look forward to this new challenge.”
Schwank has also been reappointed as Democratic chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. She said she looks forward to once again serving in this position and debating legislation that assists the top industry in Pennsylvania and in Berks County.
“Agriculture plays a crucial role in the health of our state’s economy and in the prosperity of our farms, so it’s important that our laws are up to date and protecting the agricultural industry,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “I’m honored to once again serve as chairwoman of this committee and to continuing to work on agricultural issues, which impact every citizen.”
Schwank has a long history of agriculture experience. Recently, as chairwoman she has visited farms and agricultural businesses throughout the commonwealth, and last year she hosted a Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing in Fleetwood on farm profitability. She is also a member of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Extension Committee (NSARE), a national agricultural committee that focuses on small scale and sustainable agriculture.
Schwank has also been appointed as a member of the Public Health and Welfare, Aging and Youth, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees.
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