HARRISBURG – Senator Judy Ward (R-30) was appointed this week by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) to lead the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee for the remainder of the 2019-20 Legislative Session.
The committee is responsible for reviewing legislation and resolutions related to a number of subjects pertaining to housing and community revitalization, including:
- The use, transference, inspection and protection of real estate.
- Vacant and unimproved public lands.
- Public housing and urban development.
- Land banks, condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities.
The panel also oversees the operations of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
In recent years, the committee has focused on helping municipalities address abandoned and blighted properties and returning the land to productive use; implementing community revitalization initiatives; protecting property buyers and tenants; and addressing veteran homelessness and housing needs.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to play a leading role in addressing housing and revitalization issues not only in local communities, but throughout the entire state,” Ward said. “Nearly every community in the state faces challenges with blight, downtown revitalization and housing. I look forward to working with municipal leaders to address these issues and improve the quality of life for all state residents.”
Ward previously led the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, which is responsible for reviewing proposals to restructure and streamline state government.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-7540