HARRISBURG – Senator Judy Ward (R-30) was appointed today by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) to serve as the new Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee.
The panel is responsible for reviewing legislation that affects the programs and services dedicated to senior citizens and younger Pennsylvanians. In recent months, the committee has worked on improving the state’s Older Protective Services Program, updating laws pertaining to PACE/PACENET and the State Lottery Law, strengthening child abuse reporting procedures and adding reporting requirements for children born with an addiction to opioids or other illegal substances.
“I am honored to be given this new opportunity to play a leading role in protecting some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens,” Ward said. “Pennsylvania has one of the largest senior populations in the nation, and protecting the benefits they rely on most is an important part of the committee’s work. We have also made great strides in safeguarding young people against neglect and abuse in recent years, and the committee will continue to play a critical role in that effort going forward.”
Ward previously led the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, which oversees the operations of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and reviews legislation and resolutions related to a number of subjects pertaining to housing and community revitalization. She also previously served as Chair of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, which studies proposals to restructure and streamline state government.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490