Bizzarro Named to Three Important House Committees

Jan. 14 - State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced that he has been appointed to three significant standing committees in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

"I look forward to the challenges and responsibilities," Bizzarro said of his appointment to the Aging & Older Adult Services, Gaming Oversight and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees by House leadership. "All three panels face crucial issues confronting Erie County and all of Pennsylvania."

Bizzarro noted that more than 15 percent of Pennsylvania's population is 65 or older, putting the Aging & Older Adult Services Committee in the crosshairs on many important issues.

"I will be an advocate for seniors at a time when they face challenges on many fronts, including access and affordability to health care and adult services and threats to pensions and benefits," Bizzarro said. "The post will help enable me to fulfill my commitment to make Erie County a better place for our families."

Bizzarro said he was excited to be named to the Gaming Oversight Committee, not only because of the Erie County home to Presque Isle Downs & Casino but because of the relatively new development of state-sanctioned gaming.

"Gaming entails much more than gambling and contributes proceeds to economic development, municipal investments, social programs and property tax relief," Bizzarro said. "The position on the Gaming Oversight panel promises to be challenging yet rife with opportunities."

Besides serving on the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, Bizzarro will serve as its secretary.

"I can think of no greater honor than helping to serve our military veterans who have given so much to protect our freedoms," Bizzarro said. "We have to look no further than Superstorm Sandy to understand how important emergency preparedness is to our commonwealth and our future.

"I look forward to serving on all these committees and working to move Erie and Pennsylvania forward."