Senator Browne Ready for Expanded Role in New Session

Will serve on several important Senate Committees

With today's (January 6) ceremonial opening of the 2009-10 Legislative Session completed, Senator Pat Browne (R-16) is ready to take on an expanded role in the state Senate.

The swearing-in ceremony conducted at noon today in the Senate Chamber primarily involved the 25 senators representing odd-numbered senatorial districts taking their oaths of office. The real business of the Senate will get underway later this month when it meets in voting session, Senator Browne said.

"With state revenues sagging and a bleak economic forecast for Pennsylvania and the nation, we must pay special attention to spending and job preservation in the Commonwealth," Senator Browne said. "We must take a long, hard look at the way we do business now and during the deliberations on the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year."

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) appointed Senator Browne in December to serve as Majority Caucus Administrator for the 2009-10 Legislative Session. In this leadership position, Senator Browne is responsible for scheduling activities before the caucus and working with Senate leaders to set the agenda and advance Republican policy.

Senator Browne will retain his Chairmanship of the Senate Finance Committee for the 2009-10 Session.

The Finance Committee has the primary role of reviewing legislation affecting Pennsylvania's tax codes. Senator Browne will once again put his tax law and accounting skills to work to help the Commonwealth through these tough economic times while fighting against the idea of raising taxes.

"I appreciate the opportunity to again serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee," Senator Browne said. "It is important that the state of Pennsylvania remains fiscally-responsible and looks to cut wasteful spending wherever possible while faced with these tough circumstances. One of my jobs as Finance Committee Chairman is to look at ways we can change tax laws to help encourage businesses to grow, increase its payrolls and encourage other people to start their own businesses. Now is not the time to add more burdens and unfair taxes to businesses."

Senator Browne was also appointed to serve as Vice Chairman of the Education Committee and a member of the Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Communications and Technology and Judiciary committees.
 

Contact:

Matt Moyer
(610) 821-8468