In Harrisburg, new leaders have been named for agencies and legislative committees that deal with issues related to older adults. Here is a listing of some of the key positions.
Agency Leaders
Governor Tom Wolf has announced that he has chosen Teresa Osborne, who has been the executive director of the Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging (AAA), to be secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. The Governor also announced that he has chosen Ted Dallas, who most recently served as the secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources, to be his secretary of the Department of Human Services (formerly called the Department of Public Welfare).
Here is a link to the announcement of Ms. Osborne’s selection. https://tinyurl.com/ppugkjv. And here is a link to the announcement regarding Mr. Dallas. https://tinyurl.com/oy2hooa.
The appointments are subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Senate.
Legislative Leaders
Both of the Secretary-designates will need to work closely with the Legislature. Here is the current list of the 2015 chairs (Republican) and minority leaders (Democrat) of several legislative committees related to aging.
Senate Aging and Youth Committee:
Chair – Republican: Senator Michelle Brooks
Democrat: Senator Arthur Haywood
Committee Members are listed: here
Senate Public Health and Welfare committee:
Chair – Republican: Senator Pat Vance
Democrat: Senator Shirley Kitchen
Committee Members are listed: here
House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee:
Chair – Republican: Rep. Tim Hennessey
Democrat: Rep. Steve Samuelson
Committee Members are listed: here
House Health Committee:
Chair – Republican: Rep. Matt Baker
Democrat: Rep. Florindo (Flo) Fabrizio, 2nd Legislative District, Erie County.
Committee Members are listed: here
Human Services Committee:
Chair Republican: Rep. Gene DiGirolamo
Democrat – Rep. Angel Cruz, 180th Legislative District, Philadelphia County.
Committee Members are listed: here
More information about the 2015-2016 PA General Assembly and its members is available at: www.legis.state.pa.us.
