State Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, has been named minority
chairman for two state House subcommittees – a key position for
crafting legislation which could ultimately affect his
district.
Causer, who was named to the posts by Republican Leader Sam
Smith, R-Punxsutawney, will be his party’s chairman of the
Subcommittee on Parks and Forests within the House Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee, and of the Subcommittee on Programs
and Benefits within the Aging and Older Adult Services
Committee.
The announcement was made Monday.
“Most of the in-depth discussion and research we do on
legislation is done at the committee level, and even more so at the
subcommittee level,” Causer said. “I am pleased to have the
opportunity to help lead this discussion, especially on issues as
important as our parks and forests and senior programs and
benefits.”
News of Causer’s new appointments comes on the heels of his
being named to four committees in the Legislature, including two
influential panels – the House Commerce and Economic Development
and Aging and Older Adult Services committees – for the first
time.
Causer was also reappointed to the Environmental Resources and
Energy and the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness
committees.
The lawmaker said he wasn’t aware beforehand that he would be
named as minority chairman of the subcommittees.
“It’s at the discretion of (Smith) who is appointed to be
chairman of the subcommittees,” Causer said. “I am happy he has
given me the opportunity to serve.”
Causer said both subcommittees he was appointed to head are
appropriate for his district. He has been actively involved in
issues involving the state’s parks and forests; Causer’s district
is comprised of a vast amount of acreage in both parks and
forests.
He has also been at the front lines over the past few years in
support of doubling the state’s payment in lieu of taxes on state
owned parks and forest land.
“Our parks and forests are great assets, both in terms of our
quality of life and our economy,” Causer said. “I will continue to
make it my priority to maintain an appropriate balance between the
two of these.”
Meanwhile, Causer said senior issues are always a priority with
the Legislature, including with benefits and programs.
“Our Commonwealth has some outstanding programs for our seniors,
including the Property Tax-Rent Rebate Program, PACE/PACENET,
transportation and others that are funded by the state lottery,”
Causer said. “I think we need to keep an eye on lottery revenues
and how they might be affected by the recent expansion of gambling
in the state.
“We need to make sure we continue to have the financial
resources to support our senior population.”
In his new role, Causer said he’ll have the “first crack” at
looking at legislation before it makes its way to the committee
level.
“It sort of gives you the opportunity to be at the table and
work on the bill first,” Causer said. “It’s all about moving up in
seniority … having a seat at the table and more of a say and
influence in legislation.”
Following last year’s election, in which a large majority of
incumbents lost as a result of the pay raise scandal, Causer moved
up several positions in the House.
Causer said the subcommittees meet on an as needed basis to
discuss bills.
