Northcentral Pennsylvania is gaining more political clout each
day.
On Wednesday, officials announced that state Rep. Kathy Rapp,
R-Warren, has been appointed as the House Republican Chairman of
the newly formed Subcommittee on Special Education.
Rapp, whose district includes a portion or all of McKean, Warren
and Forest counties, was named to the post by House Republican
Leader Sam Smith, Punxsutawney.
“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity House Republican
leadership has bestowed upon me to help address the diverse
educational needs of these very special children,” Rapp said,
noting as chairman she will be responsible for reviewing
legislation and making recommendations for consideration for the
entire House Education Committee.
The lawmaker’s main responsibility will include maintaining the
difficult balance between the level of available state funding for
special education and the actual needs of individual school
districts.
The move comes on the heels of fellow House member Rep. Martin
Causer, R-Turtlepoint, being named the minority chairman of two
state House subcommittees. In addition, Rep. Dan Surra, D-Kersey,
has taken over as House Democratic Caucus Administrator and Sen.
Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, is the president pro tempore of the
Senate.
All of the positions – and increased seniority following last
year’s elections – give local lawmakers key seats at the table when
new legislation is being crafted.
“Having more seniority in the House has been helpful,” Rapp
said, adding having Scarnati as the highest-ranking Republican in
the Legislature also hasn’t hurt.
According to Rapp, the chairmanship of a committee dealing with
special education is a natural to her, given her background in
advocacy.
“A large part of my background before I became a legislator was
working as an advocate for people with special needs,” Rapp said.
“I believe I came to this position (as chairman) largely because of
that background.
“I look forward to the challenge.”
Special education plays a key role in the education process in
school districts across the region.
“Every year, special education can be a budget buster for both
school districts and property owners, especially in both rural
school districts like mine and those in urban areas with
insufficient tax bases to keep up with growing costs,” Rapp said.
“These districts require even more specialized attention from the
state in the funding formula.
“Those issues will become even more prevalent as the 2007-08
budget process progresses.”
The proposed state budget, presented by Gov. Ed Rendell on
Tuesday, calls for the expansion of programs for special education
students.
Rapp said while she doesn’t have any specific ideas in mind
about future legislation she would like to see passed, there are
some issues she would like to see the General Assembly address.
“I am concerned about education as a whole,” Rapp said, “and
about the dropout rates. I’m willing to listen to the constituents
and see what people out in the field are concerned about. Over the
years, I’ve gotten to know many people involved in special
education.”
In addition to her subcommittee responsibilities, Rapp will also
serve on the House Environmental Resources and Energy, State
Government and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness
committees.
“As a second term legislator, I sought to become a member of
four committees where I feel I can really make a difference for the
people I serve,” Rapp said.
