HARRISBURG – Having developed a reputation as a fair, capable and active chair, state Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) has been selected to head the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.
Baker says she is honored that Senate leaders have asked her to assume this responsibility and is ready to put her problem-solving and coalition-building skills to work.
“Creating consensus on the issues that matter to workers and employers is critical.” she said. “This new assignment will also increase my ability to assist the local job training, workforce development and school-to-work initiatives in my district.”
Although she will no longer chair the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, Baker says she will continue to champion veteran and emergency responder concerns by retaining her membership on the committee.
“We have made solid progress on the topics veterans and emergency responders have identified as important,” she said. “I am committed to these legislative priorities, and to working with the new chairman to continue to shine a spotlight on problems and craft solutions.”
Under Baker’s leadership the committee made substantial progress on a bipartisan basis. She cited improving outreach assistance for veterans and the creation of the Veterans Trust Fund as some of the most meaningful measures to help veterans and families in need. Other accomplishments include assistance for veteran-owned small businesses, a special designation on veteran driver licenses, and uniform standards for county directors of veterans affairs.
Baker highlighted a new wellsite safety law, expanded firefighter grants and loans, changes to make it easier for local governments to cooperate during emergencies, and an overhaul of the rules governing emergency medical services (EMS) as key victories for the emergency services community. Efforts to confront firefighter recruitment and retention issues, update 911 funding, and improve storm response were also advanced.
Contact:
Jen Wilson jwilson@pasen.gov
(570) 675-3931