New Senator Matt Smith Announces Committee Posts

Pennsylvania Sen. Matthew H. Smith, a Democrat whose jurisdiction includes Whitehall Borough, has been appointed to several key Senate committees, including the Finance Committee, Smith's office announced in a news release on Tuesday.

The Finance Committee oversees matters relating to taxation and will likely take up several key legislative issues in the coming months, including potential changes to the Small Games of Chance Law (Act 2 of 2011), lottery privatization, and pension items, the release states.

"As we consider legislation on important issues, my priority is to make sure that lottery-supported programs for seniors are protected," Smith said. "I look forward to reviewing all proposals on these important issues but remain committed to protecting our seniors, children and local charitable organizations."

During his tenure in the state House of Representatives, Smith served as the Democratic vice chair of the House Finance Committee.

"I plan to use each of my committee appointments to promote policies that create jobs and spur economic development, reform state government, and foster education investment and opportunities," Smith said.

Smith was also appointed to the Senate's Community, Economic & Recreational Development, Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Game & Fisheries, and State Government committees. He will serve as the Democratic chair of that state government committee.

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