Politics & Government
Readshaw Appointed to Military Community Protection Commission
'As a veteran of our armed forces, I have a deep appreciation for the invaluable role that military communities play in increasing the quality of life in a region.'
State Rep. Harry A. Readshaw has been appointed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' Democratic Leader Frank Dermody to represent the House Democratic Caucus as a member of the recently established PA Military Community Protection Commission.
According to a news release from Readshaw's office, the commission was established to examine Pennsylvania's military bases and the role that they play in the local economy. The commission will advocate at the federal, state and local levels for the enhancement of military communities, organizations and defense-related regions throughout the state.
"As a veteran of our armed forces," said Readshaw, a Democrat whose 36th Legislative District includes parts of Baldwin and Whitehall boroughs, in the release, "I have a deep appreciation for the invaluable role that military communities play in increasing the quality of life in a region. Even beyond the obvious provisions of both skilled and unskilled labor, military installations continue to serve as critical components to national security and early response efforts."
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Readshaw acknowledged that Republican Gov. Tom Corbett issued the executive order establishing this commission in the wake of major cuts to defense spending nationally, which have resulted in losses of thousands of jobs at military bases.
"With the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq drawing to a close, we know that tough budgetary decisions have to be made in efforts to reduce spending," Readshaw said, "but I am of the opinion that the continued support of military installations will reap benefits far beyond what we spend.
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"This new commission will assist with the expansion of the economic development opportunities and defense-related industry regions across the state."
Other members of the commission include Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, Sen. John P. Blake, Sen. Richard L. Alloway II and Rep. Scott Perry.
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