State Rep. Mario J. Civera Jr. (R-Upper Darby) was yesterday elected by his Republican colleagues to a second term as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. In his position as chairman, Civera will again serve as one of the chief negotiators of the state’s annual budget.
“It is a great honor for me to again serve the people of Pennsylvania and my colleagues in the House Republican Caucus as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee,” Civera said. “These last two years have been among the most challenging and rewarding of my career, and I look forward to continuing efforts to enact responsible state budgets.”
Since first being elected appropriations chairman in November 2006, Civera has continued to push for controlled spending and a greater sense of fiscal restraint – a stance he believes must be maintained given the state’s economic conditions.
Pennsylvania is currently facing a $564 million shortfall in its General Fund revenue collections – a number that is likely to grow as the fiscal year unfolds. These serious fiscal concerns will undoubtedly affect the current and upcoming state budgets.
“Pennsylvania is facing one of the most serious economic declines in decades, and we now have a number of budgetary challenges before us,” Civera said. “There is no doubt these next few months will present the most difficult budget-related issues I have faced since first being elected chairman.”
Civera was among the first lawmakers to call attention to the state’s fiscal concerns during this past summer’s budget negotiations. At a time when House Democrats and the governor were calling to use the state’s Rainy Day Fund to increase spending, Civera fought for fiscal responsibility. As a result, he was able to help prevent tax increases and preserve the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
Had his efforts not been a success, the state’s current budget concerns would be far worse.
“As lawmakers, we have a great responsibility to properly and efficiently manage tax dollars,” Civera said. “In Delaware County and throughout the state, people work hard for their money and they want to know that state government is working harder to protect their interests.
“We need to move forward in the months ahead and continue to work under a mindset of fiscal responsibility, and we must develop the best long-term solution possible for the people of Pennsylvania. It may not be easy, but we are not elected to make easy decisions – we are elected to make the right ones.”
Earlier this month, Civera was re-elected to represent the 164th Legislative District for a 14th term, continuing his ongoing commitment to the people of Delaware County.
“I take great pride in my role as appropriations chairman, but there is no honor more gratifying than serving my friends and neighbors in the 164th district. The interests of this community will always be my number one priority.”
Rep. Mario J. Civera, Jr.
164th District
House Appropriations Committee, Chairman
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(610) 853-4115
(717) 787-3850
www.MarioCivera.com
Contact: Todd Brysiak
Communications Coordinator
(717) 787-1711