O’Neill Appointed Secretary Of House Appropriations Committee

Patch

State Rep. Bernie O’Neill served on the committee for three years and also serves on the education, judiciary Professional licensure and human services committees.

As he begins his sixth term in office, Rep. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks) has been appointed by Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana/Armstrong) as secretary of the House Appropriations Committee.

“I am honored that Speaker Smith has selected me to serve in this committee leadership position for the 2013-14 legislative session,” O’Neill said. “I’ve served on the Appropriations Committee for three years; the position of secretary is a big responsibility, but a challenge that I welcome and look forward to undertaking.”

The House Appropriations Committee is primarily tasked with drafting an annual balanced budget proposal that allocates funds to state agencies and departments for state government operations on an annual basis. The committee is also charged with reviewing all legislation to analyze the fiscal impact any legislative proposal may have on Commonwealth funds.

“For the past two years, the General Assembly was able to pass an on-time and balanced budget for the Commonwealth,” said O’Neill. “It is one of my top priorities to ensure that this happens for a third year and I believe my appointment will help us reach that goal.”

“Representative O’Neill is a tremendous asset to the Appropriations Committee. His experience as a former educator and in the Legislature will be important in our deliberations of significant issues,” added House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Adolph (R-Delaware).

Following the presentation of Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year in February, the Appropriations Committee will begin holding public hearings on the state budget plan and will prepare a spending bill for approval by the House and Senate.

O’Neill will also serve on the House Education, Judiciary, Professional Licensure and Human Services committees during the 2013-14 legislative session. He will also serve on the Committee on Committees.

Read more: http://doylestown.patch.com/articles/o-neill-appointed-secretary-of-house-appropriations-committee