Finance Committee Will Focus on Pension Issues, Lottery Privatization

As lawmakers return for the 2013-14 legislative session, addressing the Commonwealth’s serious financial challenges will be among my highest priorities. I was honored recently to be re-appointed as Majority Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and I look forward to playing an active role in working toward constructive solutions to these challenges this year.

Two critical issues will top the committee’s agenda in the early parts of 2013 – public pension reform and a full airing of the Governor’s proposal to privatize the management of the Pennsylvania Lottery. Both of these issues promise to have lasting effects both locally and statewide, and my priority will be to gather information from all interested stakeholders and reach a resolution that improves the Commonwealth’s long-term financial outlook.