Appointed Vice-Chair of Banking and Insurance Committee.
Harrisburg – With family members and friends looking on in the state Capitol, Senator Kim Ward was sworn in today to represent the 39th Senatorial District.
The former Westmoreland County Commissioner became the first woman elected to the seat in November. Senate swearing-in ceremonies marked the first day of the 2009-2010 legislative session.
“This is a challenging time to be joining the state Legislature, with serious issues ahead, and I am excited to be able to get to work tackling them,” said Ward. “One of the most pressing issues is cutting state spending and passing a state budget without a tax increase. Over the long term, I want to bring more transparency to the legislative process so taxpayers can see how their dollars are being spent.”
On hand were Senator Ward’s husband, Thomas Ward, and sons Tom, Michael and Matthew, as well her mother, Joanna Renko, and mother-in-law, Genevieve Ward.
The senator said that beyond passing a fiscally responsible budget, her legislative priorities include tort reform and boosting support for improvements to local infrastructure, such as water and sewer systems, as well as local roads and bridges.
Senator Ward announced that she has been appointed Vice-Chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, as well as a member of the Communications and Technology, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Public Health and Welfare, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees.
“Confidence in financial institutions was shaken in 2008, and 2009 will bring important issues before the Banking and Insurance Committee. In addition, many of the major insurance issues from the previous session remain unresolved. This is going to be a busy committee, and I look forward to doing my part as Vice-Chair,” said Ward. “I am especially pleased to be selected to the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Westmoreland County, and the 39th District are rich with veterans and volunteer firefighters, and I will be able to have an immediate impact for these individuals and organizations serving on this committee.”
The 39th Senatorial District covers 33 Westmoreland County municipalities.
CONTACT: Rob Ritson
(717) 787-6063