Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks) today learned that he will serve on four House Committees for the 2011-12 legislative session.  Gillen has been selected to serve on the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, Education, Aging and Older Adult Services, and Labor and Industry committees. 

“These committee assignments reflect the broad and diverse range of constituents in the 128th Legislative District,” Gillen said.  “Through these committees, I’ll be dealing with legislation that impacts military veterans, first responders, teachers, students, parents, older Pennsylvanians and working families.” 

Gillen, who is an Act 48-certified educator, was especially pleased to learn about his assignment to the Education Committee. 

“I plan to bring a different perspective and some real-world experience to that position,” Gillen said.  “I look forward to working on bills that will have a real and meaningful impact on the education of our children and young adults.” 

Gillen also is certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), which he believes will aid him in his service on the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. 

“I hope to be a strong voice for our first responders,” Gillen said.  “My father served in the military during World War II, so I have always had a special place in my heart for our veterans.  These men and women have done so much in serving our country.  It will be nice to assist them by sitting on this committee.” 

The Aging and Older Adult Services Committee deals with a variety of issues that affect Pennsylvania’s large senior citizen population, including PACE/PACENET, transportation and other programs funded through the Pennsylvania Lottery. 

“Our district is blessed with a burgeoning and vibrant class of older residents,” Gillen said.  “I’m pleased that they will be represented on this very important committee.” 

The Labor and Industry Committee deals with issues like unemployment compensation, child labor, prevailing wages and job training. 

“The Commonwealth’s unemployment compensation system is facing some serious difficulties,” Gillen said.  “The Labor and Industry Committee will play an important role with bills that will have a significant impact on Pennsylvania’s economy.  This is an important committee to serve on as our district battles unemployment and strives for continued economic recovery.” 

State Representative Mark Gillen
128th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Dan Massing
dmassing@pahousegop.com
RepGillen.com
Facebook.com/RepGillen
717.772.9845