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Senator Smucker Named Committee ChairmanSenator Lloyd Smucker's first committee chairmanship involves a newly created committee and a challenging mission. The Intergovernmental Operations Committee will have jurisdiction over proposals to restructure state government, such as consolidating state agencies, with the purpose of cutting costs and improving efficiency. Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati said the new committee will allow for intensive review of plans to overhaul state agencies or to redirect their operations. "The serious fiscal problem Pennsylvania is confronting mandates that we look for every responsible way to shrink the size of state government and streamline services. Senator Smucker was a successful businessman prior to running for office, making him a good choice for this assignment." "When there is not sufficient revenue coming in to fund existing programs and services, it is the perfect time to question the continuing value of all the agencies, boards, and commissions scattered across state government," Smucker said. "This is the way it works in the private sector across our nation. If the money is not coming in to match your spending, you have to find ways to reduce your overhead. Taxpayers clearly want the same kind of economy practiced in state government," he noted. "The Corbett Administration is expected to have a range of proposals for consolidating state agencies and eliminating ones that are deemed to be of lesser importance. Legislators will be submitting plans for structural changes to state government as well. We will look hard at every proposal to determine where money can be saved and where better results can be realized," Smucker stated. "The one thing I can promise is that there will be ample opportunity for public input on these changes, because they will affect those paying the bill and those providing and receiving state services," he concluded. The Senate Rules will be amended later this month to authorize the new committee.
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