|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Majority Policy Committee |
State Rep. Tim Seip D- Schuylkill/Berks Hearing Co-Chair |
Majority Policy Committee examines human services in the state
POTTSVILLE, Aug. 12 – The House Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing today in Pottsville regarding the status of human services in Pennsylvania, according to Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
Rep. Tim Seip, D-Schuylkill/Berks, requested the hearing and served as hearing co-chairman.
"Reliance on human services grows in times of economic distress," Sturla said. "With his considerable experience as a social worker, Representative Seip knows the important role these services play in the lives of Pennsylvanians. I am pleased he requested this hearing to learn more about where services are succeeding and where they can be improved.
"Over the last eight or so years, I believe that we have seen a loss of the human element in human services. It is incredibly important that consumers are guided to and assisted with accessing and using the most appropriate human services to maximize their effectiveness and avoid more costly and restrictive alternatives."
Those testifying at the hearing included a panel from the Department of Public Welfare: Linda Blanchette, deputy secretary for Income Maintenance, and Sherry Snyder, deputy secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Gene Quaglia, co-chairman of County Assistance Office Statewide Committee, SEIU Local 668; Jonathan Dove, case management coordinator, Schuylkill Community Action; and Joseph Murton, chief of police of Pottsville.
For more information about the Policy Committee, go to www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.
###