Daley appointed Democratic chair of Tourism & Recreational Development Committee

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, will be the next Democratic chair of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee, the caucus announced this week.

Daley will join the other members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to be sworn in for the 2021-22 legislative session starting at noon Tuesday. This will be Daley’s fifth term after initially being elected to represent the 148th Legislative District in 2012.

The appointment to chair the Tourism and Recreational Development Committee is a first for Daley, who last session served on the Finance, Health and Environmental Resources & Energy committees. She also serves as Democratic chair of the Women’s Health Caucus.

“I am excited and truly honored to have been appointed as the next Tourism and Recreational Development Committee chair, and I express my gratitude to newly elected Democratic Leader, Representative Joanna McClinton, for the trust,” Daley said. “Now more than ever, Pennsylvania’s tourism industry demands careful attention in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has sadly but necessarily severely limited interstate and intrastate travel.

“The spread of the deadly coronavirus has burdened our museums, our sports and entertainment venues, our recreation and travel industries, and so much more. I view this appointment as a challenge to ensure that these vital areas remain vibrant and ready for an eventual return to normalcy, as I, for one, am so much looking forward to life after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Daley also highlighted the bipartisan opportunities of working within this particular committee, suggesting work among Democrats and Republicans here could be a necessary stepping stone to increased cooperation as the country and commonwealth work to soon move past the often bitter partisan attacks associated with the recent presidential election.

The Tourism and Recreational Development Committee oversees legislation that pertains to the state’s large tourism industry. The committee has jurisdiction over the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and works closely with the Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Subcommittees include Arts and Entertainment, Recreation and Travel Promotion.