Feese Named Appropriations Committee Chair

Lycoming Law Association member and state Rep. Brett O. Feese (R-Lycoming) was selected by the Republican Caucus to serve in one of the highest leadership spots in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with his unanimous election as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.  As chair, Feese will lead the House in budget negotiations and play a key role in shaping the direction of the state in the next two years. The Chairman will oversee the state’s $22 billion budget in the state House and will add the additional responsibility of directing the state’s fiscal direction in the coming years.

"This appointment will offer me the ability to direct policy and shape the state’s budget to better focus on the priorities of our families," Chairman Feese said. "More importantly, it will also allow me to target more state support for Lycoming County’s economic development efforts, increase job opportunities, enhance community development and deliver increased state support for our local schools.

"My charge as your state Representative is to ensure that your voice is heard in Harrisburg. Now as one of the highest ranking members of House leadership, I can ensure that our community’s needs are met and our families are heard."

Feese, who has served as the Republican Caucus’ Majority Whip since 2003, was promoted to lead the House in its efforts to better meet the needs of the state’s middle class working families.

"Rep. Feese has served our Caucus well as both Chair of the House Republican Campaign Committee, increasing our majority for the fifth straight election cycle to an unprecedented 110 Republican seats, and as the Majority Whip, where he assisted our members through one of the most challenging fiscal periods in our state’s history," said Speaker of the House John Perzel. "With Brett taking the lead on budget matters as well, I’m confident we will be successful at carrying out the mandate our families delivered in this year’s election."

As Appropriations Chair, Feese is charged with reviewing every bill passed by both the House and the Senate to ensure that it does not over-tax the state budget financially before it goes to the Governor’s desk. The Appropriations committee is the only committee in state Government that holds this powerful responsibility. Due to this critical purpose, the Appropriations chairmen in both the state House and Senate are considered to be two of the most important positions in shaping state policy.

"In moving up to this position, I know that the challenges I’ll face in keeping state Government in check under this Administration will be immense," Feese said. "However, I do believe that with persistence and determination not only will we be successful in bolstering our efforts to improve our quality of life here at home, but also we will be able to work with this administration to get spending under control and the threat of new taxes on our working families off the table."