SENECA, Pa. (EYT) – Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) has again been named a member of the House Appropriations Committee by House Republican Leadership. The upcoming fiscal year will be his fifth serving in that capacity.

“During our most recent budget, Rep. James questioned Budget Secretary Jen Swails about accounting practices that led to medical assistance, community health choices, and community waiver program facing an $801 million shortfall,” Appropriations Chairman Stan Saylor said. “Those are the kind of tough questions we need to pursue to serve the taxpayers as they expect.”

The House Appropriations Committee is one of the most influential committees in the General Assembly. Committee members directly review and question spending requests from state agencies, as well as create the final budget considered by all other members.

“The Commonwealth’s challenging financial situation is no secret, and we will need to make do with less. I know we’re going to face some hard decisions, but they must be made to avoid any tax increases – tax increases that I know families in the 64th District and all across the state can’t afford,” James said.

The 2021-22 Legislation Session officially begins after members are sworn in to office on Tuesday, January 5. The House will return to session on Monday, January 11.