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For Immediate
Release
3/27/07
CONTACT:
Lee Ann Labecki
(717) 772-2368
llabecki@pasen.gov
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Senate Approves Baker Bill to Require Confirmation
of PEMA Director
 
HARRISBURG – The Director of the Pennsylvania
Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) would have to be
considered by the Senate for confirmation under
legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker
(R-Luzerne) that was approved by the Senate today.
Baker, who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs and
Emergency Preparedness Committee, said that Senate
Bill 637 is important to strengthening emergency
response efforts and protecting public safety. PEMA's
director is responsible for coordinating the state's
response to natural and manmade disasters, terrorist
attacks and threats to public health and safety.
She cited the increased responsibilities of the Agency
in the post 9/11 and Katrina world and serves a core
function in state government when it comes to
protecting state residents and responding to
emergencies.
"Given the scope of these charges, I believe the
nominee for this position should be accountable to the
legislature," Baker said. "The legislative scrutiny
and review of this individual will help us to remain
apprised of the policies and practices of PEMA and
assure state residents that we consider this position
to be one of the utmost importance."
She added that requiring Senate confirmation of the
PEMA Director will be a positive step toward improving
agency accountability and ensure that there is strong
communication and coordination in responding to
emergencies.
"Throughout
recent Senate and House hearings to review the
response to the storm of February 13-15, we identified
significant communication gaps between state and local
agencies and between state agencies and the Governor's
office during the emergency," Baker said. "Citizens
expect state and local emergency response to be
provided in a timely, expedient, and responsible
manner. I believe requiring Senate
confirmation will increase accountability and ensure
that the agency is prepared to deal with emergencies
efficiently and effectively."
"The Witt Report specifically, and I quote, "faulted
the Commonwealth for not adopting emergency management
as a core principle, and found a lack of awareness
among all levels of the state's system," said Baker.
"Today the Senate took what I believe is the first
step in making emergency preparedness a priority by
approving legislation to require that the Director of
the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency be confirmed
by a majority vote of the members of the Senate."
Baker added, "I introduced this legislation because I
believe, given the scope and direct impact on the
public safety of our citizens, the position should be
accountable. The legislative scrutiny and review of
this individual will help us remain apprised of the
policies and practices at PEMA moving forward."
Additional Information:
Improving
Emergency Preparedness
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