Harrisburg, December 21, 2012 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today was re-appointed Democratic chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee.
“I will continue to use my position on this committee to focus on issues and challenges facing our cities and towns in the Mon Valley and throughout Pennsylvania,” Brewster said. “It is critical that we do what we can to help cities revitalize, attract investment and continue providing adequate services.
“I am determined to steer more of the state’s focus to the plight of struggling urban and suburban communities, and on ways state government and new businesses can partner in local economic revitalization efforts.”
The former McKeesport mayor said he and his Senate Democratic colleagues are in the process of developing a comprehensive plan aimed at helping smaller urban centers and their outlying suburban communities. He said they will address issues ranging from affordable housing to curbing urban crime and blight.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), who appointed Brewster to the post, said the McKeesport lawmaker’s lengthy experience and knowledge as a former mayor uniquely qualify him to be the leading Democratic voice on the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee.
Elected to the Senate in 2010, Brewster was first appointed to the Urban Affairs and Housing post that same year.
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