As released by Pa House GOP News:

HARRISBURG − Rep. Mauree Gingrich (R-Lebanon) has been named chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, her first committee chairmanship since she was elected to the Legislature in 2003 and the first committee chairman from Lebanon County since the late H. Jack Seltzer more than 30 years ago.

Gingrich’s appointment follows the unexpected death last month of Rep. Dick Hess (R-Bedford/Fulton/Huntingdon). Mid-term leadership changes are necessary and appropriate when an unplanned vacancy occurs through resignation or the passing of a standing committee chairman. Hess chaired the House Transportation Committee.

The House Gaming Oversight Committee, created in 2007, is responsible for monitoring Pennsylvania's gaming industry. This includes oversight of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the state’s 12 operating casinos, which generated more than $1.4 billion in tax revenue last year, and employ as many as 14,800 Pennsylvanians.

“In my 10 years as a member of the state Legislature, I have had the privilege of serving on several challenging and high-profile committees,” said Gingrich. “The knowledge and experience I have gained has prepared me well for my new role on the Gaming Oversight Committee, and I look forward to the challenges ahead.”

The Gaming Oversight Committee is responsible for carefully vetting all gaming legislation before it reaches the full House for consideration. The committee is also required to review regulations to ensure they are consistent with the law. House leaders are confident in Gingrich’s grasp of the issues and her ability to serve as the gaming industry watchdog.

“Rep. Gingrich is a gifted leader who understands the responsibilities of her new oversight role and has a proven record for getting things done,” said House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Punxsutawney). “I appreciate her willingness to take on this important leadership role, and I have every confidence that the Commonwealth and its taxpayers will be well-served.”

Gingrich currently serves on several key House committees including Appropriations, where she chairs the Subcommittee on Health and Welfare; Aging and Older Adult Services, where she chairs the Subcommittee on Care and Services; Health, where she chairs the Subcommittee on Health Care; Local Government, where she chairs the Subcommittee on Boroughs; and Rules. Gingrich also serves as deputy whip and as a member of the Local Government Commission. In her new role, she will continue to serve on the Aging and Older Adult Services and Rules committees, as well as the Local Government Commission.

Photo/Natalie Cake