Please join me in co-sponsoring legislation requiring Senate confirmation of the PEMA Director.

The breadth and scope for the position of PEMA Director is greater now than ever before.  Natural or weather-related disasters, an outbreak of a disease or other health calamity in humans or an agricultural commodity, or a major law enforcement / public safety incident are examples of what this position may face. Any one of these matters can quickly and unexpectedly become the top priority for a community, a county, or the entire state. No one is immune from this possibility.

In many cases, all levels of government must coordinate the incident response, with PEMA serving as the lead agency. Similar to cabinet secretaries when their agency is at the epicenter of a major incident, PEMA then becomes the public’s source of information and de facto command central. Additional review of this individual will improve agency accountability and improve internal and external communication and coordination between the various levels of government when responding to emergencies. As modern government has evolved and for the above reasons, the PEMA Director should be nominated by the governor and confirmed by the full Senate, identical to other agency leaders.  At least six state agencies with fewer employees than PEMA require Senate confirmation, including the State Fire Commissioner upon passage of Act 91 of 2020.  

This legislation has been viewed differently by the two political parties, including a veto by Governor Wolf.  But the reality is that disasters and major public safety incidents are happening more often across the entire state.  Modern times suggest the importance of having vetted, credible leadership in key positions in state government.  A thorough review of candidates seeking to fill this position, followed by a Senate confirmation vote, is appropriate and consistent with all other agency leaders. 
 
Co-sponsors of SB 433 were Senators Bartolotta, Brooks, Langerholc, Laughlin, Martin, Mastriano, Pennycuick, Phillips-Hill, Rothman, and Yaw.

Thank you for your consideration.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0133: 35-7312(a)