Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Delaware) circulated a co-sponsor memo to his colleagues Thursday announcing plans to introduce legislation to combined the PA Historic and Museum Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in hopes of saving money.

“Throughout my time in the legislature, DCNR has demonstrated to me and my constituency that they can adequately and effectively conserve, interpret and promote Pennsylvania’s resources and historical heritage as it does now with the Commonwealth’s rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas,” said Rep. Barrar.  “It is imperative that we conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources and historic heritage for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment and, because of that, DCNR is the most appropriate department to manage and encourage responsible stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural resources and historic heritage.

“Moreover, this initiative comes at a crucial time in Pennsylvania where we must prioritize and streamline state funding to ensure we are adequately serving, protecting and supporting Pennsylvania,” he added.

On Friday, the Governor’s Office confirmed he will announce a plan Monday to consolidate the departments of Health, Aging, Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Human Services into one super agency called the Department of Health and Human Services.

NewsClips:

Thompson: Wolf’s Challenge: How To Balance Budget Without Broad Tax Increase

AP: Grim New Forecast Sees Nearly $3B Budget Gap In PA

Independent Report Shows PA Revenues Down Yet Again

AP: Wolf To Consolidate Health, Aging, Drug, Human Services Agencies

PA Budget Crunch: Wolf Wants To Merge 4 Departments

Murphy: Wolf To Propose Consolidating 4 Agencies Into 1

Revenue From Drilling Impact Fees Expected To Fall Again This Year

Washington County Commissioner To HBG: Keep Act 13 Impact Fee

Wolf To Push Again For Severance Tax On Natural Gas Industry

McKelvey: Harrisburg Revs Up For Natural Gas Severance Tax Fight

New Year, Another Round Of Natural Gas Severance Tax Proposals, Nothing For Environment

Editorial: Natural Gas Severance Tax A Nonstarter

Bay Journal: PA Lawmakers Proposed Water Fee To Raise Cleanup Funds

Crable: EPA Pick Says He Will Support, Enforce Chesapeake Bay Cleanup, More Funding

Trump Team Plans Big Cuts At EPA

AP: Official: Trump Wants To Slash EPA Workforce, Budget

Crable: State Parks Increase Fees For Camping, Swimming, Add Transaction Fees

Related Stories:

PHMC Now Accepting Applications For Historic Preservation Grants

Gov. Wolf To Combine Health, Aging, Drug & Alcohol, Human Services Into Super Agency

[Posted: Jan. 27, 2017]

1/30/2017