The Pennsylvania Senate

	*Michael A. O'Pake (D)* Senate District 11 Berks (part) County.
	ADDRESS:	Senate Box 203011 Harrisburg, PA 17120-3011
	ROOM:	11 East Wing
	TELEPHONE:	(717) 787-8925
	D.O. ADDRESS:	1940 North Thirteenth Street Suite 232 Reading, PA 19604
	E-MAIL ADDRESS:
	INDIVIDUAL HOMEPAGE:	http://www.senator-opake.com
	DISTRICT NEWS:	District Newsletters

PARTY:	Democrat
TERM EXPIRES:	2012
OCCUPATION:	State Senator/Lawyer
PARENTS:	Michael E. and Anna O'Pake
ATTENDED:	Reading Central Catholic High School, Valedictorian 1957; St. Joseph's University, A.B., Summa Cum Laude, 1961; University of PA School of Law, J.D., 1964
CAREER:	Senator O'Pake is a lifelong resident of Berks County. He was first elected to the State Senate in 1972 after serving two terms in the State House of Representatives. He has been re-elected every 4 years since that time, winning both party nominations in 1988 and 2000. He currently is the Democratic Whip and Minority Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, and serves on the Committees on Aging and Youth, Ethics, and Rules and Executive Nominations. Additional legislative assignments include membership on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, the Joint State Government Commission, the Capitol Preservation Committee, and the Agricultural Land Preservation Board. Senator O'Pake is a graduate of Reading Central Catholic High School, where he was valedictorian, Student Council President, and the recipient of numerous public speaking awards and scholarships. He graduated summa cum laude from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia and won the Keedy Cup for best appellate advocacy at the University of Pennsylvania Law School where he received a Juris Doctorate. He has also received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Albright College and an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Kutztown University. Throughout his lifetime of public service, Senator O'Pake has been recognized as a tireless and effective advocate for children, senior citizens, crime victims and those who cannot help themselves. He has led the charge to protect children in Pennsylvania through, among other things, the passage of the Child Protective Services Law in 1974 and spearheading efforts to implement the Amber Alert Child Abduction Early Warning System throughout the Commonwealth. And he has sponsored major legislation to help Pennsylvania's senior citizens, including property tax and rent rebate and prescription medication assistance. Among the numerous awards he has received for his community and legislative service are: the Department of Agriculture's Investing in Our Future Award(2006); Alzheimer's Association Legislative Advocacy Aware (2005); Ben Franklin Medal for Distinguished Achievement on Behalf of Higher Education(2005); Berks County Public Libraries Elected Official of the Year Award(2004); YMCA of Reading and Berks County Champion of Youth Award(2004); Friend of CASA Award (2004); Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress Keystone Fraternal Legislative Award(2004); Legislative Fellow for Kutztown University (2000); Alvernia College Franciscan Award (1999); Papal Messenger of Truth and Hope Medal (1998); Saint Joseph's University Law Alumni "Distinguished Law Alumnus Award"(1998); Altrusa Award for "Making a Difference in the Community" (1998); Governor's Highway Safety Award (1996); Reading-Berks Emergency Shelter Outstanding Achievement Award (1996); Domestic Abuse Prevention Council of Berks County 10th Anniversary Recognition Award (1995); National Federation of Independent Businesses Guardian of Small Business Award (1994); Champion of Youth Award of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club (1993); Support Center for Child Advocates Outstanding Child Advocate Award (1991); Children's Service Award from the Pennsylvania Council of Children's Services (1988); Outstanding Pennsylvanian Award presented by conveners of the Tenth Annual Child Abuse Conference for "being a pioneer in the move to protect children from abuse and neglect" (1986); The National Award for Meritorious Service to Crime Victims (1984); and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association Award for anti-crime efforts (1978). He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Saint Joseph's University and Alvernia College, the Board of Overseers of the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, the Executive Board of the Hawk Mountain Council of Boy Scouts of America, the Board of Directors of Dayspring Homes, Inc. and the Advisory Board of Penn State Berks/Lehigh Campus; Minority Whip 2001 to date; Member of House 1969-1972; Member of Senate 1973 to date.
CO-SPONSORSHIP MEMORANDA:	View my 2009-2010 session co-sponsorship memoranda
COMMITTEES:	Aging & Youth Agriculture & Rural Affairs , Minority Chair Rules & Executive Nominations