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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 4, 2017 11:20 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Martin T. Causer |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | PA Fish & Boat/Game Commission Merger |
| I plan to introduce legislation to merge the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission into one independent agency, based on the results of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) study on the issue. The LBFC study examined the feasibility, impact, costs and savings of combining the agencies and explored a range of options with regard to how to structure a new agency to best manage the wildlife and aquatic resources of the Commonwealth. Currently, Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation with two separate, independent agencies with management and oversight of fishing, boating and wildlife activities. The study found that a merger of the commissions is feasible and would save the Commonwealth at least $5 million annually, primarily through elimination of redundant upper level positions and duplication of services. Given the financial difficulties frequently expressed by both agencies, and the reality that other states’ wildlife agencies can operate efficiently under one umbrella, I believe now is the time to take a more serious look at combing the two commissions into one more streamlined, efficient agency. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB1919