Northhampton News

Rep. Zach Mako, representing Lehigh and Northampton counties, has been appointed to three House standing committees for the 2023-24 Legislative Session. Mako will serve on the Appropriations, Finance, and Professional Licensure Committees.

"I look forward to continuing my service on these three committees for the next two years," Mako stated. He emphasized his past contributions as a member of the Appropriations Committee in building a substantial Rainy Day Fund for Pennsylvania, aiming to maintain fiscal stability amid economic uncertainties. "I’m eager to continue working to keep Pennsylvania in a strong fiscal position," he added.

Mako also highlighted issues revealed by the pandemic within the state's licensing process for various professions. He expressed his intention "to remove these roadblocks so that people are not discouraged from pursuing their careers here."

The House Appropriations Committee is responsible for overseeing state government spending and developing an annual state budget. The Finance Committee deals with taxation, fiscal policy, and investment of Commonwealth funds while reviewing legislation related to the Pennsylvania Lottery and programs funded by it.

The Professional Licensure Committee handles legislation concerning 29 professional and occupational licensing boards within the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. It reviews regulations affecting licensed professionals ranging from physicians to real estate agents.

Mako represents the 183rd District, which includes areas in both Lehigh County—Lowhill and North Whitehall townships and Slatington Borough—and Northampton County—Allen, East Allen, Lehigh, Moore (part) townships; Bath, North Catasauqua, Northampton; and Walnutport boroughs.