Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Lower Paxton) is pleased to announce that his legislation to require at least one member of the State Civil Service Commission to be a veteran passed out of the House of Representatives today by a vote of 199-1.
House Bill 378 would ensure that someone on the commission would thoroughly understand veterans’ preference and other issues concerning veterans and required hiring practices. Among the many benefits provided to Pennsylvania veterans is what is known as “Veterans’ Preference.” Current provisions in the state Military Affairs Code require that the appointing authority give preference to a veteran who meets the required qualifications for a public position.
“We need to make sure my legislation becomes law so that we can have an advocate within the Civil Service system who understands the challenges faced by veterans,” Marsico said. “I think it is safe to say that a fellow veteran on this commission would better serve the needs of our veteran community.”
The State Civil Service Commission is made up of three full-time members who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and serve six-year terms.
A few years ago, Auditor General Jack Wagner reported on this very issue and found that 25 state agencies filled at least 569 civil service employment positions without considering eligible veterans seeking employment, even though the agencies requested employment lists that included these veterans with test scores among the top three highest-scoring job candidates.
“Needless to say, the auditor general’s report proved the need for my legislation. Veterans who have served their country and are entitled to this benefit deserve more than having to acquire a private attorney to represent them when they feel that the State Civil Service Commission or other state or local entity has erred in failing to apply the veterans’ preference principle,” said Marsico. “This legislation will allow them to have constant representation on the commission.”
House Bill 378 will now head to the Senate.
Contact: Autumn Southard
asouthar@pahousegop.comrmarsico@pahousegop.com717.652.3721