HARRISBURG – A study that says Pennsylvania could save about $5 million a year by merging its fish and game commissions is generating divided opinions on a legislative panel.
Officials with the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee reviewed their conclusions today with members of the House Game and Fisheries Committee.
The nonpartisan research organization’s senior counsel, Patricia Berger, says the Fish and Boat Commission and the Game Commission could cut 52 jobs by consolidating. She says Pennsylvania is the only state that has separate agencies to regulate fish and wildlife.
Berks County Republican Rep. David Maloney says he opposes any merger on grounds that sportsmen have not been adequately consulted.
McKean County Republican Rep. Martin Causer, chairman of the House committee, says he favors a merger but he’s stopping short of predicting legislative action this year.
Posted by Ben Allen – witf News