By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

Upper Macungie supervisors honored state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, whose terms ends this year, with a proclamation during their Oct. 6 meeting.

Board Chairman Jim Brunell read the proclamation, thanking Browne for his service to township residents.

Browne began a career in finance following graduation from both the University of Notre Dame and Temple University Law School.

In 1994, he began his career in public service as a member of the state House, a position he held until 2005 when he won a special election to the state Senate representing the 16th District.

Brown has been very active during his four successive terms in the Senate, serving as a Majority Whip from 2011-14, and on numerous caucuses, boards, commissions, and standing committees including Finance, Aging and Youth, Law and Justice and Local Government.

One of the most influential positions he has held since 2014 is Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, which reviews all legislation for its fiscal impact.

In this role, Browne was the architect of fiscally responsible state budgets, prevented township residents from increased state tax and brought more funding back to the Parkland School District.

He secured numerous grants for the township, including $147,000 for the Grange Road Roundabout, $300,000 for Trexlertown Fire Station improvements, $30,000 for a Wellness app for the police department, and $60,000 for the UMT Trail Connectivity and Walkability Plan Study.

Additionally, Browne secured $336 million for infrastructure improvements to the I-78 and Route 100 corridors.