HARRISBURG – Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) and Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Senate Majority Leader David J. “Chip” Brightbill, who served in the Senate of Pennsylvania from 1982 to 2006:
“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of former Sen. Chip Brightbill. Chip dedicated more than two decades of his life to serving the people of Lebanon County, the 48th Senatorial District and our entire commonwealth with an unwavering commitment to helping others. Among his many accomplishments, he was a national leader in creating policies to effectively remediate and reuse brownfields, and he was instrumental in establishing electric supplier competition in Pennsylvania.
“Chip was a skilled, practical legislator who was especially passionate about helping his district. He will be remembered for his creative approach to solving problems, his ability to negotiate difficult, complex issues and his encyclopedic knowledge of the legislative process.
“We extend our sincere sympathies to Chip’s wife, Donna, his children, David, Jonathan, Andrew, Christian and Adam, his many friends and all who were touched by his remarkable legacy of public service.”
During his time in office, the 48th Senatorial District always included all of Lebanon County. He also represented portions of Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster and Lehigh counties. As a member of the Senate Republican Caucus, he served as Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Caucus Secretary, Policy Committee Chairman, Majority Whip (twice), and Majority Leader.
A graduate of Penn State University and Duquesne University School of Law, Chip liked to say he was “just a simple country lawyer,” but those who met him quickly learned that he should never be underestimated.
Prior to being elected to the Senate, he served as district attorney of Lebanon County from 1977 to 1981.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erica Clayton Wright (Sen. Ward)
Kate Flessner (Sen. Pittman)