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HARRISBURG – Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) announced he will be resigning from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives effective today, Monday, Feb. 19. The decision comes after the 25-year House veteran was offered a presidential appointment to serve his country.

“It is with great sadness that I am leaving the House of Representatives sooner than I would have desired; however, I have been given the opportunity to serve the people of the 68th District and beyond in an even greater capacity than my current position allows,” said Baker. “I am honored to have been offered this opportunity and feel it is the right time in my career to make the transition.”

Baker has accepted the position of Regional Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). He will be one of 10 regional directors across the country and will be in charge of Region 3, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. His many new responsibilities will include ensuring DHHS maintains close contact with federal, state, local, and tribal partners and addresses the needs of communities and individuals served through the numerous DHHS programs and policies.

I have long felt a call to service, which is why I entered public service to begin with,” said Baker. “My time with the state House has been incredibly rewarding and I look forward to using the knowledge I have gained in the state Legislature and as chairman of the House Health Committee in my new capacity as Regional Director for DHHS.

“To those I have served in the 68th District, I am grateful for your faith in me and will continue to serve you in my new position,” continued Baker. “I would also like to thank the President and the Secretary of DHHS and the White House staff for this opportunity to be of service to my country.”

Baker’s two district offices will remain open to serve the people of the 68th District. The offices can be contacted at 74 Main St. in Wellsboro, telephone (570) 724-1390, and 121 Canton St. in Troy, telephone (570) 297-3045. They are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m.