As a long-time advocate to raise awareness of drug and alcohol addiction and ensure accessibility to treatment, he has authored legislation increasing funding for rehabilitation centers and establishing a separate state cabinet agency, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, to streamline drug and alcohol treatment services in Pennsylvania. The legislation establishing new Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs was signed into law as Act 50 of 2010.
During his tenure in the House, DiGirolamo has spearheaded House passage of numerous bills he has sponsored and he is the author of four state laws. In addition to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, his laws include helping to protect animals by toughening penalties for those who abuse dogs and cats. Another of his laws creates county-based victim impact panels (VIP) as part of the sentencing procedure for driving under the influence (DUI) offenders in Pennsylvania.
For his efforts to raise awareness of drug and alcohol addiction, as well as increasing state funding for treatment and prevention programs and services, DiGirolamo has received numerous accolades from the drug and alcohol treatment community. Those include the Ambassador of the Year Awards from Pro-A in both 2005 and 2007, and the Ambassador of Recovery Award from RASE Projects Tree of Hope in 2004.
DiGirolamo takes tremendous pride in his service to his constituents in Bensalem and Lower Southampton townships and has received countless honors and awards from many service organizations located within the 18th District.
On the state level, he also serves on the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (PIAA) Oversight Committee and has served on the Election Reform Task Force.
DiGirolamo began his public service career in 1990 when he was elected as Bensalem Township’s auditor. In 1993, he served as chairman of the Bensalem Board of Auditors.
He is also engaged in a number of community activities. He is chairman of the Advisory Board of the Bucks County YWCA and is a member of: the Bensalem Drug and Alcohol Council, where he formerly served as chairman; St. Mary’s Medical Center Advisory Board; Libertae Advisory Board; Guilda’s Club; Lions Club; Kiwanis Club; Sons of Italy; St. Charles Knights of Columbus; and B3T. He enjoys running and has coached youth sports for the St. Ephrem’s Catholic Youth Organization.
DiGirolamo and his family attend St. Ephrems Roman Catholic Church in Bensalem.
He graduated from Bishop Egan High School in 1968 and has attended Delaware Valley College and Holy Family College.
DiGirolamo resides in Bensalem with his wife Donna. They have two married sons, Gene Jr. and Anthony; two daughters, Gina and Mary; and three grandchildren.
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List of Awards and Honors:
Ambassador of the Year Award, Pro-A – 2005 and 2007
Ambassador of Recovery Award, Rase Projects Tree of Hope – 2004
The Raymond R. Webb Jr. Government Relations Award, PA Community Providers Association – 2003
Bensalem Ramblers for commitment to organization –2002 and 1997
Northwestern Human Services for dedication to Camp Discovery – 2001
Linconia Tabernacle Youth Center – 2001
PA Tae Kwon Do Association – 2001
Friend of Library, Bucks County Free Library – 2001
YWCA Honorary Chair – 2001
Gibson Road Antique Fire Association – 2001 and 1996
Standish Forde Hansell Award for excellence in leadership – 2000
Sr. Monica Laughlin and St. Katherine Drexel Shrine for contributed services – 2000
Man of the Year – Bensalem Lions Club – 2000
Support and Service Award – Cornwells Fire Co. No. 1 – 2000
Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission for Service and Commitment to Substance Abuse Treatment – 2000
Montgomery County Federation of Young Republicans – 1998
Bensalem Music Boosters Association – 1998
YWCA Computer Technology Access Program for Creekside Apartments – 1997 and 1999-2000
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – 1997
PA Sife Week – 1997
Coaching Award from Bensalem Summer Youth B-Ball – 1996
Cub Scout Pack 130 for appreciation of support – 1996
Nottingham Fire Company – 1996
Edington Fire Company – 1996
Lions International in appreciation of the Bensalem Lions Club – 1996
Quaker State Nationals – 1995
Valley AA Bullets – 1995
Bucks County Bears – 1994
Bensalem Youth Basketball – 1994
YWCA for appreciation of support for low-income families
American Bicycle Association
Bills Signed Into Law:
· Act 236 of 2004
· Act 71 of 2004
· Act 36 of 2005
· Act 50 of 2010