The Republican-held Legislature opened for business Tuesday with the newly sworn-in members of the House and Senate voting as expected to unanimously elect Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) as Speaker of the House and re-elect Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) as Senate President Pro Tempore.

Twenty-six new House members were sworn in Tuesday. The new class of the lawmakers is predominantly Republican, with only four of the new members being Democrats. The House GOP Caucus expanded its hold on the chamber in November to 119 seats, the largest majority of any party in nearly 60 years.

Six new GOP Senators, half former House members, were sworn in: Senators Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster), former House member, Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington), Michele Brooks (R-Mercer), former House member, Tom McGarrigle (R-Delaware), Mario Scavello (R-Monroe), former House member, and Pat Stefano (R-Fayette) and one new Democratic Senator-- Arthur Haywood (D-Philadelphia).

Overall, the Senate GOP Caucus expanded its hold on the chamber by three votes, 30-20.

The Senate and House also named Committee Chairs for the coming session, but not Committee members yet. (See separate articles)

Senate

In his remarks, Sen. Scarnati said, “No doubt this budget is going to be just as challenging as the past few, and we’ll get through it. As we approach ways to balance the fiscal needs of our Commonwealth, we must ensure that our schools have the tools they need to provide outstanding educational opportunities and safe learning environments for children.

“Moving the state pension systems to be more in line with the private sector is one of the most significant means we have to gain more revenue for needs like education. Senate Bill 1 – that’s the pension reform bill – is a top priority for this session,” said Sen. Scarnati.

“Our policy of fiscal restraint and smart investments is showing clear dividends with the release of employment figures for past months,” Sen. Scarnati said.  “In January of 2011, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was 8.2 percent.  Four years later, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate stands at 5.1 percent - the Commonwealth's lowest rate in more than six years.”

“Supporting innovative and emerging industries has clearly played a key role in reducing unemployment rates. The Marcellus Shale Industry is one industry that has been a significant part of providing for greater economic growth throughout our state,” Sen. Scarnati continued.

“In the new legislative session we must continue to enact policies and pass legislation that will improve the job market and focus on the principles that are fueling Pennsylvania’s clear economic resurgence.”

New Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre) said, “We’re looking forward to growing the economy. I think that’s the most important thing we can do. To make Pennsylvania, all parts of the Commonwealth—whether suburban, urban, or rural—to be a place where the economy can thrive, where people want to create jobs, want to keep jobs, and hopefully bringing jobs in to.”

Sen. Corman also said he’d like to see some action on pension reform, expanding tax incentives to improve economic development, and making government more efficient.

House

Rep. David Reed (R-Indiana) became the youngest Majority Leader in the last 60 years when he took the oath of office on Tuesday.

"As Majority Leader, I have spent the last month meeting with members, including our freshmen, to seek their input as we plan our legislative calendar to help move Pennsylvania forward," Rep. Reed said. "I look forward to working with all my House colleagues and the Senate for this 199th Session of the General Assembly.

"It is a great honor to represent the people of the 62nd District," Rep. Reed added. "So many important issues for people of our area, including the preservation of family-sustaining energy jobs, addressing school property taxes and addressing our state's pension crisis, have great importance across the Commonwealth. I will continue to work to make sure Indiana County and Pennsylvania are great places to live and work."

Rep. Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) returned to Harrisburg as the Minority Leader in the House and in his remarks said he was not sure the General Assembly or Gov.-Elect Wolf ever faced challenges like those now faced by Pennsylvania.

“We want to, once again, make Pennsylvania an economic, educational and environmental leader in the nation,” said Rep. Dermody. “Pennsylvania must commit itself to providing a quality basic education for every single child in the Commonwealth, no matter their address, their background, or their family circumstance.

“It is why Pennsylvania must strengthen its higher education system to prepare our young people to realize their full potential and all our residents to reach for their greatest possibilities.

“Pennsylvania must protect its workers, ensuring that all who provide a good day's work receive a fair day's pay so they and their families don't just stay out of poverty, but participate in and strengthen our economy. 

“Pennsylvania must ensure that women who do the same work as men earn the same wage and the same opportunities to support and sustain their families.

“Pennsylvania must protect its natural resources and guarantee that as we develop those resources, which we all share, we do so in a way that benefits us all.

“We must begin the difficult but necessary work of bringing our budget back into balance so we can fix the problems we face and once again make the investments we need.”

NewsClips:

Lawmakers Forego Lame Duck Session

Legislature Not Likely To Pass Bills Before Wolf Takes Office

Sen. Scarnati Re-Elected President Pro Tempore

Corman, Reed Anxious To Lead On Economic Issues

Turzai Sworn In As House Speaker

1/12/2015