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House Leadership Races, Guide to New Members of General Assembly

The House Republican and Democratic Caucuses picked their Leadership teams this week and here’s the rundown. The Senate elects its Leadership next week. Also look for the link to the Guide to New Members published by the Pennsylvanians for Effective Government.

Republicans

Speaker – John M. Perzel (Philadelphia)

Majority Leader – Sam Smith (Jefferson)

Whip – David Argall (Schuylkill)

Caucus Chair – Sandra Major (Susquehanna) (New)

Caucus Secretary – Jerry Stern (Blair) (New)

Caucus Administrator – Merle Phillips (Northumberland)

Appropriations Chair – Mario Civera (Delaware) (New)

Policy Chair – Mike Turzai (Allegheny) (New)

House Majority Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) had this to say about the direction of his Caucus in the coming session, "The message from the members of the Republican Caucus is clear: It is time to stop the unrestrained state spending. Our other caucus priorities will be welfare reform, which means job growth, along with promoting personal responsibility and accountability."

Democrats

Minority Leader – Bill DeWeese (Greene)

Whip – Keith McCall (Carbon) (New)

Caucus Chair – Mark Cohen (Philadelphia)

Caucus Secretary – Frank Dermody (Allegheny) (New)

Caucus Administrator – Dan Surra (Elk) (New)

Appropriations Chair – Dwight Evans (Philadelphia)

Policy Chair – Todd Eachus (Luzerne) (New)

House Minority Leader Bill DeWeese (D-Greene) offered these thoughts, “Our leadership team is prepared to tackle issues that matter to working families across this Commonwealth – affordable health care, further property tax relief and open and accountable government. We are eager to build upon the successes we’ve achieved, such as increasing the minimum wage, putting into motion a billion dollars in property tax cuts, investing billions more in economic stimulus, protecting our environment and making strides toward energy independence.”

Of course this assumes the Republicans maintain their 102-101 majority in seats in the House. There are still outstanding absentee ballots to be counted in Chester County at this writing.

As far as further action on legislation, keep an eye on the Senate Rules and Appropriation committee agendas for concurrence votes on bills. The Senate really does not want to do any “heavy lifting” before it adjourns for the year.

Pennsylvanians for Effective Government published a Guide to New Members this week complete with photos, bios and contact information.

Session Schedule

The Senate is scheduled to be in session November 20 and 21 and the House November 20, 21 and 22 and then both are scheduled to adjourn for the year before going home for the Thanksgiving holiday.

PA Environment Digest Video Blog

· Trout Unlimited Members Celebrate Nearly 20 Years of Treating Acid Mine Water

· PA Resources Council Honors Clifford L. Jones With Fox Calhoun Award

On the Hill

· On the Senate/House Agenda

· Action on Senate/House Bills/Bills Introduced

· Environmental Issues Forum to Feature Emerging Contaminants in PA Waters

Other News

· PA Resources Council Honors Cliff Jones, 5 Others with Sustainability Awards

· Chesapeake Bay’s 2006 State of the Bay Report Shows Slight Improvement

· DEP Requests Comments on Redraft of Nutrient/Sediment Trading Proposal

· Penn State Offers Free "Primer" on Water Quality Credit Trading