Reed Sworn in as Majority Leader for 2017-18 PA House Session
Jobs, improving schools, restructuring government top agenda
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| Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana) joined his House colleagues in taking the oath of office on Tuesday, Jan. 3. The ceremony marks the start of the 201st session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Reed, who is now in his eighth term, was re-elected by his fellow House Republicans to serve as majority leader. |
HARRISBURG – Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana) today was sworn into office as the 2017-18 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives got under way. Reed, who was re-elected to serve as majority leader for a second consecutive term, will oversee a Republican majority which stands at 121-82, the largest advantage since the 1957-58 session. Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) was also elected speaker by House members.
In a House chamber filled with family members, friends and guests, including Gov. Tom Wolf, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, Attorney General-elect Josh Shapiro and Treasurer-elect Joe Torsella, House members recited the oath of office administered by the Hon. Craig Dally of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Among the members taking the oath were 23 first-term lawmakers, including 12 Republicans and 11 Democrats.
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In his remarks, Reed spoke of the 2017-18 House agenda and the opportunity to reshape how government operates and delivers services.
“When the national unemployment rate drops and the state rate grows exorbitantly, something is wrong and needs to be fixed. The House will focus on improving the business climate so employers can grow and create family-sustaining jobs and better careers for Pennsylvanians,” Reed said. “The House will also focus on improving educational opportunities and ensure our schools and employers work together so Pennsylvania students get a practical and useful education.”
Reed noted one of the biggest issues facing the state is a large deficit if nothing is changed in the next budget. According to the Independent Fiscal Office and the Governor’s Office of the Budget, through natural growth, the state may face a $3 billion deficit if the current budget were to be adopted for the next fiscal year.
“Working Pennsylvanians pay the bills here, and we must always be mindful of those folks,” Reed said. “It’s time to take a hard look at wants versus needs, and we need to ensure our government protects our families from crime, educates our kids for today’s world, and fosters economic activity for everyone.”
Reed further spoke of an initiative embraced by the House Republican Caucus, but appealed to all of state government to join in the restructuring effort to restructure government.
“While difficulties exist, we have a tremendous opportunity to move Pennsylvania forward together. Just reshuffling the deck to hold on to the status quo of the past won’t bring us a 21st century Pennsylvania. Now is the time to reimagine and redesign government, our state and our future,” Reed said.
Following the oaths of office and remarks, the House voted to adopt the rules which govern how the body will operate. Some modifications of last session’s rules were made to clarify issues raised by members and leaders to help make the body more effective and efficient.
Reed has represented the 62nd Legislative District since his election in 2002. In 2010, he was elected by his colleagues as chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee. In that position, Reed led hearings on important issues, including anti-poverty efforts, taxation, energy and welfare reform, in order to create effective legislation which benefits the entire state. In addition, Reed served as chairman of the House Republican Campaign Committee and helped grow the Republican House majority in every election since 2009.
Representative Dave Reed
62nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
RepDaveReed.com /
Facebook.com/RepReed / @RepReedPA
Media Contact: Stephen Miskin, 717.705.1852
@SAM1963 /
smiskin@pahousegop.com