In an effort to help you become acquainted with the 27 new House Democrats, we're providing brief synopsis about them in this space.

Rep. Jaret Gibbons (D-10, Lawrence/Beaver/Butler) earned his bachelor's degree in political science and business administration from Duquesne University his juris doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh's School of Law. He has experience with the Pennsylvania Department of State, state Senate, Moon Township Finance Department and the Pittsburgh Tax Review.

Rep. Pat Harkins (D-1, Erie) studied political science at Mercyhurst College and Penn State Behrend. A former judge of elections in Erie, Harkins also served on a school board for six years. Formerly a driver with the United Parcel Service for 23 years, he and his wife Michelle have three children.

Rep. John Hornaman (D-3, Erie) earned a bachelor's of science degree from Gannon University, served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army, established a painting contracting business which he operated for 30 years and also served on the Act 101 Solid Waste Committee of Erie County. Hornaman and his wife JoAnn have two daughters, and three grandchildren.

Rep. Dave Kessler (D-130, Berks) earned a bachelor's of science degree in marketing/business from York College and owned and operated an equipment financing company for 21 years. He and his wife Gail have two sons. Kessler dedicated much of his life to volunteer work and worked tirelessly for the last 13 years as Oley Township supervisor and 15 years as a member of the Planning Commission.

Rep. Chris King (D-142, Bucks) earned a degree in political science and economics at Millersville University, where he was a leader in student government. He served on Gov. Rendell's transition team for education policy in 2003. Since 2002, King served as a budget and policy analyst on the staff of the House of Representatives. He lives in Langhorne with his family.

Rep. Bill Kortz (D-38, Allegheny) is a veteran of the steel industry who worked for U.S. Steel at the Irvin Plant for nearly three decades. He received a bachelor's of arts degree in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and also attended Duquesne University's master's of business administration program. He is the father of three children.

Rep. Deberah Kula (D-52, Fayette/Westmoreland) worked in the judicial system for more than 31 years, most recently serving as a North Union Magisterial District Judge for 14 years. She also was the Court Administrator for the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas. Kula and her husband Frank have three children and nine grandchildren.

Rep. Bryan Lentz (D-161, Delaware) is a fourth generation Army veteran who received a full Army scholarship to attend Georgetown University. He completed the Infantry Officers Basic Course and U.S. Army Ranger School, later serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. Lentz also served six years as a prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and as an attorney in private practice. He and his wife Jennifer reside in Swarthmore.

Rep. Mark Longietti (D-7, Mercer) earned his bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Westminster College and his law degree from the Boston College Law School. In 2001, he established a law practice in Sharon. He attended the Democratic National Convention in 1996, 2000 and 2004, serving as an elected alternate delegate and delegate.

Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-51, Fayette) is a former United Mine Worker who established numerous successful business enterprises in the Fayette County area. He also served as Fayette County Jury Commissioner. Mahoney and his wife Beth have four children.

Rep. Mike O'Brien (D-175, Philadelphia) served as chief of staff for state Rep. Marie Lederer, has been active in neighborhood and housing efforts while working in the private sector and was a board member for numerous nonprofit organizations. He and his wife Rita have two children.

'i on PA' looks at safety and education

The new episode of i on Pa focuses on the efforts made by House Democrats to protect Pennsylvania's children and on higher education. First, Rep. Jennifer Mann explains her legislation recently signed into law by Gov. Rendell that gives the public more information about Pennsylvania sex offenders on the state's Megan's Law Web site. Then, we'll look at the final report of a statewide committee investigating academic freedom in the classrooms of our colleges and universities, with Rep. John Yudichak, a committee member.

Click here to watch the latest podcast.