For the first time in more than a decade, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is run by a Democratic Majority, and big changes are already happening. House Democrats showed an immediate commitment to reform and a new attitude in state government with the support of a new House Speaker .

 

The goals are simple:

• Improved access to quality, affordable health care for every Pennsylvanian
• A open, responsive government accountable to the voters
• Expanded property tax relief for all homeowners

 

These goals are a good start, but the Majority House Democrats are ready to get to work to do even more for working families in the next two years and beyond!

 

A new day, a new future for Pennsylvania

 

This week, all 203 Members - new and returning - were sworn-in to the 191^st Session
 of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The members come from all corners of the state and bring unique viewpoints to their service. Here's a very small sample of their words from swearing-in day. To learn more and meet the rest of the House Democratic Caucus, just visit www.pahouse.com .

 

"As a first-term member of a historic year in the House, I feel an inspiring expectation of change and new direction in Harrisburg. I'm looking forward to joining my colleagues to instill renewed trust in the legislature and developing new solutions to age-old problems like high property taxes and the cost of health care."

       Rep. Bryan Lentz - Delaware County

 

"The November election was a big victory for Pennsylvania's Democratic Party. But it is the people of Pennsylvania who will truly be the big winners as Democrats take hold of the reins in the state House and move to the forefront programs to benefit families, students, the elderly and the small business owner."

       Rep. Josh Shapiro - Montgomery County

 

"I'm looking forward to my first opportunity to serve in the majority, and I think we can get a lot of good legislation through that will benefit Pennsylvania residents. No matter who is in the majority, though, we need to make sure we work together with our fellow legislators and put the priorities of the people first."

       Rep. Jennifer Mann - Lehigh County

 

"Together we're going to be able to overcome the obstacles of the past and be able to work across party lines. Get rid of the old way of doing government, get rid of the old behind closed doors that the people voted against and together we can work to make government transparent and get the health care and property tax and health care reform that we all deserve and need."

       Rep. Scott Conklin - Centre County - to hear more from Rep. Conklin CLICK HERE

 

"Now that we are in the majority, we can make greater inroads in our fight to provide more property tax relief, make health care more accessible to uninsured Pennsylvanians, and attract quality job-creating businesses to our state. We leave a historic year of change behind us and I am confident this session, with strong Democratic leadership, we can chisel a new direction for Pennsylvania."

       Rep. Dave Levdansky - Allegheny County

 

"I am optimistic about the work we can accomplish here, especially with the election of a number of like-minded colleagues who understand the needs of Pennsylvania residents and have pledged to work together in enacting further property tax reform, boosting education and bringing back a measure of transparency to state government."

       Rep. Mike Carroll - Luzerne/Monroe counties

 

"House Democrats are now in the majority, so we will be able to shape the legislative agenda to a much greater extent than during the past 10 years. That presents me with an opportunity to make progress on the issues that my constituents and I believe are important, including reducing health-care costs and expanding health-care access, reducing property taxes, and reforming state government and the legislature in particular."

       Rep. Tom Tangretti - Westmoreland County

 

"My first priority has always been to take care of my family. As Speaker, my goal is to make it easier for all citizens to care for and provide for their families. I look forward to working together to create a stronger, safer Pennsylvania."

       House Speaker Dennis O'Brien

 

Want to hear and see more? Just click here for the latest House Democratic Podcast that will take you right to the House Floor for swearing-in, and let you hear from other lawmakers about their goals for the new session.