The people of Pennsylvania have spoken clearly: they want state government to be more accountable and more open - business as usual isn't business as usual anymore, no matter how many new titles are thrown around. That's why House Democrats are standing with the new House Speaker to take the lead on reform.

This week, state Rep. Josh Shapiro was named by the Speaker to co-chair a new Reform Commission that will bring 12 lawmakers from each party - from veterans to fresh faces - to revamp the way the House does the people's business.

Simply put - everything is on the table. Every idea and every proposal will get a fair hearing. The clock is ticking, and House Democrats are getting to work.

A new day, a new future for Pennsylvania

Of course, there is a lot more on the agenda for the Majority Democrats as we work with Governor Ed Rendell to fight for working families. Tune in this Sunday at 2:30 on the Pennsylvania Cable Network for Pennsylvania's Future: Agenda for Action and join House Majority Whip Keith McCall as he outlines what the future holds for property tax relief, health care reform, school funding and much, much more. Click here for a preview.

Creating a sensible spending plan
 

The most important bill the Legislature debates every year is the state's multi-billion dollar budget. While the Governor's Budget Address is still a few weeks away, Majority Appropriations Chairman Rep. Dwight Evans is already hitting the ground running to plan the weeks of budget hearings. Click here to see what's on deck.