Guzman takes oath for first term
Rep. Manuel Guzman January 5, 2021 | 5:16 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Manny Guzman took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin his first term representing the 127th Legislative District, which comprises parts of the city of Reading and Kenhorst in Berks County.
The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House. Guzman is also scheduled to be installed as the treasurer of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus during its installation of officers at 6 p.m. Wednesday. He will host an online town hall at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Guzman said some of his priorities in his first term will be raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15, extending an eviction moratorium to avert a housing crisis and ending mass incarceration through criminal justice reform.
“I am humbled to represent the people of Reading and Kenhorst,” Guzman said. “It is one of the greatest honors of my lifetime to be asked to provide a voice for friends, neighbors and residents of the 127th Legislative District.”
Guzman’s office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepMannyGuzman.com for a link to his online town hall at 7 p.m. Thursday. Guzman’s office is located on the fourth floor at 645 Penn St., Reading.
Guzman is just the second person to hold this seat since 1977, replacing Tom Caltagirone, the longest-serving representative in the history of the Pennsylvania House – who retired after serving the district from his election in 1976 through 2020.
Washington County Judge Brandon Neuman, a former House member, administered the oath of office.
In his first term, Rep. Guzman joins 24 other first-term members. There are 11 new Democrats and 14 new Republicans.
There are 59 female members in the House, the most to date. There are 32 Democrats and 27 Republicans.