Members of the Pennsylvania legislature old and new officially took the oath of office on Tuesday. Both members of the Senate and the House of Representatives took part in swearing-in ceremonies at the State Capitol in Harrisburg.
Hundreds packed the Capitol to watch loved ones. "This is a day to celebrate the institution of our government and the transition of government," said Rep. Kevin Schreiber (D) York County.
With their hands on the Bible members of the House of Representatives took their oath. Rep. Schreiber is taking office for his second term. "We are placing our hand on the bible to uphold the constitution, we are upholding the constitution of our country but also this commonwealth. It is really meaningful when you say those words and raise your hand," said Rep. Schreiber.
26 are new House member including Representative Kate Klunk (R) York County, who will serve the newly formed 169th District.
"I am ready to hit the ground running and if that means coming in this afternoon, tomorrow, whenever that is, i am here to work for the people of the 169th," said Rep. Klunk.
Work?
The question remains, will everyone get to work right away, or wait until Governor-Elect Tom Wolf takes office? Some Republicans want to take advantage of the last few days of Tom Corbett's administration to get some things done they have been working on for years. Senator John Eichelberger points to reforming pensions and the state getting out of the liquor business. "We probably have about six to eight bills that we could work on in a short period of time that would be very important to the people in the state," said Sen. Eichelberger (R) Blair County.
Others want to wait. "It's only a political courtesy to allow the new governor to come in and set forth his agenda. Pennsylvanians in vast numbers responded on election day and they elected governor-elect Wolf," said Rep. Schreiber.
