The leadership for the Pennsylvania Senate Republicans laid out their principles and priorities Wednesday.
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41), and Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) said Senate Republicans hoped to protect jobs, empower families and defend freedoms. Building on their success from the last legislative session, including improving the state’s tax structure, redesigning the state’s higher education system, modernizing the workforce, and helping to generate jobs. The senators said they hoped to work with the governor and other state leaders to continue to move the state forward.
“We want Pennsylvanians to know the Senate Republican Caucus has their backs and acknowledge that the economy and the pain of higher prices is the same for all Pennsylvanians,” Ward said. “We are focused on putting forward legislation and ideas that help families restore economic freedom while positioning communities to thrive. As we work to strengthen Pennsylvania and empower families, we would like to take the opportunity presented to us by the courts and work with the governor and House to establish a 21st-century education framework that ensures every student in Pennsylvania is workforce-ready and has the opportunity to get a degree or obtain a skill to secure a job. We also hope to expand upon the childcare tax credit which we enacted last year and push for investments in behavioral and mental health.”
The Republican-led plan included energy independence and affordability, workforce development, infrastructure advancement, providing mental and behavioral health support, reducing the tax burden, cutting government red tape, and addressing election integrity, among other things.
“The Senate Republican Caucus has been organized for the 2023-24 legislative session and is working to address issues that affect families across our commonwealth,” Pittman said. “While voters have spoken and sent a divided government to Harrisburg, this does not equate to a dysfunctional government. There is no doubt that inflation is an issue crippling working families, and access to reliable and affordable energy is key to keeping rising costs under control. Increasing energy independence, creating a strong workforce, and investing in infrastructure are critical to moving Pennsylvania forward.”