Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) was sworn in as President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate for a third time. He will serve this term for the 2011-2012 legislative session.
"Once again, I am honored and humbled to be named President Pro Tempore by my colleagues in the Senate," Sen. Scarnati stated. "Certainly, we have accomplished a lot over the past several years, and I look forward to leading this chamber in the next legislative session."
Sen. Scarnati mentioned that during his swearing-in speech, he wanted to focus his remarks on jobs, the struggles of working families, and the concerns of our job creators.
"We are going through the worst economy since the Great Depression, and I felt it was important to drive home to Pennsylvanians that focus must continue to be on putting people back to work," Sen. Scarnati stated. "With many new faces and ideas, I am confident that we can enact fiscally sound policy that will get workers working and businesses doing business right here in Pennsylvania."
"With that said, a recognition of the fiscal realities of the Pennsylvania family and a reduction in government spending must go hand in hand," Sen. Scarnati added. "Our attention cannot be diverted, as we are clearly living in difficult economic times. Therefore, it is not only necessary, but our responsibility to make difficult budgetary decisions, and ensure that our citizens are keeping more of the money they earn."
According to Sen. Scarnati there will be many issues facing legislators in the 2011-2012 legislative session, such as transportation, education, Marcellus Shale, and others.
"However, I am confident that we will not lose sight of our core mission of not compromising the family budget for that of the state budget," Sen. Scarnati concluded. "Again, I thank my colleagues, and I am ready to continue making Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and raise a family."
