For Immediate Release
January 2, 2007
Contact: Tim Nyquist
(717) 787-7084
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PA Senate Opens New Session With Swearing-In Ceremonies;
Election of New Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati 

The Pennsylvania Senate today opened the 2007-2008 legislative session with a swearing-in ceremony and election of a new Senate President Pro Tempore.

Fifteen members of the Senate Republican Caucus took the oath of office, including five new members.  The new members are: 

• Senator Lisa Baker (Luzerne County)

• Senator Mike Brubaker (Lancaster County)

• Senator John Eichelberger (Blair County)

• Senator Mike Folmer (Lebanon County)

• Senator Chuck McIlhinney (Bucks County)

Administering the oath of office was the Honorable D. Michael Fisher, Federal Judge of the United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit.  Judge Fisher served as a State Senator from 1981-1996.

The Senate also elected Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) to serve as the Senate President Pro Tempore.  As President Pro Tempore, he will be responsible for appointing the chairpersons and members of the standing committees of the Senate.  He will preside over the Senate when the Lieutenant Governor is unavailable to do so, as well as play a significant role in negotiations with the Administration and House of Representatives. 

One of the first orders of business today was the adoption of seven reform proposals compiled by GOP and Democrat leaders governing how the Senate operates. 

Under the new rules:

• Session times will be limited to between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

• Amendments will be posted to the Internet before being offered on the Senate floor.

• The Senate will wait at least six hours before voting on an amended bill or a conference committee report.

• All roll call votes will be posted on the Internet as soon as possible after a vote, but always within 24 hours of a vote.

• Committee votes on bills will be posted on the Internet within 48 hours of the vote.

• The Senate's Legislative Journal – which includes the full text of all floor debates – will be posted on the Internet upon Senate approval of the Journal or within 45 days, whichever is earlier.

• An updated fiscal note will be prepared if a bill is amended after consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee, if the amendment has a fiscal impact.

"These and others will be the first of many in our initial steps to change the way we do business in the Senate.  I am proud that with the cooperation and efforts of Senator Dominic Pileggi and Senator Robert Mellow we are going to make the first of several meaningful reforms," Scarnati said.   "This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when both parties work together for what is in the best interest of all Pennsylvanians.  This package is a result of a lot of bi-partisan hard work where the thoughts of members, media, and most of all our constituents were taken into consideration."