2003-04 Session Begins, Ryan Elected Speaker For Sixth Term
The 2003-04 Session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives opened this week with the election of Rep. Matthew J. Ryan (R-Delaware) to a historic sixth term as speaker. Ryan is the longest-serving speaker since the mid-18th century and the third-longest serving speaker since William Penn created the General Assembly more than 300 years ago. Ryan has represented the 168th District in Delaware County since 1963. He was elected to his 21st term in office in last November’s election. Twenty-two new members, 15 Republicans and seven Democrats, were sworn in as the 202 members recited the oath of office administered by former House member, now Common Pleas Judge Chris R. Wogan of Philadelphia.
Property Taxes, Health Care and Communities Top GOP Agenda
Serving his fifth consecutive term as majority leader, Rep. John Perzel (R-Philadelphia) outlined the agenda for the upcoming legislative session during Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremonies. Perzel said one of the top priorities of the House for the new session will be education and dealing with growing property taxes. He also expects the House to quickly focus on health care early in the year. Finally, Perzel vowed to help make Pennsylvania’s communities the best and most vibrant in the nation. The House will work to provide local governments with the tools needed to fight blight, plan proper growth and bring people back to Main Street.
Committee Chairmen Appointed for 2003-04
Four standing committees of the House of Representatives will start the session with new chairmen. Speaker of the House Matthew J. Ryan (R-Delaware) appointed Rep. Dick Hess (R-Bedford) to chair the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, Rep. Dennis Leh (R-Berks) to chair the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, Rep. Ron Raymond (R-Delaware) to chair the Liquor Control Committee and Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) to chair the Urban Affairs Committee. The chairmen of the other 19 House committees remain the same.
