by KYW's Tony Romeo
Pennsylvania lawmakers have been sworn in for a new two-year session of the legislature.
"I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity."
"Congratulations, Speaker McCall."
Keith McCall (D-Carbon County, in file photo above) took the oath of office as the new speaker of the House just after the oath was administered to rank-and-file members. He addressed his colleagues:
“We will restore the public’s pride and confidence in government, stand up for the ideals of our founders...”
But the goodwill didn’t last very long. The House soon found itself in a contentious debate over the rules under which it will operate.
In the Senate, as expected, lieutenant governor Joe Scarnati was elected the top officer, the president pro tempore.
Lawmakers will return later this month to tackle business. Among the problems they face is a widening budget gap resulting from the poor economy.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
