Counties will see changes to their state legislative delegations for the 2015-2016 session, both as a result of the Nov. 4 election, and as a result of new legislative districts taking effect.

Twenty-six new House members and seven new Senate members will be sworn in Jan. 6. In the House 22 members were elected to fill seats of resigning legislators, while four defeated incumbents. In the Senate (for which only half of the 50 seats were up for election) six vacant seats were filled and one incumbent was defeated.

Republicans widened their majorities in both the House and the Senate. In the House, Republicans gained eight seats for a 119-84 majority, while on the Senate side, three districts changed from Democratic to Republican representation, giving the Senate GOP a 30-20 majority.

commissioner Tina Pickett (R-110th), former Schuylkill County commissioner and CCAP officer Jerry Knowles (R-124th), former clerk to Lehigh County council Steve Samuelson (D-135th), and former Delaware County councilmember Tom Killion (R-168th).

Incumbent and former Centre County commissioner Scott Conklin (D-77th) defeated a Libertarian challenger, as did former Northumberland County commissioner Kurt Masser (R) in reelection to his 107th district seat.

Lycoming County commissioner and CCAP Board member Jeff Wheeland (R) mounted a successful challenge to incumbent Rick Mirabito in the 83rd district.

The House and Senate convened on Nov. 12 to choose their leadership for the 2015-2016 session. Formal elections for Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tempore will be held by their respective bodies on Jan. 6 when the General Assembly returns to swear in new legislators. The full results of the leadership elections can be found on CCAP's Legislative Action Center.

On the House side, Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), currently the House Majority Leader, was selected by his caucus as Speaker of the House designee, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Rep. Sam Smith (R-Jefferson). Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana) was chosen to replace Rep. Turzai as majority leader. Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) will remain House Appropriations chair and Rep. Sandy Major (R-Susquehanna) will remain majority caucus chair. Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) will replace Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) as majority whip and Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre) will take the majority Policy Committee chair position vacated by Rep. Reed. Former CCAP member Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion) also joins the House Republican leadership team as caucus secretary.

With the general election now completed, CCAP is encouraging counties to meet with their new representatives and reconnect with returning legislators. While members are home in their districts, this is a great time to share legislative priorities and establish relationships for the new year. Ideas for hands-on learning could include:

• A visit with county human services to discuss programs such as the human services block grant, child protection activities, mental health and substance abuse programs, and others.
• A tour of the county nursing home to discuss the rising cost of care in these safety net facilities.
• A visit to see the activity in the county 911 Public Safety Answering Point.
• A trip to view bridges in need of repair.
• A tour of the jail to discuss health care costs, mental health issues and space issues.
• A discussion with commissioners about assessment and taxation issues, recycling programs, county courts and other core county services.

Additional resources for connecting with legislators are available on CCAP's Legislative Action Center, or counties can contact Government Relations staff at PACountiesGR@pacounties.org for more information.