For Immediate Release
January 2, 2007
Contact: Tim Nyquist
(717) 787-7084
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Remarks of President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati

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Madam President, colleagues, and guests,

I would like to begin by thanking my family and friends for being with me on this special day.  Without you, none of this would have been possible…you have helped shape me into the man I am today and for that I am deeply grateful.  Also, I want to thank my colleagues for trusting and voting for me as President Pro Tempore…I will not let you down.  And I want to thank Bishop Rhoades and Judge Fisher. I would be remiss if I didn't thank my staff, who are like my extended family.

I stand before you very humbled and honored…a man who truly recognizes the privilege of being the next President Pro Tempore in the Senate of Pennsylvania.  A privilege and position that Robert Jubelirer held for longer than any other person in history.  He is a man that led this chamber with fairness and dignity.  He imparted a sense of pride, passion, and commitment that clearly have been principles in making him the man he is today.  Most importantly, he showed that he could be himself while effectively getting things done.  I, personally, and this chamber collectively, should be very thankful for his leadership. 

However, as one chapter closes, another begins.  I hope to make each of you proud, as we enter into a new era of leadership and leadership styles.  As Senator Jubelirer did for so many years, I too will infuse my personality in leading this chamber. 

I am proud to have my family here today…my grandma, my sister, and my parents. Being their son and being a third generation business owner, I learned early on about what it takes to be successful in life.  They taught me the value of dedication, hard work, and perseverance.  They taught me to listen, learn, and laugh.  They also taught me that it was all right to disagree with one another, but not be disagreeable in doing so.  Even when times were not so easy, they taught me to never lose sight of being a good person and be a source of pride throughout our community.  I will take their teaching into this position. 

This Senate, this chamber, and yes, this family is no different.  We must work together to earn public trust and be a source of pride throughout the Commonwealth…even when we disagree.  Each of us needs to be a leader and exhibit the courage to accept change.  We must commit to one another that we will listen, learn, and provide results to the citizens of Pennsylvania. 

Over the course of my tenure, you will often hear the words cooperation, openness, and accessibility because that is how business must be done throughout this chamber…only then can we realize our fullest potential.

Ladies and Gentlemen, my door has been and will always be open, whether it is big issues, small issues, issues of compromise, or issues of controversy…I am here to listen and lead.  And understand that means both sides of the aisle.  Our former colleague Noah Wenger, told me something about this aisle separating the Democrat and Republican sides of the chamber.  This is something I will never forget as I take this position.  He said "Aisles aren't for dividing, they are for walking down and reaching across."

We have serious challenges facing us.  The budget, transportation, job-creation, healthcare, and others…and quite frankly those are not party issues.  They are issues that all of us face everyday.  While we may not all agree on the avenues to take in addressing these issues, we cannot be delayed by our differences, and must be determined in finding results.  Results…that is what our citizens demand…that is what our citizens deserve…and that is what our citizens will realize. 

Better education in a Democrat district is no more important than in a Republican district… improving infrastructure must be completed all across the state…families in Republican and Democrat districts alike need accessible, affordable healthcare…and family-sustaining jobs are just as important to those people living in Senator Costa's district as they are in Senator Corman's district. 

You see, I understand there will be differences and debate, but results are what truly matters.  Let's take the differences and make them civil and let's take the debates and make them informed.  There must be room for aggressive support and principled stands.  Therefore let our goals be bi-partisan cooperation whenever possible, loyal opposition whenever necessary and civility always.

Looking to accomplish our ultimate goals necessitates a change in the way we do business.  First, we must work to make the legislative process more open to public scrutiny.  We must make it easier for the public to see how members voted.  And we must act during reasonable hours.  Why change? Because we should, it is the right thing to do. And why change?  Because we can, technology makes it possible.

The act of shedding more light benefits not just the citizens we represent, but this chamber as well.  The fact is, we do a lot of good in this chamber.  We acted on bills to create jobs through Strategic Development Areas.  We acted on bills to expand exemptions to National Guard members and disabled veterans.  We acted on bills to help farmers.  We acted on bills that further provide access to affordable prescription drugs to seniors.  We acted on many bills, with many topics that provide a better quality of life for Pennsylvanians.

Quite frankly, I am proud of what we have done in this chamber and it is time we open the doors and let the citizens in.  Beginning today, this chamber will change rules that will act to gain public trust and show that we are proud of what we have done and we have nothing to hide.  I am proud to be a State Senator and a representative of the people…I have nothing to hide and the following changes must be implemented. 

•  Senate business will be done without late night votes.

•  We will post votes on the internet in a timely manner

•  Amendments will be posted on the internet before offered on the floor.

•  And yes…we will now get more of an opportunity to read the bills we are voting on.

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 Pileggi and Senator Mellow, here today, we are going to make the first of several meaningful reforms.  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.  Senator Pileggi and Senator Mellow…I thank you for your leadership… but know as we act on these rule changes, we must also have the courage to go further.  All branches of government must have the courage and willingness to make the changes necessary for a more effective, more efficient, more accountable government. 

Another aspect of conducting business in the best interest of the citizens we represent is having fiscal restraint.  Spending for bad special interest programs must not come at the expense of cutting good, positive, and productive programs.  Living within our means and making sure every dollar is spent with the same discretion as a working family must be our priority.  As Senator John Wozniak has said many times, "What about John and Mary Papufsna?"  In other words, our concerns and actions must lie within the families we represent.  Acting as good stewards of taxpayer money is not always easy, but it is essential if we are to make Pennsylvania a better place for workers to work and for businesses to do business.

Lastly, I want to leave everyone with a thought on cooperation.

In 1983, a famous Republican quoted Franklin Roosevelt, saying "The future lies with those wise political leaders who realize that the great public is interested more in government than in politics."

That Republican, Ronald Reagan, in the spirit of cooperation, then asked, "Men and women of both parties, every political shade, concentrate on the long-range, bi-partisan responsibilities of government, not the short-range or short-term temptation of partisan politics."

FDR knew it.  Ronald Reagan knew it.  While they were both passionate in their views of government, views that could not be more different, they knew what the people wanted and society needed. Results.

Being open, listening, and cooperating in the spirit of democracy will give this chamber a good foundation to accomplish our intended objectives.  Positive results will be the residue of our actions. 

Now let's spend time meeting and welcoming our new members and inviting them into this family.  Today marks the beginning of a new era and a change in how we do business.  Thanks for listening and God bless.