Local Lawmaker Gains More Prestige

Citizens in the 194th District might get a little more clout when it comes to Harrisburg this legislative term.

State Rep. Pamela DeLissio (D-194) was chosen by her peers to be a vice-chairman to the Southeast Pennsylvania Democratic Caucus in the General Assembly.

DeLissio represents Philadelphia (Roxborough-Manayunk) and Lower Merion Township (Bala Cynwyd-Belmont Hills). She joins three of her peers in leadership roles in suburban Philadelphia.

Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, will serve as chairman of the delegation. Reps. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, Margo Davidson, D-Delaware, and Madeleine Dean, D-Montgomery will join DeLissio as vice chairmen.

Additionally, Rep. Matthew Bradford, D-Montgomery, was elected treasurer, and Rep. Maria Donatucci, D-Delaware/Philadelphia, was elected secretary.

“It is a privilege to assist in leading this delegation in the 2013-2014 session,” DeLissio said. “With five new members and many returning members, we have a group that has solid and extensive private and public sector experience. The delegation is prepared to bring its collective expertise to Harrisburg on behalf of our constituents.”

Santarsiero said the rapid growth of the caucus since 2006 has given the delegation a greater say on budget issues and is helping to foster an environment of change. 

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen our region’s economy with prudent investment in education, rebuilding our infrastructure and protecting our environment,” Santarsiero said.

The delegation now has 21 members, making it both the fastest growing and largest delegation within the House Democratic Caucus.

Freshman members of the Southeast Delegation are Reps.-Elect Stephen McCarter, Mary Jo Daley and Mark Painter, all from Montgomery County; Rep.-Elect Mark Rozzi, from Berks County; and Rep.-Elect Patty Kim, from Dauphin County.