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Senator Robert C. Jubelirer
President Pro Tempore Swearing-in
January 4, 2005
The oath of office for President Pro Tempore is a
moment of serious intent and heartfelt commitment. Having a friendly judge
administer it makes the moment even more special. I deeply appreciate the
trust, the support, and the responsibility that come with this position.
Welcome to the guests of the Senate -- family,
friends, state and local officials, community and political leaders -- who join
us in this ceremony. This is a day of celebration of democracy, a day when
there is renewal of the commitments to reform and progress, a day when we put
the spotlight on the optimism and opportunities at the heart of public service.
We are honored to have the new Bishop, the Most
Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, offering thoughtful and inspirational words. We are
quite accustomed to hearing insightful remarks from a Rhoades from Schuylkill
County, but missing in this instance are the colorful expressions rooted in
football that Senator Rhoades is so fond of.
We are honored to have Superior Court President
Judge Joseph A. Del Sole administering the oath of office to the newly elected
and re-elected Senators. Pennsylvania’s court system is enjoying a rebirth in
esteem, as the Chief Justice and his colleagues have overhauled rules and
procedures to reflect the public interest. Judge Del Sole is a significant part
of that performance. Progress rarely receives the attention that problems do,
so it is important to acknowledge the substantial and constructive leadership
being exercised by our judicial branch.
Thank you, Senator Brightbill, Senator Mellow, and
Senator Piccola, for your gracious words of nomination. You have given
Pennsylvanians a glimpse of the quality and articulate leadership that we see
displayed every session day.
Back before the glory days of Chuck Noll and Terry
Bradshaw and Franco Harris and Lynn Swann, Steelers’ fans had a time-honored
lament for their frustrations -- Same Old Steelers. Those critical of the
Senate tend to use a similar refrain -- Same Old Senate.
But it is not -- change is ever present. Two new
Senators were sworn in today, and we are pleased to welcome Senators Pat Vance
and Bob Regola. And this is not the end of change. We will have three special
elections in the weeks ahead, given the resignations of Charlie Dent and Allyson
Schwartz to take seats in Congress, and the pending departure of Jack Wagner to
begin his service as Pennsylvania’s Auditor General.
So we see a lot of experience and accomplishment
depart. We see new enthusiasm and fresh perspective arrive. The constant is
the high level of capability and commitment among the fifty members.
Marilyn vos Savant, the genius who takes on all
inquiries weekly in Parade Magazine, keeps lists of the most
dumbfounding questions people pose, such as:
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What is it about a doctor’s office that makes
you weigh fifteen pounds more there? Is it some sort of atmospheric
pressure change?
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Why did God make cockroaches?
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Why are tornadoes attracted to mobile home
parks?
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Why were most of the major Civil War battles
fought in national parks?
We thankfully do not have to answer these questions
through legislation, but we do confront hard questions about the direction
Pennsylvania must take, about the priorities we will set, and about the types of
results that will be produced.
There are challenges aplenty. Restoring public
confidence in our process. Renewing the push for educational improvement and
accountability. Reining in the health care costs that are undermining budgets
everywhere. Rebuilding the job base of manufacturing.
While there has been a great deal done in the name
of job creation, economic development, and small business encouragement, this
session will see vigorous attention targeted toward recovering manufacturing.
Manufacturing is a pillar of our economy, a cornerstone for the health of many
communities, and a key to our reputation and outlook. We must resist the
temptation to have state government intrude too often or too heavily into the
marketplace. Instead, we should create the conditions for growth and for
enterprise to flourish, through smart budgeting, through compelling incentives,
through competitive infrastructure, to retain jobs, to attract jobs, to build on
the professions essential to economic vitality.
Good government will inevitably attain priority as
well. We will again adopt a Senate Rule providing for lobbyist disclosure.
Since January of 2003, the Senate Rule has been the only disclosure mechanism
applicable. The benefit to the public is apparent, revealing the dimension of
the spending and the heavy concentration of lobbying activity on hugely
controversial matters. In 2003, nearly $87 million was reported. In the first
six months of 2004, over $64 million was reported. A law will be better still,
capturing now unreported spending on lobbying the House and the executive
branch. That reform measure will be Senate Bill 1.
If you read enough of the year-end commentaries, you
could become convinced there are at least six state Senates. They talk about
the one who passed too many bills, and the one who did next-to-nothing; the one
who did not stay in session long enough, and the one who never should have been
in session in the first place; the one too easily deadlocked, and the one too
quick to compromise.
Obviously, there are widely divergent perspectives
on our work. I prefer the perspective you see today, with the talent and
ability gathered here, the concern and caring that mark the work here, the
dedication and determination of advocacy brought to bear here.
There are frequent attempts to chalk up every policy
dispute and issue deadlock as partisan politics at work. The truth is more
complicated. There are splits over priorities, over parochial outlooks, over
principles, to be sure, and the fault lines move depending on the controversy.
Yet much consensus is built, and much useful and productive legislation is
approved overwhelmingly with bipartisan support.
Groups are quick to tag those who do not sign up for
their agenda wholesale as anti-this or anti-that. Take a look around, at the
talented men and women in this chamber, and you will see advocacy in abundance.
There can be disagreements over direction and degree, but there is nowhere the
inclination to turn back the clock or to turn off progress. What the members of
the Senate stand for are things extremely important to the future of our
Commonwealth.
Reform. Responsibility. Results. These concepts
matter. They are central to our efforts. Through Republican and Democrat
Administrations, through periods of liberal and conservative tendencies, the
state Senate has sustained a reputation for thoughtful, progressive leadership,
testament to the incredible ability and effort of the men and women who serve
here.
Again, I want to convey my gratitude to the members
of the Senate for your support and your friendship. To the families and honored
guests, thank you for joining in this special moment and for the support you
show throughout the year. We intend to make this a productive session for
Pennsylvania’s families, for workers, for communities, and for making the
Commonwealth a leader among states.
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