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Jubelirer Sworn in as Senate President Pro
Tempore for 2006
HARRISBURG --
Enjoying the continuing support of his Senate
colleagues, Senator Robert C. Jubelirer today took the oath of office as
President Pro Tempore. This marks the 21st time he has been elected to the top
Senate position.
Although legislative sessions run for two years,
the President Pro Tempore must be elected each year. The mid-session election
requirement is contained in the state Constitution.
“This leadership position involves a great deal
of trust and responsibility. It gives me the opportunity to have a substantial
impact on legislation, the state budget, and state policy. Most importantly, it
helps in working out solutions and delivering needed results for our area,”
Jubelirer said.
“Only with the constant support of the voters in
the district is this possible. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, to
work for progress for our area, and to protect our interests,” he added.
Jubelirer offered some observations on the
position and the legislative agenda following the swearing in.
Senator Robert C. Jubelirer's Remarks
President Pro Tempore Swearing-in
Thank you for this honor and
the renewed opportunity to serve.
Although they failed to
foresee Penn State's frequent bowl participation, the writers of the state
Constitution had a good thought when they put in the requirement for the
mid-session election. It is a timely reminder of the responsibilities we share,
and it gives us occasion to appraise both the progress realized and the
challenges remaining before us.
I once saw a comment by an
individual who wanted to be a philosopher, but could not, because his sense of
cheerfulness kept breaking in. Amidst the dour commentary about state
government and those who serve, there is encouraging evidence around that our
work does make a difference. Even more, there are cheery reasons for optimism
about the future.
The year begins with positive
numbers on several fronts -- the improving job picture and the substantial
cooling of the medical malpractice crisis most notably. The laws we have
written, the programs we have created, the responses to needs we have fashioned,
are having constructive impact.
As the public interest in
reform rises, we can show the people what the lobbyist disclosure required by
our Senate Rule has revealed, as we soon release the totals from the first six
months of 2005. Perhaps this will finally make the compelling case to turn the
bill this Senate unanimously passed last April into a worthy state law that
fulfills the public interest.
This session has been more
productive than the critics would wish to concede. We are deep into an
agenda of major and consequential issues. The involvement and contributions of
members on both sides of the aisle are equally broad.
Those who suggest little will
be accomplished in 2006, because it is an election year, err by discounting the
determination that drove action in the fall and the commitment to continuing to
deliver results.
Late last year, we achieved
bipartisan consensus on a significant property tax relief plan, seeking to solve
the most complex and contentious issue of a generation. Senate passage was a
big step; now we must seal a deal that is genuinely pro-taxpayer. We were
equally bipartisan in our approach to other key issues, such as eminent domain
and the extension of MCARE relief.
Though we work in a political world filled with
doubt and disdain, it is a privilege to see the ability, the intelligence, the
energy, and the public spirit that the members of the Senate display daily.
Best wishes for a healthy, productive, and fulfilling New Year.
 
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