Armstrong County Representative Sworn In as Secretary

 

State Representative Donna Oberlander (who represents portions of Armstrong, Clarion and Forest Counties in the 63rd Legislative District) took the oath of office yesterday for her fourth term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She was joined at the Capitol ceremony by her family and loved ones.

“The excitement of swearing-in day is contagious, as today marks the starts of the new legislative session with a number of new faces and optimism for the new session before us,” Oberlander said. “Being the voice of the citizens of the 63rd District is a responsibility I take very seriously, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for fiscal conservatism, especially in terms of growing our economy, reducing red tape and unnecessary regulation and making our region a more attractive place to do business.”

In November, Oberlander was selected by her peers to serve as caucus secretary for the first time, where she will be responsible for recording all official action of the House of Representatives and helping to mentor the first-term representatives. Being a part of the House Republican leadership team will allow her to have a seat at the table for negotiations on the State’s and region’s highest priorities.

“As chairman of the House Diabetes and Gas and Oil caucuses, the health care and natural gas industries are significant to me and to our local residents because each issue has a profound impact on people’s everyday lives,” Oberlander continued. “Since both will continue to be at the forefront of policy discussions this term, it is imperative that we develop responsible legislation that will benefit our local residents.

That’s no small task, but it is one in which I’m eager to tackle.”

Oberlander also serves on the Environmental Resources, Energy, Appropriations, Local Government and Children and Youth committees.

New House Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana) reflected on the importance of public service in his address before member of the General Assembly.

“So, today, as we celebrate the beginning of this journey together, as we look ahead to the decisions we must make, my only wish, my only hope and my only prayer for each of us is that we be worthy…That we be worthy of the trust our communities have bestowed upon us, that we be worthy of this grand opportunity we have to lead, and that we be worthy and forever be mindful of the place each one of us now has in the history books of Pennsylvania,” Reed spoke. “May God watch over this body and continue to bless our families, our friends and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and this great state.”