DeLissio lays out legislative approach

Northwest Philadelphia’s newest state representative-elect stopped by a Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association meeting Monday night to talk about her initial days as a freshman legislator and her plans once she’s sworn in.

As of December 1, Democrat Pam DeLissio – who beat-out long-time representative Kathy Manderino for the 194th District seat – became the new voice for Roxborough and Manayunk residents in Harrisburg. She said last week’s orientation period was very interesting.

“As a voter and a taxpayer I was fascinated to learn about how the legislature works. Some things were a very pleasant surprise in terms of the process and others were a little disappointing,” said DeLissio, who will be officially sworn into office Jan. 4.

DeLissio said she was surprised that representatives voted for party leadership roles – like Caucus Leader and Minority Whip – so soon after being elected. She said there wasn’t much time to research each role’s responsibilities.

“Sometimes when they’re designing the orientation they forget that some people are new,” said DeLissio, one of eight first-term legislators, after the meeting.

But DeLissio said she was impressed and excited by the different types of data that are available to her office about the district. It’s something she said she plans on taking full advantage of.

While she’s still learning about each of the General Assembly’s 24 committees, DeLissio said she’s interested in Aging and Adult Services, Transportation and Appropriations. Final assignments, she said, are still several weeks away.

Republicans, however, have the majority in both legislative chambers, which means there will be fewer seats open to Democrats on each committee.

DeLissio said no matter what committee she’s assigned to, her first piece of legislation will be giving tax credits to adults who wish to go back to school.

“We have so many people that would like to up their skill set so they can get a better job,” said DeLissio.

Check out DeLissio’s new website.