Pa. legislative leaders opt for longer holiday
Democratic Gov.-elect Tom Wolf, left, shakes hands with Gov. Tom Corbett, right, as former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum looks on Tuesday before newly elected members of the Pennsylvania Legislature were sworn in. The Senate and House chambers both adjourned until Wolf's swearing in Jan. 20. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke
It was fun while it lasted, but call this rumor bunk: Leaders and aides say the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania House and Senate will not try to push bills to Gov. Tom Corbett’s desk before Democratic Gov.-elect Tom Wolf is sworn in.
“If you’re talking about something to get to Gov. Corbett’s desk, there’s not even enough days now, at this point, unless we were in this week,” said Republican Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman as he walked to his office following Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremonies.
The Senate and House chambers both adjourned until Jan. 20. Corman said it’s “highly unlikely” the Senate would return before Wolf’s inauguration. He declined to rule it out completely, but he said House and Senate leaders “decided that the 20th is fine.”
There’s still a bit to do before a full-fledged session day. Committees are crucial to the legislative process, and though the House has named committee chairs, panel membership hasn’t been filled in.
“That’s a complicated bit of musical chairs,” said Rep. John Maher, R-Allegheny.
The Senate has yet to name committee chairs or members.
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