Senate Republicans Announce Leadership Team For New Session: Sen. Kim Ward Makes History As First Woman Elected Senate President Pro Tempore

On November 15, Senate Republicans announced they elected their leadership team for the 2023-24 legislative session-- 

-- Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) has been elected to serve as interim Senate President Pro Tempore from Dec. 1 until Jan. 2. On Tuesday, Jan. 3, the Senate will vote for a President Pro Tempore to serve for the new two-year legislative session. She becomes the first woman to hold the position, the third-highest post in Pennsylvania government. She previously served as Senate Majority Leader.

-- Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) will serve as Senate Majority Leader. His duties include overseeing the legislative agenda, developing policies and strategies for the Senate Republican Caucus, and playing a key role in floor debates. He also has a major role in negotiating issues with the Administration and House of Representatives and in coordinating action on the Senate floor. Pittman previously chaired the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee.

-- Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) was elected Majority Whip. The duties include acting as assistant floor leader, working to gain support for legislation and ensuring that Republican policies and strategies are maintained through the cooperative efforts of the majority caucus.

-- Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) will chair the Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee reviews all legislation for its fiscal impact and plays a crucial role in negotiating and developing the state budget. Each year, the panel holds a series of public hearings with leaders of state departments and agencies to study the governor’s budget proposal and ensure taxpayer dollars are being utilized properly.

-- Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) will serve as Majority Caucus Chair for the 2023-24 legislative session. The chair presides over Republican caucus meetings to discuss bills and amendments and to develop caucus strategy.

-- Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington) was elected Senate Majority Caucus Secretary to oversee all executive nominations submitted to the Senate for confirmation. She will coordinate the review of the background and experience of nominees and ensure that proper documentation is submitted.

For more information, visit the PA Senate Republican Caucus website.

Related Article:

-- PA Senate Democratic Caucus Elects New Leadership Team  [PaEN]

[Posted: November 15, 2022]  PA Environment Digest