Bizzarro sworn in for sixth term in PA House
House elects Mark Rozzi next Speaker
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro January 3, 2023 | 7:20 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – Determined to continue to provide relief for working people and families, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro began his 2023-24 legislative session for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in what promises to be an unprecedented session.
Democrats picked up 12 seats in the House in the November election, winning a majority of the 203 House seats, and eyed a majority for the first time in a decade.
However, the death of longtime Rep. Anthony DeLuca and the resignation of Austin Davis and Summer Lee complicated how and when the transfer of power would take place. Davis resigned on Dec. 7 in order to transition to his role as the first Black lieutenant governor, and Lee resigned on the same day in order to transition to be sworn in as Pennsylvania’s first Black congresswoman.
“This November, Pennsylvania made historic decisions at the ballot box,” Bizzarro said. “This transition of power has been unlike any other, and – quite frankly – I have been disappointed in what has played out over the last couple months. I believe a more dignified and bipartisan solution was possible, but before today all we witnessed was sad attempts by Harrisburg Republicans to remain in power at whatever cost. I’m hopeful today’s bipartisan action marked an end to some of those political games.”
Rep. Jim Gregory, R-Blair/Huntingdon, nominated Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, and Rozzi was elected by a 115-85 vote.
“I’m ready to work for all Pennsylvanians,” Bizzarro said, “and I know Speaker Rozzi – we came into the House together – and I know he has pledged to do the same.”
The session marks the official start of Bizzarro’s sixth term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and it will mark his second term as a member of the House Democratic Leadership team – serving as the House Democratic Policy Chair.
Bizzarro worked with colleagues and Democratic leadership to introduce the Stop Price Fixing Act, Open Markets Act and Price Gouging Act in June – hoping the bipartisan work would result in a vote on the floor to bring relief to Pennsylvania residents struggling with inflation.