Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    January 10, 2025 | 9:44 AM

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his second term serving the 49th Legislative District.

“I’m honored that the people of the 49th District have once again invested their trust in me to fight for their interests in Harrisburg,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster.

“In this term, I’m going to work to ensure that all our residents have a home to call their own, that our kids go to learn in schools where they feel safe and valued, and that Pennsylvania’s working families benefit from lower taxes and fair wages – two issues that haven’t gotten a fair deal in four decades. Now’s the time to get it done.”

In his first term, Smith-Wade-El had two of his pieces of legislation signed into law and brought in $28.7 in state grants to the district.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently in its 209th consecutive legislative session, which began on Jan. 1, 2025, and will run through Nov. 30, 2026.

The Oath of Office was administered by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd, and the invocation was given by Bishop Maureen L. Davis, who is pastor of the Open Door Mission True Light Church, located in Philadelphia.

The 49th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and Millersville Borough.