PA state House welcomes two new Philadelphia members
Keith Harris and Andre Carroll bring the state House to its full complement
Rep. Joanna E. McClinton September 30, 2024 | 1:22 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, the state House of Representatives welcomed two new members, Keith Harris and Andre Carroll, both representing communities in Philadelphia.
Harris, who was sworn in as the representative for the 195th Legislative District, a seat formerly held by Donna Bullock, serves parts of Strawberry Mansion, North ?Central Philadelphia, Brewerytown, ?Stanton, Spring Garden, Blumberg, and ?Sharswood.
Carroll represents the 201st Legislative District, formerly served by Stephen Kinsey, and his communities include Germantown, Logan, and West Oak Lane.
“The state House is tackling big issues as we complete the legislative session,” Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, said. “Representatives Harris and Carroll will contribute to our committee action, floor debates and voting on policies immediately. Their voices are critical on issues like health care, public safety and education.
“Each of their lived experiences and interests will contribute to the richness of legislative debate.”
Harris, who is a Philadelphia ward leader, has worked on issues like housing and violence prevention, and his legislative interests are mental health, education, employment, and public safety.
Carroll, a Philadelphia public school educator, also sits on the board of the Brothahood Foundation, which serves incarcerated juveniles facing adult criminal charges, and on the Philadelphia District Attorney Youth Aid Panel, which helps prevent juveniles from getting a criminal record after being arrested. His legislative priorities include justice reform, health care, and reproductive rights, education, and environmental justice.
McClinton added that Harris and Carroll are joining the state House at a busy time, as the House returns to session for the final months of the legislative session. The House is expected to take up consumer protection and health care issues.
“We’ve passed nearly 400 bills this session, and while many, including a minimum wage boost, ballot pre-canvassing and workers’ rights, are stalled in the Republican-led Senate, there are additional important measures to advance this year,” McClinton added. “The House will continue to work on impactful policies to strengthen our communities and schools, and help all Pennsylvanians thrive.”
During Monday’s legislative session, McClinton also appointed state Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, as the new chair of the House Human Services Committee, and Rep. Jeanne McNeill as chair of the House Children and Youth Committee.