Schlossberg eager to start new term; Pledges to continue progress of last term
Rep. Mike Schlossberg January 7, 2025 | 4:43 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Mike Schlossberg today joined other members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in taking the oath of office, kicking off the 2025-26 legislative session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
“Every day I walk into the Capitol, I stand in awe,” said Schlossberg. “The building and the people inside the building help to convey the sense of responsibility I think we all share when we gather to do the work of the people who elected us to address issues that make their lives at least a little easier, more affordable, and give them reason to be proud of where they live.”
Schlossberg said the 2023-24 session was busy for the House of Representatives. A total of 428 bills passed the House. Issues addressed included some of Schlossberg’s highest priorities: mental health care improvements, education funding and job creation, along with measures to cut costs for health care, food, housing, child care, higher education and more. The General Assembly and Gov. Josh Shapiro were able to make significant progress in implementing some of those priorities. This generated record investments in education funding for Parkland and Allentown school districts, funding for Schlossberg’s BOOST initiative to support after-school programs for kids, and funding for Schlossberg’s “Grow Your Own Educator Program” which will help to recruit and retain teachers in Pennsylvania. The budget also included a $20 million increase for county-based mental health resources.
“We were able to make significant progress on a wide range of issues important for Parkland and Allentown, specifically, but also for all of Pennsylvania,” Schlossberg said. “I think this session presents opportunities for us to continue that work and make life better for the people we represent.”
With a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, Democratic governor and Republican majority in the Sente, Pennsylvania continues to have divided government. Schlossberg said this requires bipartisan approaches for legislation to be passed in both chambers and signed by the governor.
“I look forward to this session and take seriously the trust people from Parkland and Allentown placed in me to be their voice in Harrisburg,” Schlossberg said. “It is truly an honor to fight for our shared concerns.”
In November, Schlossberg was elected by his peers to serve as majority caucus whip after serving as caucus chair in the last session. First elected to the state House in 2012, Schlossberg serves the 132nd Legislative District, which comprises parts of the city of Allentown, parts of Upper Macungie Township and all of South Whitehall Township.