Venkat takes state representative oath
Will represent the 30th Legislative District for 2023-24
Rep. Arvind Venkat January 3, 2023 | 3:10 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin representing the 30th Legislative District.
The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 legislative session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
As the first Indian American to be elected to the state House and the first physician to serve in the General Assembly in nearly 60 years, Venkat said his priorities include making health care affordable and accessible, investing in first responders, protecting reproductive rights, curbing gun violence, expanding access to the ballot box for all voters, and getting more people back into the workforce.
“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to be our community’s voice in Harrisburg, and to make a difference for the people not just in our area, but across our commonwealth,” Venkat said. “As an emergency physician I know how to solve problems in a collaborative manner, and I look forward to bringing that experience to Harrisburg. I am also excited to be a part of a large incoming class of new legislators, who I think will bring new energy and ideas to the state Capitol.”
Locally, Venkat said his office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to www.pahouse.com/Venkat.
The 30th legislative District includes the townships of Hampton, Kilbuck, McCandless and Ohio, and boroughs of Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Emsworth and Franklin Park.
Court of Common Pleas Judge John McNally administered the oath of office. This year marks Pennsylvania’s 207th legislative session.
The Democratic Caucus continues to become more reflective of the commonwealth, with 35 women and 34 people of color. In addition, this is the largest and most diverse class of freshman Democratic legislators in over a decade; there are 26 new members and 8 are women.