Advancing pro-growth economic policies, education reforms, affordable housing plans, and public safety proposals among priorities.
HARRISBURG – Today, Pennsylvania Senate Republicans re-elected Sen. Ryan Aument as the Pennsylvania Senate’s Majority Whip alongside Sen. Kim Ward (R-29) for interim President Pro Tempore, Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) for Majority Leader, Sen. Scott Martin (R-13) for Appropriations Chair, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28) for Majority Caucus Chair, and Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) for Majority Caucus Secretary. Upon receiving his colleagues’ approval, Aument issued the following statement:
“Pennsylvanians sent a strong message from the ballot box on November 5th by voting to maintain the Republican majority in the PA Senate, and our entire leadership team is honored to represent them and eager to advocate on their behalf for this next term. We have heard their message loud and clear and are prepared to work hard advancing a solid conservative agenda for the people of Pennsylvania while also acting as a power check on House Democrats and Gov. Shapiro.
“In divided government, pushing back on radical liberal policy proposals from our left counterparts will be just as important as our work to advance our own conservative priorities. My focus for the next two-year legislative session will be on policies that build vibrant, safe communities where each resident has the opportunity to experience earned success and upward economic mobility.
“After this difficult period of relentless inflationary pressure where American families were paying over $1,000 more, on average, each month to purchase the same goods and services they did three years ago, our working class citizens need and deserve a break. Pro-growth economic policies will spur the creation of new opportunities for jobs that offer family-sustaining wages and benefits.
“Of course, new jobs in our communities require affordable and available housing for everyone from new residents seeking opportunity here to highly skilled college graduates ready and able to accept their first job to young couples ready to upgrade their living situation as they prepare to start their family. Lancaster County would certainly benefit from more housing options, and I plan to focus on that in the coming months.
“A world-class education system that effectively and efficiently teaches our kids the basics while also preparing them for the jobs of today and tomorrow is absolutely critical if we want to create an opportunity society in Pennsylvania. Creating a shared, bipartisan vision for 21st century education that will prepare all students to succeed in a globalized economy, supporting our teachers in the classroom, and empowering parents to make choices regarding their child’s education will all be on my priority list this session.
“An August 2024 poll of likely Pennsylvania voters shows that they believe crime and drugs rank among the top five most important issues facing the state. As such, we must do more to support law enforcement and empower our public safety sector so that they can better protect our communities from criminals and bad actors seeking to do us harm.
“While divided government presents certain challenges, Pennsylvanians deserve results. I am honored to represent them and humbled to have the confidence of my colleagues as I serve them for my second term as the Majority Whip. Together, we can bring change to Pennsylvania and enact worthwhile policies to improve our economy, our education system, and the safety of our communities.”
VIDEO: Sen. Aument Remarks at Senate Republican Leadership Press Conference
Full Press Conference
CONTACT: Stephanie Applegate