Causer Sworn In, House Speaker Elected

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) officially began his fifth two-year term representing the people of Cameron, Potter and McKean counties today as he and 200 other state House lawmakers were sworn in at the state Capitol in Harrisburg.

“With a substantial House Republican majority and a new governor on the way, there is a lot of optimism and excitement among lawmakers today,” Causer said. “I know we have significant challenges ahead, especially when it comes to our state budget, but I believe we have the right leaders in place to move our state in the right direction.”

Causer said his top priority for 2011 is to pass an on-time, fiscally responsible state budget.

“Not one single budget was done on time in the eight years of the Rendell administration, and spending increased substantially on his watch,” Causer said. “It’s time to reassess every budget line item and bring state spending under control, and we need to do it by the June 30 budget deadline.”

The lawmaker said he is also focused on making the state more attractive to employers to create jobs and reduce unemployment. As part of that effort, Causer said lawmakers need to repeal onerous regulations that stifle job growth.

Other issues the General Assembly will likely take up in the new session include privatizing the state’s liquor store system, enacting expanded Castle Doctrine legislation to ensure an individual’s right to self defense, reforming lawsuit abuse and ensuring sufficient and fair distribution of funding for the state’s transportation infrastructure.

In addition to these legislative issues, Causer said he remains committed to providing the best possible constituent service to residents of the 67th Legislative District.

“Harrisburg is a long way from Cameron, Potter and McKean counties, but my office is available to serve as your link to state government,” Causer said.

The lawmaker operates offices at 78 Main St., First Floor, in Bradford (telephone 814-362-4400) and at 107 S. Main St. in Coudersport (telephone 814-274-9769). He holds office hours once a month in Emporium and Port Allegany. He also maintains a Web site at www.RepCauser.com and is on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RepCauser.

Also, Representative Sam Smith of Punxsutawney was elected as Speaker of the House.