HARRISBURG, Pa. — For the second consecutive time, Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) has been elected by her fellow House Republican members to serve as caucus secretary for the upcoming 2017-18 legislative term.
Leadership elections were held Tuesday at the state Capitol and included all returning House Republican lawmakers, as well as 12 new first-time members.
“It is such an honor to be re-elected to this post for the new legislative session,” said Oberlander. “Throughout my first term as caucus secretary, I was a key part of the overall House Republican leadership team, where we worked hard and were successful at fighting off the governor’s massive tax increases while also ensuring additional investments for education.”
The office of caucus secretary records all official legislative activities in the House of Representatives. Additionally, Oberlander used her position as caucus secretary to help orient last term’s freshmen class to provide them with training and resources to help them each succeed individually.
“Part of being an effective legislator is not only representing your folks back home but also working together as a team to advance important policy goals,” Oberlander added. “This cooperation was evident last year as we worked to enhance Pennsylvania’s jobs climate, improve our education system and address the opioid and heroin crisis. I look forward to again working with all of my colleagues and our new legislators in building upon our success.”
The new House leadership team will also consist of Speaker-designee Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana), Appropriations Chairman Stan Saylor (R-York), Caucus Administrator Kurt Masser (R-Columbia/Montour/Northumberland), Caucus Chairman Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery), Caucus Policy Chairman Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), and Caucus Whip Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster).
The new leadership team will be installed when the House begins the 2017-18 session in January.
(Photo courtesy of PA State Rep. Donna Oberlander)
