State Rep. Valerie Gaydos | Pennsylvania 44th Legislative District
State Rep. Valerie Gaydos | Pennsylvania 44th Legislative District
As Pennsylvania's House of Representatives faces ongoing partisan conflicts, Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) has called on lawmakers to focus on collaboration. Amid disputes that led to the cancellation of special session days, House Speaker Mike Rozzi (D-Berks) emphasized his priority as an independent speaker: “find a way to move forward as Pennsylvanians for the betterment of Pennsylvania.”
Rep. Gaydos, appointed by the Republican-nominated Democrat Speaker, joined five colleagues from both parties in forming the "Speaker’s Workgroup to Move Pennsylvania Forward." The group includes Reps. Jason Ortitay (R-Allegheny/Washington), Paul Schemel (R-Franklin), Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia), Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh), and Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery).
Gaydos reported that the bipartisan work group is progressing well, having met several times to draft operating rules for sessions and address bridging the partisan divide. “I am pleased to report that the work group has coalesced around a first draft of proposed operating rules for a special session,” she stated.
The next step involves reviewing and revising this draft before presenting it to party leaders and caucuses for approval or rejection. Gaydos expressed confidence in overcoming obstacles and advancing toward unity.
While discussions continue within the work group and among party leaders, Rozzi announced a statewide listening tour aimed at gathering public input on improving House operations. The tour's goal is to hear directly from citizens about healing divisions and achieving common objectives.
“If the proposed special session rules can be agreed upon by the speaker as well as both Democrat and Republican leaders and each caucus, I anticipate us getting back to work soon,” Gaydos added.
The listening tour will take place at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh on January 25th at 6 p.m., followed by St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia on January 27th at 6 p.m.
Last week, Rozzi addressed Pennsylvanians about his dedication to all residents of the state.
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