Hanna Re-elected House Democratic Whip
“House Democrats are diverse and energized, and I’m committed to seeing that all their viewpoints, strategies and opinions are valued and receive fair consideration,” Hanna said. “I look forward to working with them to craft 21stcentury solutions to the issues confronting the commonwealth.”
Hanna said House Democrats’ roles will be enhanced by the election of Tom Wolf, a Democrat as governor.
“Four years of GOP control of all three branches of state government has produced one-sided and counter-productive dead ends for Pennsylvania’s future,” Hanna said. “House Democrats will produce quality alternatives to put Pennsylvania on a fresh start.”
Hanna said no person or party has all the correct answers, a philosophy he embraced since first being elected to the House in 1991.
“A democracy is not a trickle-down, ideology-driven process but builds from a wide base to forge consensus and bipartisanship,” Hanna said. “I will be enlisting and encouraging all my Democratic colleagues in this effort.”
Hanna, whose leadership skills were honed during his years as chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee, will rejoin House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny, when the General Assembly is sworn in on Jan. 6, 2015.
“We have a great mix of rural, urban and suburban lawmakers from across the commonwealth,” said Hanna, who expects to continue serving on the influential House Rules Committee. “I expect the ideas and solutions emanating from this team to be stimulating.”
Hanna said he will continue to stress economic development and job creation as he serves the 76th Legislative District. Priorities also will include agriculture and rural affairs, government and tax reform, and fair and responsible education funding.
Hanna, a graduate of Lock Haven High School, Lock Haven University and earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, also serves on the board of governors for the 14-school State System of Higher Education.
