Justin Simmons was among 32 freshman Pennsylvania lawmakers sworn in on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old Rep.-elect Simmons, is a Repbulican representing the Lehigh Valley's 131st District. He ousted incumbent Republican Karen Beyer in a primary and beat Democrat Mike Horton in the November 2010 general election.
Simmons' family is originally from Philadelphia. He credits his college experience at Saint Joseph's University with strengthening his interest in giving back to society through community service.
At 24, Simmons is not yet old enough to serve in the State Senate. Senators must be at least 25, while the minimum age for Representatives is 21.
Simmons joins a contingent of 21 new Republican House members as part of its majority. The GOP holds a 112-to-90 majority in the Pennsylvania State House, with one vacancy, at the start of the 2011 session.
A self-professed conservative and pro-business advocate, Simmons says selling or privatizing Pennsylvania state liquor stores is among the initiatives he will eagerly support. "I think it can get done this year," says Simmons.
Also near the top of his agenda -- balancing the state budget. Simmons says he will co-sponsor a bill to stop COLA payments to state lawmakers if there's a budget deficit. He is turning down the 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment granted Dec. 1 to state lawmakers and judges.
Politics
"It's a bad example to accept a pay raise" while other citizens are struggling, he says.
Simmons will also refuse per diem payments and forego the use of a state-owned vehicle. A supporter of term limits, he says he'll quit after three terms in office.
In the meantime, Rep.-elect Simmons is excited about working with Gov.-elect Tom Corbett, who will be sworn in Jan. 18. "I like him and I think he has the right philosophy," says Simmons.
Swearing-in for the State House and Senate will occur simultaneously, at noon on Tuesday, in the respective chambers.
