Dear Families,
 
I wanted to provide you with a quick update on Tuesday’s state House and Senate elections.
 
It appears as if Democrats will continue to control the House, while Republicans held their ground in the state Senate.
 
Prior to Election Day, Democrats held a one-seat advantage in the House and may have increased that advantage slightly, but some House races are still too close to call.  Once we have a final tally, we’ll provide you with the results.
 
Four of our legislative champions, state House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, Rep. Barb McIllvane-Smith, Rep. Sam Rohrer and Sen. Jeff Piccola appear to have won their re-election bids.  If you recall, all four have been past speakers at our Day on the Hill rally.  If you have a chance, please congratulate them!  We needed them back in Harrisburg fighting for us!
 
In the Senate, Republicans maintained a strong 30-20 majority.  However, all families who support public education lost a champion in Sen. Jim Rhoades, who died less than a month before Election Day in a tragic car accident.  The longtime chair of the Senate Education Committee, Sen. Rhoades’ name remained on the ballot and he won re-election posthumously.  It is a great tribute to a public servant who cared so much about children and public education.  A special election will now be called to elect a replacement for Sen. Rhoades, and the Senate Republicans will also have to select a new chair of the Education Committee.  We’ll keep an eye on that and let you know when a replacement is chosen.
 
Thanks for support public cyber education.
 
Stay Energized!
 
Jenny Bradmon, President