Republicans also propose two changes to committees

Republican and Democrat leaders Wednesday named the members who will head each of the state House’s standing committees.

Republicans hold a 112-91 majority in the state House as the new session begins and will have the majority representation on all House committees.

House Majority Leader Mike Turzai also announced two changes to the committee structure. The House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will be eliminated and the existing Health and Human Services Committee will be split into two separate committees.

The proposed changes will have to be approved by the House at the beginning of the session in January.

Mr. Turzai said the committee chairs were looking forward to a productive legislative session, the first with governor-elect Tom Corbett.

“House Republicans will work proactively with Governor Corbett as we deal with the very serious issues facing Pennsylvania, and our committees will proactively vet the issues with public,” Turzai said.

House Democrats return to the minority after four years of control of the chamber.

In addition to heavy election losses – a total of 13 seats flipped to GOP control in November – the House Democrats enter 2011 with major changes to their leadership.

Former Speaker of the House Keith McCall has retired and Todd Eachus – Majority Leader last session – was defeated in the election. After an internal battle, Democrats ousted state Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) from the key position as chair of the Appropriations Committee as well.

New Minority Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) said the caucus will continue to fight for fairness and justice despite its reduced role.

“Although our numbers are down, in this new session House Democrats will play a vital role in the minority,” Mr. Dermody said. “We will work to find common ground with the majority party when possible, but we will not sacrifice our principles.”

Full list of the 2011 House Committee Chairs