Smith-Wade-El takes oath for first term

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El    January 3, 2023 | 4:08 PM

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Ismail “Izzy” Smith-Wade-El took the oath of office today in the state Capitol to begin his first term representing the 49th Legislative District, which comprises part of the city of Lancaster, Lancaster Township and Millersville Borough.

The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House. Smith-Wade-El is also scheduled to be installed as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus during its installation of officers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4. The installation will be streamed live on the PLBC website or on the PLBC’s Facebook page.

Smith-Wade-El said some of his priorities in his first term are affordable housing, justice and public safety; high-quality affordable healthcare for all; LGBTQ rights; cannabis decriminalization; high-quality education for children regardless of Zip code; workers’ rights; climate action; returning power to local government, and reproductive rights and health care.

“I am honored to represent the 49th District in the PA House of Representatives,” Smith-Wade-El said.  ‘I am looking forward to drawing on my depth of skills and experiences acquired as an activist and president of the Lancaster City Council to improve our residents’ quality of life, make our communities safer and stronger, and increase economic opportunities for all.”

Smith-Wade-El said his office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepIzzy.com. Smith-Wade-El’s office is located at 150 E. King St., Suite B, Lancaster, PA 17602-2832.

The Honorable John McNally, judge, Court of Common Pleas, Dauphin County, administered the oath of office.

Smith-Wade-El is one of 26 first-term Democratic members, eight of whom are women, and there are more LGBTQ members than have ever represented the people of Pennsylvania in the state House.

The Democratic Caucus continues to become more reflective of the state’s people: 35 are women and 34 are people of color.

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