Schmitt Takes Oath of Office During Capitol Ceremony

January 1, 2019

HARRISBURG – Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) today was officially sworn into office, along with 200 other members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Schmitt is beginning his first, two-year term serving the people of the 79th Legislative District, which includes the City of Altoona, Logan Township and a portion of Allegheny Township.

“It is truly an honor to be given the great responsibility of representing the good people of the 79th District,” said Schmitt. “I feel privileged to serve as their voice in Harrisburg, and I pledge to work hard to ensure their voices are heard.”



Schmitt’s priorities during the 2019-20 legislative session include creating greater economic opportunities for residents and employers of the 79th Legislative District by supporting and advancing legislation that cuts through the red tape, encourages job creation and keeps companies from moving out of state.  

Schmitt will work to advance tax reform proposals to ease the burden on hard-working families and older residents struggling to live on fixed incomes. He also recognizes that the Commonwealth’s growing public pension debt needs to be resolved through further reforms. 

Pennsylvania’s drug epidemic will also be one of Schmitt’s legislative focuses as he has seen how opioid abuse can destroy lives and tear apart communities. He will join other lawmakers in continuing to advance proposals to help curb the crisis and reduce the number of overdose deaths. 

To ensure continuity of constituent service, Schmitt has opened a district office in the space formerly occupied by Rep. John McGinnis. The district office, located at 1331 Twelfth Ave., Suite 104, in Altoona, is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Constituents can reach the district office by phone at (814) 946-7218.  

“One of the most important aspects of my job is to be of assistance to the people I represent,” said Schmitt. “I am blessed to have an experienced staff that can provide constituents with top-quality service, be it an answer to a state government-related question or help in resolving a difficult issue. We are always here to help.”

Schmitt also encouraged constituents to visit his website, www.RepLouSchmitt.com, for news about developments in Harrisburg and the Altoona area, and to sign up to receive periodic email updates about important legislation, state services and programs. Constituents can also interact with Schmitt through Facebook at www.Facbook.com/RepSchmitt. 

Prior to his election to the House of Representatives, Schmitt, who is in attorney, worked for the law firm of McIntyre, Hartye, Schmitt and Sosnowski in Hollidaysburg. He and his wife, Helen, reside in Logan Township and are the parents of two adult daughters. They have two grandsons.   

Representative Lou Schmitt
79th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives