The new, two-year session of the state senate is now officially underway. Lawmakers took the oath of office Tuesday and also elected state Senator Kim Ward, a Republican from Hempfield, as Senate president pro tempore. It’s the first time a woman’s ever held that top position. Ward additionally was sworn in to serve as lieutenant governor until Austin Davis takes the oath of office January 17th. The Senate also adopted operating rules to govern its activity for 2023.