Pennsylvania's own Joe Biden is now the 46th president of the United States.

The 78-year-old Democrat took the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol — just 14 days after a mob of insurrectionists stormed the building — and called for unity and healing.   

Fellow Scranton native U.S. Sen. Bob Casey told The Inquirer there was an element of whiplash — from insurrection to inauguration in the span of two weeks.  

“The common denominator, the glue that strings together all those events and insults is the former president,” he said. “The good news today is we can start a brand-new chapter.”

THE CONTEXT: So what will Biden's presidency mean for the Keystone State in the immediate future? Here's what we're watching:

• As part of a $1.9 trillion package to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden is proposing sending $350 billion to state, local, and territorial governments. Pennsylvania lawmakers previously used federal aid dollars to prop up the state budget, leaving other priorities — like relief for small businesses and those behind on utility bills — undone.   
• Biden wants to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. Pennsylvania is one of 21 states where the hourly base wage is $7.25, the current federal minimum. 
• On Wednesday, Biden signed an executive order to rejoin the Paris climate agreement. Pennsylvania is one of the top producers of carbon emissions in the U.S.
• In his first 100 days in office, Biden said he will push Congress to pass the "Equality Act," which would provide housing, workplace, and public accommodation protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Pennsylvania law does not provide those protections to LGBTQ people. 

Biden's presidency also means Pennsylvania has now sent two men to the White House. The first was James Buchanan, whose disastrous presidency and indifference contributed to the start of the Civil War.