Pennsylvania State Representative District 26
Description of office: The General Assembly is the legislative branch of government in Pennsylvania. It is composed of two houses: the Senate is the upper house, and the House of Representatives is the lower house. A majority vote in both houses is necessary to pass a law. The PA House of Representatives consists of 203 members representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents. Representatives must be at least 21 years old, have been a citizen and a resident of the state four years and a resident of their respective districts one year before their election, and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service. The House develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending, and passes laws (including redistricting in collaboration with the Senate). The House also has the exclusive authority to impeach public officials. Representatives also serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation. Term: 2 years Salary: $106,422 Vote for ONE.
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Paul Friel
(Dem)
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Shawn Blickley
(Rep)
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court's ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
County
Chester
Occupation
Representative in the general assembly
Education
Temple University
Qualifications
Significant senior executive leadership positions, served on local school board, served on several non profit boards
Education funding for K-12 and affordability of higher education is critical for the legislature to address this session. Providing policies that help our local community's economic health and resilience - investing in local infrastructure. Helping our agriculture industry thrive and grow. As a member of the education, agriculture and finance committees I am working on the policies that are some of the most important for our future.
I believe open primaries are a way to get more engagement and will better reflect the majority of voters giving a voice to those not now able to participate in primary elections. I am a cosponsor of legislation to make this change. I also support campaign finance reform and believe getting dark money out of politics is a critical step towards protecting our democracy.
As a member of the education committee and former school board president I have been working to bring legislation forward that addresses the structural inequities in our school funding system. I have proposed legislation and am a cosponsor of legislation to reduce our dependence on local property tax and to more fairly distribute our state resources.
I believe we need to protect women’s reproductive autonomy and allow medical professionals and families make decisions not politicians.
County
Chester
Occupation
Farmer
Education
BA Finance / MBA
**Economic Concerns**: Job growth, economic development, and the impacts of inflation are significant issues. Many residents are concerned about the availability of well-paying jobs and the overall cost of living.
I believe it's imperative to strike a balance between making voting accessible to all eligible citizens and ensuring the integrity and security of our electoral process. To achieve this in Pennsylvania, I would support the following changes to our voting laws:
1. Implementing Strict Voter ID Requirements:
2. Enhancing Mail-In Ballot Security:
3. Expanding In-Person Early Voting
4. Providing Adequate Resources to Local Election Officials:
5. Regular Maintenance of Voter Rolls
6. Establishing Transparent Audit Processes:
By adopting these measures, Pennsylvania can both expand access to voting and ensure that our elections remain free, fair, and secure.
I recognize the importance of ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania has access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code. In response to the Commonwealth Court's ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional, I would support legislation that addresses disparities while promoting accountability, efficiency, and local control. Here are the key components I would advocate for:
1. Revising the Funding Formula
2. Increasing State Investment in Education
3. Expanding School Choice Options
4. Ensuring Accountability for Results
5. Supporting Local Control and Innovation
6. Promoting Public-Private Partnerships
At this time I would support the settled law.
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