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 yearsSalary: $113,591Vote for ONE.Note: On Democratic and Republican primary ballots, voters will also choose members of the State and County Committees. We do not list these candidates on Vote411. For information on these candidates, we suggest you contact your local Democratic or Republican Party committee.
County
Centre
Occupation
State Representative, 82nd Legislative District
Education
Maryland University of Integrative Health - MS, nutrition and integrative health. Southern Methodist University - MA, archaeology, anthropology. University at Buffalo, State University of New York - BA, anthropology
Qualifications
I am currently serving in my 2nd term as the Representative for PA House District 82. Prior to being elected to the State House, I was a member of the College Township Council, Chair of the Spring Creek Watershed Commission and Chair of Centre Region Council of Government’s Public Safety Committee
Affordability. People are struggling with rising costs of housing, energy, groceries and healthcare. While many challenges require federal action, much can be done at the state level. We passed tax credits for Working Pennsylvanians and for Child & Dependent Care while expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. I’ve helped deliver nearly $40 million in infrastructure grants for every community in the district.
I am focused on real relief for working families, including a living wage and paid family & medical leave. I continue to focus on reforming cyber charter school funding to keep more local taxpayer money in local school districts. I continue to support legislation to create local jobs and grow our regional economy.
Every eligible voter should be able to participate in our democracy. I support vote by mail, extended registration, and the use of secure drop boxes in multiple convenient locations. This is important for working people and those with physical limitations and family obligations. I support same day registration, extended in person voting opportunities, and allowing independent voters to participate in party primaries.
We must minimize barriers to timely administration of elections by allowing pre-canvassing and expediting ballot curing or correction opportunities. I support budgetary and legislative support to help protect our election workers.
Our challenges in delivering a timely budget arise from our current polarization and the political realities of a divided legislature. Compromise and moderation have too often been sacrificed for partisan games. Budgets are a statement of values and priorities, so while compromise is necessary we must stay true to core principles. I will continue to fight for education funding, working families, environmental protection, and strengthening local communities.
We must focus on things that unite us rather than those that divide us. I hope this budget season that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will see the benefits of finding compromise sooner rather than later, since delay has real consequences for those we serve.
A wide range of issues must be taken into account to ensure that data centers benefit the Commonwealth and our local communities. Article 1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution tasks us with the responsibility to protect and preserve our shared public resources, including clean air, water and land.
I voted for H.B.1834 which creates the first-ever regulatory framework for data centers in PA. This would protect ratepayers from even higher utility bills, increase renewable energy construction, and fund low-income energy assistance programs. H.B.1834 does not remove the authority of local governments to place zoning or other restrictions on data centers. I also look forward to implementing Gov Shapiro’s GRID framework to address this issue.
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