Pennsylvania State Representative District 153
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.
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Ben Sanchez
(Dem)
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Cory L. Toner
(Rep)
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing residents of your district, and how would you address them?
What changes, if any, would you support to enable better access, ensure security, and support the processes of our elections?
What are your thoughts on the state budget process? What changes, if any, would you support so that the budget is enacted in a timely manner?
Should the state legislature enact laws concerning the impacts on water, energy, or land use from the development and operation of data centers? Would state regulation of data center development and operation interfere with the authority of municipalities to establish ordinances under the MPC (Municipal Planning Code)?
County
Montgomery
Occupation
State Representative - Attorney
Education
Abington Senior High School 1993; Villanova University 1997; Temple Law 2004
Qualifications
Lifelong resident of legislative district; Incumbent with proven successful track record; Experienced attorney and Certified Public Accountant
Federal policies from the current presidential administration are creating the most pressing issues for our community right now. We have an affordability crisis where the prices of our basic needs (e.g., food, gasoline/energy, housing) are completely out of control. Federal cuts to healthcare and food assistance are hurting people, yet the president is content to spend billions to unjustly torment immigrants here at home and wage wars abroad without congressional approval. I work daily with PA House Democrats and Governor Shapiro to do everything in our state powers to keep prices lower, raise and make wages fair, supplement gaps in healthcare and battle food insecurity - while continuing to make historic investments in public education.
I would, as I have in the past, support increased funding for the administration of elections. More funding allows not only for more access by voters and awareness for potential voters, but also allows for better training, compensation and continuity for hardworking election officials which leads to more secure and efficient elections. Despite the rhetoric, I do believe elections are safe and secure, especially in Pennsylvania and Montgomery County. However, continued investment in election infrastructure at the state and county level - where control of elections belongs - is crucially important as free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy.
I have participated in the state budget process closely due to my role on the Appropriations Committee during my entire time in office. All of those budgets have been passed by a divided government, meaning a different party holds at least one chamber of the legislature or the governor's office. This results in a highly negotiated product with much compromise, which is not necessarily a bad thing, except for the increasing delays due to political posturing. I support measures like baseline payments where school districts and agencies receive funding to continue operations without having to borrow during delays. I would also favor tax base regionalization efforts where areas that supply more tax revenue have more say in the negotiations.
Yes, but with very careful and measured consideration of all factors. Data centers appear to be necessary and imminent part of life in a technology driven economy and lifestyle. Yet, the impacts on water and energy consumption are undeniable and must be managed in a way that provides a fair balance to all, especially those who would be impacted by a new use in a location where they live or otherwise have established interests. I support state regulation that would enable, support and empower reasonable and constitutional local land use regulations under the MPC rather than undermine or interfere with local authorities.
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