Pennsylvania State Representative District 157
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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Melissa Shusterman
(Dem)
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Justin J. Pak
(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
Chester
Occupation
PA State Representative - 157th District
Education
A graduate of Conestoga High School, Lafayette College with a BA in History/Russian Studies, and Chinese Literature (minor), and American University with a MA in Film and Video.
Qualifications
Elected in 2018, this will be my 5th term in the PA House.
Affordability when it comes to childcare, healthcare plagues many in the 157th.I co-authored and passed the childcare tax credit and voted for the working Pennsylvanian's tax credit.Both have been signed into law and have put money (up to thousands) into our pockets. Access to quality Healthcare is critical and I have signed onto numerous bills to strengthen our healthcare system and prevent hospital closures. I also have been able to bring back millions of state dollars to Paoli Hospital and surrounding rehab hospitals in order to expand their beds, equipment and square footage. I have also supported healthcare workers and careworkers legislatively so our population has exceptional care
I voted for and support The Voting Rights Protection Act of 2025 which includes: Increasing the number of secure ballot drop boxes in each county. Making in-person voting available up to 11 days prior to an election. Requiring county boards of election to transition to electronic poll books by 2027. Creating a post-election audit process. Clarifying the law regarding absentee and mail-in ballots. I also support legislation that decreases voter intimidation, protects our poll workers, makes election day a Federal Holiday and includes Independents voting on primary elections.
Our primary job as paid public servants is to pass a State Budget by the last day in July. I believe that the Senate and the House should not be able to go on recess until a budget is passed. In the past, budgets have been delayed and have put road projects, school budgets and mass transportation at risk because a handful of legislators are fabricating a disaster. I am personally introducing legislation that prevents such theatrics and requires the paid legislators to remain in session (at work) until a budget is passed.
Data Centers development involve many aspects of policy work including: consumer protections, energy, economic, environmental. These decisions require discussions and policy plans on the local, county and state level. These policies should be reflective of the communities concerns and require local action by concerned citizens to their public officials. The State House has passed 2 bills regarding data centers out of the house but currently they have not been signed into law. This could change by the time you read this explanation. HB 1834, “Data Centers & Consumers,” seeks to protect residential ratepayers HB 2151 which develops & maintains a model zoning ordinance to assist municipalities in regulating data centers.
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