Pennsylvania State Representative District 76 Choose 1
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.
Biographical Information
County
Clinton
Occupation
Human Resources Manager
Education
Master's in Health Sciences
Qualifications
Over 20 years of business experience with 5 years of those years in the Human Resources field. A single mom of two boys who understands the struggles families are facing today.
Campaign Website
http://denisemaris.com
Facebook URL
http://facebook.com/Denise.Maris76StateHouse
X Handle
@MarisDenise
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
There are several pressing issues currently facing Pennsylvania right now and for our rural area, one such pressing issue is the current political divide. This creates an unbalanced system and silences the opposing voices for fear of the backlash if something is said goes against what the ill-informed masses believe in.
Another pressing issue in the abuse of alcohol and drugs in our communities. This is an ever-pressing issue that is never really addressed as much as it should be. Families are being torn , children are being lost in the systems that are designed to help them due to the lack of funding and/or the necessary education regarding the dangers of drugs and alcohol. There needs to be more of a focus on this issue.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
The changes that I would support would be for mail in ballots to continue as designed to include the no-excuse mail in ballot. This ability was widely used during Covid and should be continued. There are several barriers associated with individuals being able to make it to a physical voting location and a mail in ballot ensures that their voices are heard. I would also support legislation that allows for local election officials to contact mail in ballot voters of any discrepancies in their ballots. Educate the general public on how the election process actually works and hold people accountable who spread falsehoods on the process.
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?
The legislation I would support would be one that would provide the opportunity for our children to receive the necessary funding that ensures they receive the best education possible. Additionally, there should be funding included for children that have special needs because they also deserve to have access to a quality education like other children as well. As a mom whose child received additional support, it provided them with the opportunity to succeed in their class with their peers and not be left behind.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
The changes I would support for PA abortion laws is to protect the decision once it has been made by a woman and her family. There should be no barriers for an abortion and medical providers should be able to educate their patients without the fear of lawsuit. Legislation should be enacted in that an individual’s personal choice to have an abortion is their choice alone, that they should be able to make this decision free without fear of reprisal. Additionally, there should be more funding associated with sex education to not only inactive teenagers but those that are sexually active as well. Education is the key to unwanted pregnancies and safer sex practices.
Biographical Information
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
Candidate has not yet responded.
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?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
Candidate has not yet responded.