Chad Gerald Reichard
(Rep)
Biographical Information
County
Franklin
Occupation
Zoning Officer
Education
American University - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Penn State University - Masters in Public Administration
Qualifications
Pennsylvania State Senate Legislative Director 2014-2019, US House of Representatives District Legislative Representative 2019-2020, Washington Township Supervisor 2015-2020
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
The most pressing issue facing Pennsylvania is workforce development. This means incentivizing employers to hire and train Pennsylvanians who currently lack the skills needed for certain jobs, working with schools (both secondary and tertiary) to ensure that graduates are able to meet the demands of the workforce, and attracting working-age people to the Commonwealth. Within five budget cycles, Pennsylvania will have a structural deficit due to a demographic shift, caused by the fact that we are importing retirees and exporting working-age citizens. I would like to introduce legislation to create paid apprenticeship programs through tax credits to businesses that hire and train certain skilled workers to provide new employee opportunities.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I am very supportive of the requirement to show some form of photo identification while voting. A photo ID is needed for so many transactions in life, from buying beer to getting a form notarized. While instances of voter fraud are rare, producing a photo ID to vote will improve faith in the process and add a level of security to ensuring that only those casting ballots are who they say that they are.
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?
With the recent court ruling, the Basic Education Funding Commission is recommending that nearly $8 billion in new, recurring funding be appropriated into our school systems. This would require a massive tax increase without addressing the formula that precipitated the lawsuit. Instead of throwing money at the problem, we should do the tough work of ensuring that each school district receives the funding needed for the students they actually educate. Further, we should examine how school districts currently spend money to identify unfunded mandates, look for efficiencies, and discover better ways to educate our students.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I am strongly pro-life and would support legislation to strengthen the rights of the unborn, while protecting the life of the mother.