Biographical Information
County
Allegheny
Occupation
State Senator
Education
Robert Morris University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration | University of Pittsburgh - Master of Business Administration
Qualifications
United States Marine Corps
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
On a macro-level, Pennsylvania faces the challenges of many mid-Atlantic states: population stagnation, a flat economy for the vital manufacturing sector, and a general loss of confidence in government’s capacity to address these issues. We still lose too many of our youth to sunbelt states because of an insufficient number of opportunities for meaningful careers. Addressing these issues will require a concerted focus by Pennsylvania’s leaders, including a commitment to economic development that has been hit-or-miss because of special interest agendas. We must embrace our energy sector and encourage new businesses by establishing consistent policies when it comes to regulation and taxation.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
Pennsylvania has detailed and workable election laws and regulations. The problem has been bureaucrats at the state level who treat clearly written laws as mere advisories. From disregarding the law governing mail-in ballots to failing to advertise Constitutional Amendments in order to get them on the ballot, Pennsylvania has been ill-served by the office of Secretary of the Commonwealth. Simply put, we have the laws in place. We have only to honor them.
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?
Pennsylvania already is among the highest spending states, per pupil, when it comes to educational subsidy. The inequity exists at the local level, where property taxes -- mostly on homeowners – provide the difference when it comes to school funding. We must find a proper way to equalize funding without causing tremendous increases in taxes on homeowners. I remain committed to seeing that the working families of the 37th District are not taxed out of their homes because of Harrisburg’s failure to meet funding obligations.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I see no pressing need to change current laws governing abortion in Pennsylvania. Our priority should be to support women across Pennsylvania, not change settled law. Protecting women means supporting compassionate exceptions for abortions like in the cases of rape, incest, and protecting the life of the mother. Protecting women means defending the decision to use IVF as a means of family planning with no political strings attached. Elected officials must always remember the important core responsibilities of governing, protecting the people you serve, leading by example, and following the law, and in this case that means not overstepping into the relationship between a woman and her doctor.