Pennsylvania State Representative District 15 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
Beaver
Occupation
Computer/Web programmer/analyst
Education
New York University, Robert Morris University
Campaign Website
http://www.ashleecaul.com
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
° Election safety and security - See below.
° Infrastructure repair and modernization - The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has a mission "to help direct the use of state and federal transportation and economic development funds allocated to the region—approximately $35 billion through 2045." I expect to support legislation to manage the allocation of this funding as appropriate.
° Elder abuse, including fraud - I propose some form of reporting by financial institutions to trigger judicial review of a senior citizen's monetary assets, including real estate, without robbing individuals of their liberty and self-direction.
° Mental health - I propose removal of limits on mental health services in health insurance.
° Addiction
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
° Automatic voter registration at age 18
° Postage-paid mail ballots.
° Increased number of drop-off points, with security, for mail ballots.
° Pressing the U.S. Postal Service to prioritize delivery of returned mail ballots over other first-class mail.
° Notification when a voter's mail ballot is not received by the county Elections Bureau at least one week prior to the election.
° Longer and more detailed training for election officials.
° Election officials who violate election law should be prohibited from serving as an election official in any county in Pennsylvania for some period of time.
° Restore voting rights to the formerly incarcerated.
° Oppose new voter ID requirements and other forms of voter suppression.
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?
° A better funding formula to shift the cost away from property taxes so as to create a more equitable system to provide for all learners regardless of ZIPCode, with regularly scheduled updates to the formula.
° Parents can choose private schools for their children, but if the funding follows the child, then the public oversight must also follow the child, and the loss of that funding must not undercut the local public system.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
The Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act mandates that women seeking abortion receive counseling about options. Providing the woman with FACTUAL information about options such as adoption and parenthood is a good idea. While we may assume that every woman is fundamentally aware of all choices, providing accurate information about the reality of each choice is a good idea. I plan to focus more on solving the problems that lead women to choose abortion.
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.