Michael J. McCloskey III
(Rep)
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
As a no-nonsense businessperson, I see the practical problems families face. High property taxes are crippling, especially for our elderly. We need strategies to reduce these taxes to ease their burden. Homelessness is another critical issue; it requires direct action and compassionate policies. Supporting emergency services and police is non-negotiable for maintaining law and order. Inflation is another beast – it's hitting everyone hard. My focus is on economic policies that help residents navigate these financial strains effectively. We need solutions that work in real-time, not just political talk.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
Voting is the cornerstone of democracy, and it needs to be both secure and accessible. I'm all for expanding in-person early voting – it makes sense. We also need clear, effective guidelines for mail-in voting and county-run drop boxes to ensure integrity and ease of access. I also think Voter ID is a no-brainer. My approach is straightforward – make voting easy and secure. No politics, just practical solutions that ensure everyone's voice is heard fairly in our electoral 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?
Education is an investment in our future, and I intend to fight for maximum funding for our public schools. We need to attract the best teachers – they're shaping our future leaders. Reducing class sizes is critical for effective learning. Please, let me be clear, balancing school budgets while limiting property tax increases is essential. As a businessperson, I know the importance of smart investments and fiscal responsibility. Our education system needs funding, but it also needs smart management. I'm committed to ensuring our schools get the resources they need without putting extra financial strain on our taxpayers.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
On abortion, I believe in keeping Pennsylvania's laws as they are. Women's health decisions are personal, and they shouldn't be dictated by politicians in Harrisburg. It is between a woman and their doctor. We don't need government interference in these private matters. My stance is straightforward – support women in all their health decisions. Whether it's providing resources or ensuring access to health services, the focus should be on supporting women, not politicizing their health choices. It's a matter of privacy and respect. Additionally, we need to support organizations who help women that choose to have their baby, especially those who are economically disadvantaged. I support women, end of story.