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.
County
Bucks
Occupation
Retired
Education
B.A. sociology, Wheeling Jesuit College (now University
Qualifications
Chair, 178th PA Assembly District
The most pressing issue is preserving a woman's right to choose in reproductive matters and to maintain control over her body. Currently ,Democrats control the PA House of Representatives by one vote! If we lose this very slim majority in November then we lose being a pro choice state and will become a backward state like Texas. Is that what we really want? Another issue is addressing the mental health needs of our children. Schools should increase the number of guidance counselors and increase student mental health training for teachers and administrators. Lastly, we need to raise the minimum wage which has not be adjusted in years. It is currently $7.25 per hour which is a disgrace.
As far as our electoral process is concerned we should pass legislation that would allow election boards to tally mail in votes earlier than presently. Currently mail in ballots can not be opened until 7 a.m. on election day. In a close election a delay in total tabulating of mail in votes could result in not knowing the winner for perhaps several days. We need only to look back at the chaos of the previous e presidential election as verification.
To right the wrongs of the Commonwealth's method of school funding we need to pass legislation that ensures equal funding for all schools districts. Preserving our public school system has historically been basic to our American way of life and needs to be given priority over school vouchers.
Concerning the last questions about proposed changes to abortion laws in PA i maintain that the current law permitting a woman's right to choose remains intact. I am unequivocally prochoice.
County
Bucks
Occupation
State Representative; communications
Education
Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the George Washington University; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Pennsylvania State University
Qualifications
As a mom who was born and raised in Bucks County, I am a State Representative who puts politics aside to focus on commonsense solutions to the challenges we face. I also bring real world skills to Harrisburg from my past business experience and school board service.
Rising costs are caused by Washington, DC’s over-spending and lack of accountability. While I cannot control Washington’s spending, from the state House in Harrisburg, I can make sure that Pennsylvania’s budget is focused on our priorities – supporting education and safer communities chief among them – and does not spend more than taxpayers can afford.
The issue is one of public confidence. The more confident voters are in the system, the more they will take part. To build this confidence, we must make sure that only those eligible to vote can do so – through Voter ID, updating of the voter rolls, and more. Voting must be easy and clear – and cheating must be hard. That is how you help voters to want to take part.
As a legislator, I supported the highest level of basic education funding in state history, and have made it the top priority as providing a quality education is a Constitutional duty of the legislature. That said, the court’s ruling came with little direction and changing our system will take time and significant study that includes the views of parents, taxpayers, educators and more. Simply asking more money from taxpayers without accountability, transparency, or a plan of action for results is irresponsible. In addition to improving our education funding formula and accountability, we must expand education options and alternatives so everyone benefits.
I oppose an abortion ban and will always support exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother. With a Democrat Governor and Republican state Senate, it is clear that PA’s abortion laws are not going to change. I prefer to focus on the areas where I can deliver results for the people I serve such as increasing affordability, making our streets and neighborhoods safe, improving education, and holding government accountable.
