Pennsylvania State Representative District 5
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.
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Heather Hanna
(Dem)
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Eric J. Weaknecht
(Rep)
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
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?
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
County
Berks
Occupation
Homemaker/volunteer
Education
B.A. Sociology, Temple University
Qualifications
Served on numerous boards and volunteered in Berks County for over 20 years.
Access to healthcare & services is the issue that I have heard about the most from citizens. Being able to afford and maintain a comfortable quality of life without worrying about losing one's home is a very serious matter. Healthcare costs as well as the myriad of hoops that one has to go through is a big deterrent for those trying to decide what is more important, paying the rent/mortgage or going to the doctor. We must improve our access to affordable healthcare for all people.
I would commit to making sure that voting is accessible to all citizens including those who cannot easily leave their homes to vote in person because of illness or work hours. Vote by mail has been a great asset to the democratic process, but I would like to see more drop boxes available in more areas of District 5. Berks County runs a solid elections department, our elections are secure, and there has been no evidence of widespread fraud. While some have questioned the security of voting by mail, I believe Berks County has a strong process in place to maintain secure elections. Additionally, I would do whatever possible to ensure that our election workers have whatever support they need in terms of their personally safety.
There needs to be some relief for seniors, but we need to make sure all of our students are receiving equitable education resources. In working on this issue I would be encouraged by alternatives that would make both possible.
Currently, abortion is legal in PA up to 23 weeks of pregnancy with some exceptions after that period. The Department of Health monitors facilities to make sure abortions are safely conducted. Pennsylvanians are fortunate that these are the laws in place, and I would work to ensure that we do not backslide on these laws. Other states have severely limited the right to abortion which has resulted in also limiting other healthcare such as responses to miscarriage, endometriosis and the like. I will be vigilant in making sure that reproductive decisions are left to patients, their doctors, and their families and not limited by acts of the government.
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