Pennsylvania State Representative District 103
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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Nate Davidson
(Dem)
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Cindi Ward
(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
Dauphin
Occupation
Senior Advisor - House Appropriations Committee
Education
Bachelor's Degree (Messiah College)
Qualifications
I have served as the Floor Manager to the Democratic Whip and as the Senior Advisor to the Majority Appropriations Chairman (Rep Jordan Harris). During my tenure, I helped pass bipartisan legislation on education funding, property tax relief, criminal justice reform, and mail-in voting.
Pennsylvania currently faces two major funding issues that must be resolved in the near future. First is funding for our public schools. In the wake of the recent court case, the Legislature and Governor must fund public education in a way that passes Constitutional muster. Second is the looming transportation funding crisis. Pennsylvania has the most miles of paved road of any state, and one of the worst ratings for current status of our bridges and roads. Both funding issues require bipartisan collaboration to find a way forward that benefits Pennsylvanians, and my experience and relationships in the House would help to advance those issues. In addition, protecting access to reproductive healthcare is a top priority to me.
Act 77 of 2019 was passed when I was the Floor Manager to the Democratic Whip, and the Democratic Caucus was instrumental in making it easier to vote by negotiating the inclusion of mail-in voting. Ever since, it has been clear that the election code needs further work. Beyond the need to expand the window for pre and post canvassing of ballots, the legislature should continue the work of making it easier for Pennsylvanians to vote by adopting early in-person voting, allow for ballot curing, adopt pre-registration for individuals turning 18 in an election year, and find a way for non-affiliated voters to participate in the primary election each year.
There have been several proposals for how to address the unconstitutional funding of our public schools over the years. House Democrats offered the Level Up program, which infused additional funding into the lowest performing districts. In 2016 the Legislature passed the Fair Funding Formula, but has since only used that formula for new funding to school districts which means the majority of public school funding is driven out in the old, unconstitutional formula. I would support any proposals that fairly fund public schools (particularly urban and rural schools), takes in to account local tax effort, and protects our system of public education. I oppose voucher legislation or attempts to divert public funds to non-public education.
I am a pro-choice candidate and fully support access to reproductive healthcare for everyone. Any changes that I would support to Pennsylvania's abortion laws would expand access to reproductive healthcare in Pennsylvania, protect individuals who come to Pennsylvania to receive reproductive healthcare from prosecution in other jurisdictions, or expand access to contraceptives and education.
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