Issues

I believe the residents of the 70th Legislative District deserve a State Representative that will fight for the issues most important to our communities. In Harrisburg and in the District, I have taken a leadership role to address the multitude of challenges confronting our Commonwealth.

Economy

While Montgomery County has traditionally been blessed with a stronger economy than most of Pennsylvania, the current economic downturn has touched many. Consequently, I think it is imperative to support tax and economic development programs and policies that encourage job creation and retention. Whether it be our pharmaceutical manufacturers or main street small businesses, the Commonwealth must be a constructive partner to ensure that Montgomery County remains a prime location for business creation, expansion and relocation.

Fiscal Responsibility

It is our duty to our children and future generations of Pennsylvanians to change the way we conduct business in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania needs legislators that are willing to make tough decisions, including supporting key investments or making difficult spending cuts. We do not need career politicians touting irresponsible tax pledges or inflexible commitments to spending programs that have not worked.

Education

Montgomery County’s attractiveness to businesses and families alike is based in part on our quality public schools. Our commitment to smaller class sizes and early childhood education are some of Pennsylvania’s most important investments in our future. Our support for education should not be negotiable, nor should its costs be shifted to already over-burdened local property tax payers. Harrisburg should do its part to fully and equitably fund public education.

Reform

As a freshman legislator, I have aggressively sought to reform the way Harrisburg does its business. I introduced legislation to improve the budget process by requiring that the legislature conduct two year budgeting. In order to ensure that the budget is completed in a timely manner, I co-sponsored legislation that would help eliminate political games by requiring the forfeiture of lawmakers salaries during a budget impasse. Additionally, I am a co-sponsor of legislation that would require that legislators pay a percentage of their salary toward their own health care plan. My colleagues and I have also introduced legislation to strengthen the gift-ban for legislators, prohibit bonuses for all state employees and strengthen whistle-blower protection for employees that report wrong-doing or waste.

On a personal note, I do not accept many of the perks available to legislators. I refused the Cost of Living Adjustment during these tough economic times and I declined to use a state vehicle. Additionally, I voluntarily pay a percentage of my salary toward my own health care plan like other state employees, but this is currently not required of members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.