PennLive’s 2024 primary voters’ guide: Pa. State House Districts 101-150

Candidates participating in this year’s general election were invited to submit information to the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, which partnered with PennLive to create this voters’ guide.

The candidates below are running for a Pennsylvania state house seat and are in the order provided by the League of Women Voters. If a contest is not listed, there are no candidates running in that race.

District 101 - Republican

John Schlegel

County: Lebanon

Contact: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079134740321

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 102 - Republican

Russ Diamond

County: Lebanon

Occupation: State Legislator/Business Owner

Education: Northern Lebanon High School, 1981; Lebanon County Vo-Tech (Electronics), 1981

Qualifications: I have served the people of the 102nd District since 2015. Prior to 2015, I was an award-winning citizen activist who successfully fought against the midnight pay raise of 2005. I am a life-long Lebanon Countian and have owned and operated a small audio/video production business here since 1992.

Contact: russdiamond.vote | facebook.com/friendsofrussdiamond

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Overdevelopment of fertile farmland, election security, and regulation of skill games.

To combat overdevelopment of our fertile farmland, we need to make redevelopment of urban areas where infrastructure already exists a priority. We passed HB1300 to ensure election security during the 2021-22 legislative session, but Tom Wolf vetoed it. As the Republican Chair of the House Gaming Oversight Committee I would love to tackle skill games, but because Democrats currently hold the House majority, I am powerless to convene a hearing on the issue.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

House Bill 1300 not only provided positive election security measures, but also would have brought early in-person voting to Pennsylvania in 2025. We also passed a new law offering direct grants to counties to help fund election operations. Our two biggest problems with elections are 1) non-uniformity of election administration from county to county, and 2) a major issue with maintaining our voter rolls within the SURE (Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors) database. As the House Republican appointee to the Joint State Government Commission’s Election Law Advisory Board, I participate in many non-partisan efforts to bring new ideas to the table to improve our election processes. I remain in contact with my local Director of Elections.

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?

As long as we are funding institutions and not students, Pennsylvania’s education funding model will likely never come close to providing equality of educational opportunity for all students. Institutions are fixed in place, while people can move around and make choices.

We must move in the direction of allowing the dollars to follow the student so the students’ parents can make an informed choice among available educational institutions.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I’m proud of my 100% pro-life voting record in Harrisburg, and I will continue to stand for the lives of the unborn. That said, any political conversation about abortion in Pennsylvania needs to recognize 1) that Pennsylvania law on abortion has not changed one iota since the US Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, 2) that three generations of women have grown up considering abortion to be a federally-protected fundamental right, and 3) that under divided government in Pennsylvania, the legal needle on abortion is unlikely to move in either direction. I adamantly oppose the current Democrat proposal to release abortion clinics from being regulated as surgical centers, which would risk another Kermit Gosnell-like atrocity.

Rachel Moyer

County: Lebanon

Occupation: Retired Xray/CT/MRI technologist

Education: AAS degree in Radiography

Qualifications: ELCO School Board Director

Contact: rachelmoyer4pa.com | facebook.com/RachelMoyer4PA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

One of the most pressing issues right now is education and parental rights. We need to be allowing for every child to have the education that’s right for them whether that be homeschool, private school, public school, or charter school. As a previous homeschooling parent, I know that school choice is greatly needed. Pennsylvania has some of the strictest regulations for homeschooling in the country. Because of this, one of my initiatives would be to ease those restrictions in PA to provide more control to the parents and less to the state. We also need to be advocating and ensuring parental rights in schools. Parents should have the right to have a say with what goes on with their child’s health and education.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

As State Representative, I will never stop championing for the restoration of election integrity. I believe that the Commonwealth Court got it right and that Act 77 is unconstitutional. I adamantly believe that Act 77 was a bad bill, and I will work toward instituting voter ID, the possible use of paper ballots instead of voting machines and the repeal of no excuse mail in ballots in Act 77.

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?

I would support legislation that works to eliminate school property taxes and supports school choice. This is a great time to reform how education is done in our state and help students thrive in the form of education that works for them. As it pertains to school property taxes, we have seniors and low income families who struggle to make ends meet and have an immense amount of school property taxes that cannot be paid. Some are losing their homes because of it. We need to find a system that eliminates or, at the least, lowers school property taxes since about 60-70% of a school district’s funding comes from local school property taxes. The need for reform is great to make it more equitable for every school district.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

As State Representative, I will strongly advocate for the right to life. I believe that life starts at conception and we should respect life and not glorify death. As a retired Xray technologist, I have seen babies in the NICU at 22 weeks gestation survive outside of the womb. A state law of 24 weeks is too high and we need to work to lower this. I would sponsor a heartbeat bill. I would also support a change to our constitution where taxpayer funds do not pay for abortions.

District 103 - Democrat

Nate Davidson

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.

Contact: natedavidson.com | facebook.com/NateDavidsonPA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

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.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

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.

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?

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.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

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.

Mercedes Evans

County: Cumberland

Occupation: Sr. Executive Assistant and Camp Hill Borough Councilwoman

Education: B.A. Spanish Language, Minor in Political Science

Qualifications: Provided constituent services through addressing resident concerns, supporting special events, and making recommendations to the full council to adopt ordinance changes.

Contact: mercedesevans.com | www.instagram.com/votemercedesevans | facebook.com/votemercedesevans

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Top issues: Protecting reproductive healthcare rights, building more affordable housing and fairly funding our public schools.

Protecting reproductive healthcare rights includes the right to privacy, accessing contraceptives, affordable prenatal care and much more. I would address this issue by pushing to codify reproductive rights and advocate to fund Planned Parenthood.

The lack of affordable housing is affecting people of low to moderate incomes leading to increased numbers of unhoused people. I would work to identify a public/private funding mechanism to accelerate the construction of more affordable housing.

Education is a fundamental right and I would support Gov. Shapiro’s proposed investment in basic education funding.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I would support amending the Pennsylvania Elections Code to allow for open primaries which would expand access to 1.2 million people who are currently not registered as Democrats or Republicans. The number of voters registering as Independents or other affiliations is increasing exponentially so it is imperative that open primaries become a legislative priority to ensure access to voting is equitable.

As a State Rep I would support our election officials by helping prevent last-minute changes to election dates and procedures that create additional workload to accommodate these changes. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to plan and execute an election and legislative indecisiveness should not be a burden for the folks doing the work.

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?

I would advocate for legislation that supports Governor Shapiro’s proposed historic investment in basic education funding. This would include determining the needs of individual public school districts regardless of what the property values in the area are. Ensuring equitable distribution of funds would allow for adequate hiring of professional and paraprofessional staff to support a holistic educational experience for Pennsylvania’s public school students.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

The only way to protect reproductive rights in Pennsylvania is to codify it. Even though this will be a herculean effort, there is plenty of data to demonstrate that the public, regardless of political affiliation, does not want the government to interfere in their medical and family planning decisions. We owe it to the people of Pennsylvania to enshrine into law their right to reproductive freedom.

Laura Harding

County: Dauphin

Occupation: Consultant

Education: B.S. Public Policy, Penn State Harrisburg

Qualifications: Experience working across all levels of government; U.S. Navy Veteran; Legislative Fellow to PA House of Representatives; Union member

Contact: lauraharding.com | facebook.com/people/Laura-Harding-for-State-Representative

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

The most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians are wages and pensions that haven’t kept pace with inflation, access to affordable and safe housing, and environmental justice. I will address these issues by advocating to increase the state minimum wage to at least $15/hour, provide annual COLA increases to state pensions, and to allocate funding that invests in affordable housing aimed at extremely low to moderate income renters. I will advocate for increased funding to the Department of Environmental Protection, aimed to address their staffing shortage, and investments in strategies that help our state prepare for the impacts of climate change.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I support expanding voting rights and making voting easier through means such as protecting automatic voter registration, expanded early voting, and the swift restoration of voting rights to the formerly incarcerated. I support making election day a holiday and removing restrictions for mail in ballots. Standardization across counties, including access to drop-boxes and accessibility of polling locations, is paramount to ensuring an equitable and secure voting process. The state needs to provide adequate funding for standardized and accessible training for all poll workers. I support efforts to end partisan gerrymandering by appointing a third-party non-partisan commission to draw legislative maps.

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?

I will support legislation to restore the Commonwealth’s obligation to reimburse our public school districts for the cost of their state mandated Charter and Cyber Charter school tuition payments. I will support dedicated Commonwealth funding for repair, replacement and modernization of Public School District operated school facilities. I oppose taxpayer funded K-12 private and parochial school tuition vouchers, scholarship, tax incentives, tax diversion and similar taxpayer funded payments to private entities for K-12 education. I oppose the use of public education dollars to fund charter schools that do not meet the same minimum standards of transparency, accountability, budget publication and employment standards as Public Schools.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I will advocate for and support express constitutional or statutory protections for abortion, access to safe and legal abortion, without exceptions. This support includes rescinding the ban on abortion after 23 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy. I support a reversal of the state Medicaid abortion ban. I will vote against legislation that attempts to grant frozen sperm, frozen eggs, frozen embryos, and fetuses personhood. I will oppose legislation that attempts to legislate a pregnant person’s intentions for deciding to end a pregnancy, criminalize health care providers, impose medically unnecessary restrictions or requirements on doctors and facilities, or otherwise interfere with with the doctor/patient relationship.

Tina L. Nixon

County: Dauphin

Occupation: Vice President of Mission Effectiveness, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Education: Master of Healthcare Administration, Walden University

Qualifications: Has worked in the human service field for over 30 years, growing programs and bringing resources to communities and organizations. Has collaborated with entities throughout Central PA on myriad issues affecting the region.

Contact: tinanixonhouse.com | www.instagram.com/tinanixon24?igsh=eGZiejl3b3hsbjg= | facebook.com/TinaNixonHouse

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

There are visible economic disparities across our diverse population, factors that may discourage people from taking part in the voting process. Legislation to increase the impact of local social service entities and to help ensure access to mental health services is imperative. The “brain drain” effect of young talent relocating elsewhere for better opportunities is a pressing issue. Funding for trade, technical education, programs to encourage homeownership, downpayment assistance, and income tax credits for the repair of derelict properties can help. Continuing to protect reproductive rights, provide affordable access to safe and dignified healthcare, and the prevention of gun violence remain pressing issues.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Pennsylvania could be a national force by opening primaries, which would allow those registered as Independents to participate in the election process. Revamp the antiquated petition process, which succeeds in being a barrier to outsiders and is considerably unfair and inequitable for the elderly or disabled. Permanently protect voting by mail as a significant portion of our voting population is aging, disabled, or working a full-time job. We need to support county officials in drafting and passing legislation to cure deficient ballots, require voter contact before purging from the rolls, and allow pre-canvassing of mail-in ballots. We must make access to voting more modern, less archaic, and less restrictive.

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?

I would support legislation that centers around equity rather than equality in funding the schools that have been historically underfunded. Researchers agree that the Commonwealth’s poorest districts are most drastically affected by this persistent funding disparity, and the students in those poorest districts are predominantly Black and Latino students. We should update population data, and consider language access, mental health services, and the age and condition of school buildings in funding formulas. We should seek best practices across the state and work to implement those best practices in struggling schools.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

Fortunately, our current Governor believes in reproductive rights and vows to continue his support. I think that to permanently protect reproductive rights, irrespective of who is elected to serve as Governor, Pennsylvanians would benefit from a constitutional amendment solidifying reproductive choice as the constitutional right of every Pennsylvanian.

Jesse Monoski

County: Cumberland

Occupation: Councilman (Former Executive Director, PA Senate Democratic Caucus)

Education: B.A. in Political Science

Qualifications: I am a twice-elected Democratic Borough Councilman in Lemoyne, PA & have spent the last 8 years (since 2016) working for the PA State Senate Democratic Caucus, as a Legislative Director and Exec. Director, specializing in Transportation, Consumer Protection, and Professional Licensure policy areas.

Contact: electjesse.org | instagram.com/elect_jesse | facebook.com/electjessePA103

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Defending reproductive healthcare rights (keeping PA pro-choice) is the most pressing issue facing Pennsylvanians. These rights are under attack and we are on the front lines of defending access to these important services. Not only will I proudly defend our existing laws, but I will also push for codification of these rights into our State’s Constitution. I will join in being an advocate for maternal mortality, especially in historically disadvantaged communities, and will oppose state funding for anti-abortion centers.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I support changes that make voting access easier, not harder. This means removing laws that strike out legal votes because of technicalities, including undated mail-in ballots or those missing a ‘secrecy’ envelope. Additionally, I support automatic & same-day voter registration to ensure eligible voters are able to participate in our elections. I also support secure drop boxes and pre-canvassing, to allow our election officials the time they need to process mail-in ballots in a timely manner, thus avoiding the delay we experienced in 2020.

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?

I support accelerating the distribution of basic education funding through the fair funding formula (FFF). Sadly, only 14% of dollars currently flow through the FFF. We need to increase that to 100% in order to finally comply with our State Constitutional obligation.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I support our current pro-choice abortion laws in Pennsylvania, and I will be a strong advocate for codifying them into our State’s Constitution.

District 103 - Republican

Cindi Ward

County: Cumberland

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 104 - Democrat

Dave Madsen

County: Dauphin

Contact: friendsofdavemadsen.com | facebook.com/friendsofdavemadsen

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 105 - Democrat

Justin C. Fleming

County: Dauphin

Occupation: Legislator

Education: B.S. Speech Communication, Millersville University

Qualifications: Worked in and around public service for nearly 20 years including 12 years as a mental health and child advocate.

Contact: flemingforpa.com | facebook.com/FlemingforPA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

In my view, the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians are income inequality and lack of access to an equitable education for all. We need to raise the minimum wage so work has more value. Every one of PA’s neighboring states has a higher minimum wage. The free market has spoken on this issue and PA needs to join in this too. Secondly, a child’s zip code should not determine the quality of their education. We need to infuse more funding into schools that have been chronically underfunded so they can afford modern textbooks, computers, and great teachers. We also need to address the capital needs of school districts so kids aren’t attending schools racked with lead and asbestos. We have the resources to make these things a reality.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I would love to see pre-canvassing which would allow counties to tabulate and count mail-in votes as they come in. That would ensure a much faster process of getting election results out more quickly and cast less doubt on our voting operations. We should pay election workers more money and have a uniform standard based upon the cost of living in different regions of PA. We should also allow state workers to serve in certain capacities on Election Day, maybe they couldn’t serve as the Judge of Elections but they could be a poll worker or have another job. They already have the day off and I think this could expand our pool of election workers.

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?

I would support legislation that establishes a Redevelopment and Capital Assistance Program for school buildings and facilities. In addition, I think we should do a bond issue for the billions of dollars that we have short-changed school districts over decades. We need to drive that funding out particularly to the most under-resourced schools and provide targeted tax relief to people (especially older Pennsylvanians) so it’s easier to stay in their homes.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I do support a bill that would get rid of onerous regulations that were passed more than 10 years ago which severely limited the number of abortion providers we have in the state. Abortion is healthcare and access to abortion is critical to ensuring the health of women across the commonwealth. I also favor legislation that shields women who seek to have an abortion in PA from prosecution in other states.

District 106 - Republican

Tom Mehaffie

County: Dauphin

Contact: tommehaffie.com | facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058267711777

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 107 - Republican

Joanne Stehr

County: Schuylkill

Contact: StehrForStateRep.com | facebook.com/p/Stehr-for-State-Representative-100080281546474

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 108 - Republican

Michael Stender

County: Northumberland

Contact: stenderforpa.com | facebook.com/mike.sr.12

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 109 - Democrat

Nick McGaw

County: Columbia

Contact: facebook.com/CouncilmanMcGaw

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 109 - Republican

Matt Yoder

County: Columbia

Occupation: Business Teacher

Contact: www.facebook.com/yoder4pa

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

Robert Leadbeter

County: Columbia

Contact: leadbeter.com | facebook.com/rleadbeter

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 110 - Republican

Tina Pickett

County: Bradford

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

Matthew Wayman

County: Bradford

Occupation: Teacher

Education: Master’s Degree

Contact: waymanforpa.com

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

There are many problems facing Pennsylvanians and every Pennsylvanian has a different idea of what the major problem is; the economy, education, infrastructure are all issues that we need to tackle. I plan to systematically handle them by working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to find the solutions that make the most sense for us.

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 fundamental right that our government is based upon. It needs to be accessible to everyone and everyone needs to be assured that their vote counts without allowing fraud to enter the mix. I would support any changes that accomplish those tasks.

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?

As a teacher I have first hand knowledge of some of the issues facing our education system. I would support legislation that allocates adequate funding to make our schools safer and that better prepares our students to face an ever changing work environment in their post-secondary world.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

As a Republican and Christian, I am Pro-Life, however, I also believe that situations and circumstances may require the consideration of some medical procedures.

District 111 - Republican

Jonathan Fritz

County: Wayne

Contact: friendsofjonathanfritz.com | facebook.com/friendsofjonathanfritz

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 112 - Democrat

Kyle J. Mullins

County: Lackawanna

Contact: www.votemullins.com | facebook.com/VoteMullins

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 113 - Democrat

Kyle T. Donahue

County: Lackawanna

Contact: donahuestaterep.com | facebook.com/donahueforstaterep

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 114 - Democrat

Bridget Malloy Kosierowski

County: Lackawanna

Contact: BridgetForPA.com | facebook.com/BridgetForPA

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 115 - Democrat

Maureen E. Madden

County: Monroe

Contact: facebook.com/mo.madden

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 115 - Republican

Matt Long

County: Monroe

Occupation: Golf Professional at Saucon Valley Country Club

Education: Graduated High School at Notre Dame East Stroudsburg. Studied Political Science and Philosophy at Washington & Jefferson College

Qualifications: Have worked on multiple political campaigns throughout my life, before and after studying political science for years in college.

Contact: mattlongforpa.com | www.instagram.com/MattLongforPA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

We need to decrease property and local tax burdens on families and seniors. My opponent voted against a 50% property tax rebate up to $1,000 for the entire district.

Deliver quality education: protect children, empower parents, fully and fairly fund our schools.

Combat record high inflation to help Pennsylvanians struggling with rising prices.

Fight for our veterans just as they have fought for us.

Fully fund and support our law enforcement.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

We need to enact voter id laws to ensure our elections are safe and secure. Recent polling shows 79% of voters support this. We should expand early in-person voting, which 76% of voters support and we should make Election Day a national holiday which 72% of voters support.

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?

I would work with representatives on either side to rectify the current unfair school funding system which my district in particular suffers under. My opponent has completely failed on this, resulting in high local school taxes.

District 116 - Democrat

Deborah Adoff

County: Schuylkill

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 116 - Republican

Dane Watro

County: Schuylkill

Contact: imforwatro.com | facebook.com/danewatro

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 117 - Republican

Jamie Walsh

County: Luzerne

Contact: walshforpa.com | facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552481893430

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

Mike Cabell

County: Luzerne

Contact: facebook.com/cabellforrep

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 118 - Democrat

Jim Haddock

County: Luzerne

Occupation: State Representative

Education: PBA Advanced School of Banking

Qualifications: Current State Representative, small business owner, worked in banking & insurance industry, former Mayor of Avoca and former Pittston Area School Director

Contact: friendsofjimhaddock.com | facebook.com/jimhaddockforstaterep

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Properly funding public education, protecting our democracy including important issues like voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s rights.

I have a proven record in Harrisburg in supporting these issues.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

We must continue to not only protect but to expand voting rights in the state. The state must continue to help fund elections on the state and county level and also support the process.

We should modernize election laws to expand voting opportunities by allowing early in person and mail voting along with allowing opening primary elections to third party voters like independents.

Our right to vote makes America great.

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?

Last year I voted for an historic investment of the most dollars for public education in the history of the state. I strongly support Governor Shapiro’s 1.1 billion dollar investment in this years budget for education.

The court’s ruling has said we have failed (before I was elected) in the states constitutional obligation to property fund education. I support the state property funding education and tie the states money to making sure the local school boards lower property taxes for our home owners.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

A woman’s reproductive health care is a conversation between her and her doctor. I support a woman’s right to choose.

District 118 - Republican

Mckayla Kathio

County: Luzerne

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 119 - Democrat

Megan Kocher

County: Luzerne

Occupation: Community Organizing, Political Advocacy

Education: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in political science and history and minored in women and gender studies at Wilkes University, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude and maintained a spot in the honors program. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in criminal justice.

Qualifications: Over 6 years of professional experience working within the Pennsylvania political system, which includes working on campaigns, community organizing, grassroots lobbying, fighting for working-class families, and management. I also regularly volunteer at a food bank serving local residents in need.

Contact: megankforpa.com | www.facebook.com/MeganKforPA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

While Pennsylvanians currently face many issues, including healthcare access, reproductive care, gun violence, and issues relating to inflation, I believe that the most critical issue today is environmental injustice. If elected, I will support legislation that addresses each of these issues, from increasing healthcare access and affordability to requiring thorough background checks and secure storage requirements for gun ownership. A key focus of mine would be making the shift to clean energy, increasing our energy independence and creating well-paying jobs, in addition to making clean energy more widely available for working class families.

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 how our citizens engage directly with government and is essential to maintaining our democratic system. I will always protect and expand voting access by supporting automatic voter registration, no excuse mail in voting, and widely available and accessible ballot drop boxes, because we need to make voting easier - not harder. In order to protect our election security, Pennsylvanian Counties need Federal and State funding to upgrade our voting systems, including upgrading from outdated DREs, which may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Finally, in order to protect the integrity of our elections, we must fully fund election boards, giving local election officials the tools and funds that they need to properly do their jobs.

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?

As found by the Commonwealth court, our state constitution guarantees a thorough and efficient public school system and the Pennsylvania Legislator is not currently meeting that standard. I support a budget that makes significant gains in closing school funding adequacy gaps, increasing the amount of state funding per student and relieving the burden on homeowners paying property taxes. Additionally, I support legislation that would cap costs of cyber charter schools at the cost that public schools pay to educate those same students, relieving pressure on public school funding. I believe that we need to hold charter schools receiving state funds accountable, to make sure that they educate students to the same standards as public schools.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania, and I support this wholeheartedly. I believe that abortion access is essential healthcare, and that bodily autonomy is a human right. I will prioritize protecting abortion access, in addition to easing restrictions on abortion overall. These decisions should be made between a patient and doctor, not legislated in Harrisburg.

District 119 - Republican

Alec J. Ryncavage

County: Luzerne

Contact: alecforpa.com

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 120 - Democrat

Fern Leard

County: Luzerne

Occupation: Advocate

Education: Nurse Aide Certification at Marywood University

Qualifications: Fern Leard’s political advocacy earned her a 10+ year education on how state and federal government operates. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Luzerne County Democratic Party as well as the 5th District Democrats of Luzerne County. Learn more about her at www.votefern4pa.com

Contact: votefern4pa.com | www.instagram.com/votefern4pa/ | facebook.com/VoteFern4PA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Many Pennsylvanians are struggling to make ends meet while everything but our wages go up. Our minimum wage needs to be a family sustaining wage. We are losing a lot of tax revenue by allowing companies operating in PA, that have incorporated their business out-of-state, avoid paying state taxes while leaving small and local businesses to shoulder that bill, we must close that loophole. We need to prioritize holding companies accountable for price gouging us by amending the Price Gouging Act of 2006 to impose stronger penalties that can’t be brushed off as “the cost of doing business” and make sure that the Bureau of Consumer Protections has what it needs to make sure Pennsylvanians aren’t being taken advantage of by greedy corporations.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

The burden we place on our election workers by not allowing them to open the envelopes of mailed in votes until election day is unnecessary. Tallying the votes would be more efficient and drastically increase the likelihood of projecting the winner of an election, on election night, if they weren’t subject to start until the polls open on election day. Separately, the many changes to our voting process over the last 5 years has caused a lot of voter confusion, which has unfortunately resulted in legally registered voters having their votes thrown out. We have a responsibility to provide better access to voter education when we make changes to prevent that from happening.

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?

Pennsylvania currently ranks #36 in the nation for public education and we have a lot of work to do to change that. A quality public education requires adequate funding and we have failed to offer that to many of our school districts. I fully support revising the cyber charter school funding formula to reflect the actual cost of educating our students. The formula we currently use is outdated and results in our school districts overpaying tuition that could be used elsewhere in our educational system. We need a funding formula that will equitably provide a quality public education to set up all our students for success.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I am a strong advocate for reproductive freedoms and there is much I would support changing in Pennsylvania’s abortion laws. Including, but not limited to, changing informed consent to mean discussing the procedure and its risks as you would any other medical procedure, offering optional counseling without a 24hr waiting period, striking out the spousal notice provision, and expanding access by permitting advanced practice providers to perform the procedure. Abortion is healthcare.

John Morgan

County: Luzerne

Occupation: Councilman

Education: B.S. Marywood University

Qualifications: Exeter Councilman for the past 13 years; Current Vice Chairman and EMA Director; Exeter Borough’s alternate member of the Wyoming Area Regional Police Commission and representative to the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (Second Assistant Secretary, Chairman of the Safety and Security Committee)

Contact: johnmorganforpa.com | facebook.com/johnmorganforstaterepresentative

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Public safety is a priority. All first responders need proper funding in order to effectively protect their communities. Our state’s aging infrastructure is another priority that needs to be addressed. Updating and improving our state’s infrastructure not only improves the quality of life for residents, but also creates jobs. The fair and equitable funding of public schools as well as the increasing need to address the mental health needs of our students in schools must be a top legislative priority in Harrisburg.

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 a fundamental right. Voting needs to be accessible to all citizens and I would support sensible legislation that provides easier and more accessible ways to accomplish this. We need to strengthen election integrity. Election officials should also be protected from intimidation and harassment while doing their jobs.

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?

In February 2023 the Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania’s public school funding is unconstitutional. The unconstitutional inequities in our public school funding should be a top legislative priority and I would support legislation to make the funding fair and equitable in accordance with the provisions adopted by the Basic Education Funding Commission. All students deserve access to a quality public education.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I support a woman’s right to choose.

District 120 - Republican

Lee Ann McDermott

County: Luzerne

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

Brenda Pugh

County: Luzerne

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

Patrick Musto

County: Luzerne

Occupation: Flooring Sales and Service

Education: B.A. Education

Qualifications: Currently Dallas School DistrictBoard Director (3rd term). Familiar with public sector budgets and public sector union negotiations

Contact: mustoforpa.com | facebook.com/mustoforpa

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Education: School choice provides students with an opportunity to learn so that the system works for the student. Pennsylvania allocates millions of dollars every year only to maintain a mediocre educational system.

Property Tax: Pennsylvania can attract more job creators and working families by avoiding tax hikes and reducing government and regulatory bureaucracy.

Limited Choice: Public sector unions, especially monopolistic education unions, limit competition and innovation. Special education costs rise yearly as more children are given IEPs to accommodate their unique needs. Healthcare benefit costs rise as these unions negotiate expensive healthcare plans.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Voter ID is a crucial improvement to ensure secure and fair voting, and we need to maintain the same chain of custody procedures.

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?

I strongly advocate for putting an end to the hold harmless policy for schools experiencing decreased growth and demand the development of charter schools that are rapidly growing.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I am pro-life. I believe conception takes place at the moment of fertilization. Abortion decisions are a health care discussion that should take place between a doctor and the patient. Parents always should be involved when the patient is under the age of consent. I would support legislation that protects the life of the mother and victims of rape or incest.

District 121 - Democrat

Eddie Day Pashinski

County: Luzerne

Occupation: State Rep

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and has a Master’s equivalency

Qualifications: 38 years of experience as a former music teacher and choral director at the Greater Nanticoke Area School District to push back against irresponsible and drastic state education funding cuts that adversely affect local property taxpayers and threaten the quality of public education. As an educator,

Contact: eddiedaypashinski.com | facebook.com/eddie.pashinski

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Full Funding for Public Schools Holding your private/virtual charter schools accountable for their operating cost and abiding by the same rules PA public schools must follow as well. Healthcare Reform / Cost of healthcare is prohibitive for most people and evidence has demonstrated that foreign countries charge far less for prescription drugs than the U.S. Minimum Wage / PA must increase it´s min wage to at least be competitive with the surrounding states. Veteran Affairs must prevent homelessness and suicide a transition program is desperately needed. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Pre-canvassing should be approved when reaching certain voter thresholds. Altering equipment, timeframes, storage and a host of other related voting transactions that must be adapted to the ever changing conditions in each county

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?

The court decision made it clear the that our public schools are severely under funded and its our constitutional responsibility to make the changes necessary to provide a quality education to all PA children, this position has also been supported and verified by the Pennsylvania Public School Commission

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

Go back to Roe v Wade and continue working from there.

District 122 - Republican

Doyle Heffley

County: Carbon

Contact: facebook.com/doyle.heffley

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 123 - Democrat

Michael Zvalaren

County: Schuylkill

Occupation: Kitchen Designer

Education: Ph. D.

Qualifications: Secretary of Schuylkill Country Democratic Party, 18 years teaching college history

Contact: www.mzv4123.com

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

The most pressing issues facing voters today are civil rights, economic inequality, climate change, and blight. The slow erosion of civil rights, from women’s reproductive rights to LGBTQ+ rights to the rights of minorities to suffrage itself, has quickened its pase in recent years. At the same time, the income gap has never been wider, and the ability of people to take action is seriously constrained by financial concerns. Climate change has progressed almost to the point of no return, and recent developments have made it less and less likely that it WILL be reversed, if it still can. Finally, blighted properties in communities in this district have been a problem for decades, one whoe solution could lift all boats.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Pennsylvania needs to codify the franchise in unequivocal terms. There needs to be certainty that voting rights will not be infringed based on race, religion, gender, or any other limiting factor. Voter ID laws need to be avoided, as these are generally used to keep POC from exercising their voting rights. Secure elections in PA are paramount, and using both paper and electronic ballots has worked to ensure security in the ballot box and beyond. Automatic voter registration is another tool that will expand access to voting to every Pennsylvanian and ensure that no one is tossed off the rolls for illegitimately. Furthermore, strong legislation needs to be passed to discourage the kind of threats against election officials seen in 2024.

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?

Funding schools entirely via property taxes has led to extreme stratification in school quality throughout the state, only exacerbated by pushes to funnel public funds to private school coffers through voucher programs. While property taxes can and should still be used to fund local schools, the inequities created there can be levelled off through state funding. Any legislation that imagines a new system for Pennsylvania is going to have to be both creative and expansive. Means-testing the $430mm the state gives to subsidize private school tuition would be a good beginning in that regard. Closing the Delaware Loophole and forcing corporations that do business in PA to pay taxes in PA would help fund those schools, too. That’s just a start!

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

Access to reproductive healthcare for women needs to be codified in the Commonwealth. The Dobbs decision has made plain that women’s rights are under attack across the nation, and the sooner Pennsylvania states in no uncertatin terms that women have control over their own bodies, the better. I would write, cosponsor, and vote for legislation that would ensure that women’s reproductive rights were ensconced in Pennsylvania’s constitution, and would go a step further to say that the rights of LGBTQ+ folks and those of POC should be given the same treatment, too, because the Dobbs decision in general, and Clarence Thomas’s concurrence in particular, have made clear that an all-out offensive on marginalized groups is in the offing.

District 123 - Republican

Tim Twardzik

County: Schuylkill

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 124 - Democrat

Tina Burns

County: Schuylkill

Occupation: Healthcare Consultant

Education: MS I/O Psychology

Qualifications: Experienced leader and problem solver with both life work experience and educational experience.

Contact: burns4pa.com/home | instagram.com/tinaburns4pa/ | facebook.com/tinaburns4pa

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Taking back our towns from corporations - by enacting legislation to hold large corporations accountable for their impact on our environment & legislation closing loop holes in corporate taxes.

Improving the quality & affordability of living in our areas - legislation to hold and limit out of state LLC’s buying our housing and avoiding taxes and property responsibility all while driving up our local cost and availability for affordable housing.

Nurture our neighborhoods and residents - by using funds collected from corporate tax reform.

Advocate and affirm equal rights for ALL people, including women’s right to make their own healthcare choices, and all other people regardless of their own unique attributes.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Same day voter registration, automatic voter registration, restore rights to felons who have completed their sentence, on-line voting, early voting, vote by mail, flexible election day options, accessible voting locations.

security would be managed by affording more funding to our election administrations, so that they could manage and continually update voter records. Additional securities would be dependent on the specific type of voting. For example for on-line voting, there would be a series of security methods such as encryption to ensure the person who is voting is really the person stated. Mail in voting already has security measures in place, those measures can be further reviewed as needed.

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?

I would support legislation that makes rational sense, has more funding from the state and that has equitable distribution of funds across all public schools.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

First solidify into law that abortion is a Woman’s personal healthcare decision and no one else’s decision or any entities decision to make or force onto her.

Current restrictions that need to be removed are - mandatory waiting period after consultation, health exchange (or Medicaid, or public employee) health plan restrictions for payment, and mandatory parental consent.

We also need to stop using public funds for fake crisis pregnancy centers that pray on vulnerable women.

District 124 - Republican

Jamie Barton

County: Schuylkill

Contact: facebook.com/JamieBartonForStateRep

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 125 - Democrat

Gene Stilp

County: Dauphin

Contact: facebook.com/genestilp

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 125 - Republican

Joe Kerwin

County: Dauphin

Contact: kerwinforpa125.com | facebook.com/kerwinforpa125

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 126 - Democrat

Jacklyn Rusnock

County: Berks

Contact: voterusnock.com | facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552536278872

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 127 - Democrat

Manny Guzman

County: Berks

Contact: facebook.com/guzmanforthe127

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 128 - Republican

Mark M. Gillen

County: Berks

Occupation: PA State Representative

Education: AA Bucks Community College BS Bob Jones University. MEd.Kutztown State University

Qualifications: Former Mohnton Boro Council member. 30 years as an Emergency Medical Technician. Former PA Correctional Officer. Previously Act 48 Certified Educator.

Contact: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068492932691

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

The number one topic of constituent discussion in the area I represent is the onerous property tax. I have consistently advocated for alternative revenue sources that would help keep seniors in their homes. Eliminating property taxes would also open up home purchase opportunities for young people whose mortgages would be more modest in the absence of a large property tax bill build into their monthly payments. A number of pieces of legislation have been introduced through the years and it’s time leadership moves them forward for a vote.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Large bipartisan majorities have asserted in polling data they are comfortable with voter ID laws designed to protect the vote. Producing identification is an established norm in dozens of different civic and business intersections. We all desire a secure election system. To encourage participation we must be certain that no one is disenfranchised by someone illegally taking another person’s voting right.

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?

As a graduate of Kutztown University with an advanced degree in education I highly value the importance of our constitutionally mandated public education system.

I was for many years an Act 48 certified educator who occasionally guest taught in local classrooms. My votes for robust funding from early childhood education through the twelfth grade have helped produce record levels of state dollars locally. The courts have mandated more responsiveness to the needs of poorer districts. This challenge will be met as we also strive to protect local taxpayers.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

The 1988-89 Abortion Control Acts were signed into law by Democratic Governor Bob Casey Sr. Those laws continue to produce enduring guidance well into the 21st century.

District 129 - Democrat

Johanny Cepeda Freytiz

County: Berks

Contact: johannycepeda-freytizforpa.com | facebook.com/FriendsofJohannyCepeda

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 130 - Democrat

Rayne Reitnauer

County: Berks

Occupation: Small business owner

Education: BS in mass communications from James Madison University, AAS in Veterinary Technology from NVCC

Qualifications: Judge of Elections, Small business founder/owner, Certified Vet Tech

Contact: www.reitnauerforpa.com | instagram.com/reitnauerforpa | www.facebook.com/reitnauerforpa

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

My top concern is protecting access to healthcare, especially reproductive health care. We must guarantee that medical decisions are made between a patient and their doctor. I would like to see restrictions that have no medical benefit removed, like waiting periods for abortion care.

My second priority is the environment. If we don’t have a safe place to live, not much else matters. I would start by focusing on alternate energy sources, improved battery capabilities, and reductions in harmful emissions.

Equitable school funding is next, because all Pennsylvania children deserve the same access to a quality education.

Gun safety must be addressed: background checks, mental health checks, and education of proper gun handling and storage.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Automatic voter registration for all adult citizens in the state.

In-person early voting, at least the weekend prior to the election day.

Restoring voting rights after prison sentence is completed.

Expanded number of ballot drop boxes.

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?

Increased funding from the state for schools instead of heavy reliance on local property values.

Increasing the educator minimum salary to $60k to allow better recruitment of teachers to underserved districts.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

It is a medical procedure that should not be controlled by anyone other than the patient and their doctor.

Remove 24 hour waiting period between receipt of counseling materials and procedure.

Remove the requirement for a second physician to deem the procedure necessary for abortions after 24 weeks. This can already be waived in a medical emergency.

District 130 - Republican

David M. Maloney

County: Berks

Contact: MaloneyForPAHouse.com | facebook.com/david.maloney.56829

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 131 - Democrat

Jay Santos

County: Northampton

Occupation: Technical Solutions Engineer

Education: Bachelors

Qualifications: I have a proven track record already as I am currently an elected official and hold the title of School Director as a member of the Saucon Valley School Board. My background is in Computer Science and work as a Technical Solutions Engineer where I solve complex technical issues for clients daily.

Contact: www.jayforpa.com | www.facebook.com/jayforpa

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

The most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians include healthcare access, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability. I propose policies to ensure affordable healthcare for all, including expanding Medicaid and lowering prescription drug costs. Economic initiatives focus on job creation, workforce development, and support for small businesses. Additionally, I advocate for renewable energy investment and conservation efforts to combat climate change and protect our natural resources. Through bipartisan collaboration and community engagement, we can address these challenges and build a brighter future for all Pennsylvanians.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I support measures to expand access to voting while ensuring the security and integrity of our elections. This includes implementing automatic voter registration, expanding early voting opportunities, and providing mail-in voting options. Additionally, I advocate for modernizing election infrastructure and providing adequate funding and resources to local election officials. By promoting transparency, accessibility, and trust in our electoral process, we can strengthen democracy and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote conveniently and securely.

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?

As a school board member advocating for public schools, I support legislation to reform Pennsylvania’s school funding system in compliance with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling. This includes implementing a fair funding formula based on student needs, increasing overall funding for public education, addressing systemic inequities, and promoting transparency in funding decisions. By investing in our schools and ensuring equitable access to resources, we can provide all students with the quality education they deserve.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

As a staunch advocate for women’s rights, I believe it’s crucial to update Pennsylvania’s abortion laws to protect women’s bodily autonomy. I support removing medically unnecessary restrictions, expanding access to care, repealing parental consent laws, and codifying women’s bodily autonomy into the state constitution. These changes ensure individuals have the right to make decisions about their own bodies without government interference. It is critical we codify these rights into PA’s constitution.

Meriam Sabih

County: Lehigh

Occupation: Freelance Journalist

Education: Master’s Degree in Political Science from Lehigh University, Bachelor’s Degree in English and Psychology from Rutgers University

Qualifications: Only endorsed candidate for HD 131 by Planned Parenthood, Montgomery County Democratic Committee & Lehigh Valley for All. I’m a journalist. I also have years of proven experience as a community organizer, volunteer at our local Democratic committee, as a outreach coordinator and precinct person.

Contact: MeriamforPA.com | instagram.com/meriamforpa | www.facebook.com/MeriamforPA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

I have lived in the Lehigh Valley for over 15 years and have seen it change. We have not had good representation in Harrisburg in a long time. When I think about the issues facing our Commonwealth today, education is at the forefront. I believe that access to quality education is essential and I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that every child has the support and resources they need to succeed. I strongly support the protection of women’s reproductive rights in Pennsylvania which includes ensuring that all women can safely access the care they need. We also need smart growth policies that protect our environment while fostering a strong local economy.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

January 6th taught us that we cannot take our democracy and freedoms for granted. They can be taken away from us violently and we must protect our constitution and our rights. We must elect people in public office who respect those American values. We must ensure safe, fair elections both for voters and poll workers. I support the automatic voter registration at license registration which promotes election security and expands access to as many citizens can be involved in the democratic 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?

The court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional echoes the concerns that we need to do more to improve our public education system. Poor school building conditions, outdated textbooks, and disparities between school districts put some students at a disadvantage. I would support the initiative to increase school funding so students have the chance they deserve to succeed irrespective of where they reside.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

There has been a long history of struggle for women to attain their rights. As a woman, I am indebted to their sacrifices. We should not reverse the historic progress that has been made. I support the protection of women’s reproductive rights in Pennsylvania which includes ensuring that all women can safely access the care they need. My focus is also on ensuring that all people, including our seniors, have access to quality healthcare that they deserve and that families have the childcare they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives. I am committed to increasing access to mental health services and preventative care.

District 131 - Republican

Milou Mackenzie

County: Northampton

Contact: mac4rep.com | facebook.com/mac4rep

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 132 - Democrat

Mike Schlossberg

County: Lehigh

Occupation: State Representative

Education: MA, Lehigh University, Political Science (2006), BA, Muhlenberg College, Political Science & Psychology (2005)

Qualifications: State Representative, 2013- Present, Allentown City Council, 2009-2012

Contact: voteschlossberg.com | instagram.com/mikeschlossberg | facebook.com/voteschlossberg

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Education inequity and the burden placed by property taxes as a result of that inequity. Pennsylvania has one of the most unequal funding systems in the entire country. This hurts poorer school districts (like Allentown) and fast growing ones (like Parkland).

I believe we need to enact the Basic Education Funding Commission report as soon as possible. This will close much of the equity gap and ensure that all students have the educational opportunities they need to succeed.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I would enact a variety of changes, including enabling early voting, pre-canvassing of ballots, allowing family members to drop off ballots at drop boxes, same-day registration, and pre-registration for young adults.

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?

I would seek to fully enact the Basic Education Funding Commission report. I would also go further and enact charter school reform laws that ensure charter schools are held to the same accountability, financing and transparency standards as our public schools.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I would codify the right to an abortion for women in Pennsylvania. I believe abortion should be safe and legal, and I believe that government does not have a right in telling a woman what she can do with her body and her medical decisions.

District 133 - Democrat

Jeanne M. McNeill

County: Lehigh

Occupation: State representative

Contact: facebook.com/mcneillforpa

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Session after session we never take on legislation for Real Estate taxes. Too many people are struggling to pay them every year.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

We are headed in the right direction with making voting more accessible. Adding drop boxes, and mail in voting have helped tremendously. we need to drop negating a male invalid. If a date is forgotten or something is mundane is that is missed.

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?

We need to work together on both sides of the aisle to reform this.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

We need to protect a woman’s right to choose in our commonwealth

District 134 - Democrat

Peter Schweyer

County: Lehigh

Contact: peterschweyer.com | facebook.com/SchweyerForStateRep

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 135 - Democrat

Steve Samuelson

County: Northampton

Contact: facebook.com/pahouse.repsteve.9

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 136 - Democrat

Taiba Sultana

County: Northampton

Occupation: Councilwoman city of Easton

Education: Undergrad Political science/Pre-Law/East Strouds burg University - Associate Political Science-Northampton community college

Qualifications: Councilwoman City of EastonCommissioner at LV Planning CommissionVP of HOME Easton (NGO to promote affordable housing and home ownership)Chair Administration committeeFormer RO Director New PA Project(Voting rights organization)Former member of PA Commission of Higher Education

Contact: Taibaforpa.com | www.instagram.com/taibaforpa?igsh=N202NnZscTVpYTM0&utm_source=qr| www.facebook.com/share/DFWdxkoEhLqE7cUU/?mibextid=WC7FNe

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

As a working mother who raised her children in public housing, I see that Pennsylvanians can’t afford their homes among other things. This is why I advocate for funding for sustainable housing by supporting a realistic lease-to-purchase bill so people can rent for a certain period before taking on home ownership.

I will also cut the nearly $3 billion in subsidies for fossil fuels so we can cut taxes for seniors and small businesses.

Pennsylvania is embarrassingly stuck on $7.25 minimum wage.Our government must invest in working people by increasing wages and finding ways to combat poverty.

Pennsylvania need healthcare for all. No one should be denied healthcare because they can’t afford it.

Because Working Families Deserve Better!

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

As an immigrant and a woman of color, I believe every Pennsylvanian, regardless of income and race, must have the freedom to exercise their constitutional right to vote. We must restore the Voting Rights Act to end racist voter suppression and partisan gerrymandering. I will fight for automatic voter registration for all citizens 18 and over as well as open primaries. I will advocate to make Election Day a national holiday and abolish voter ID law.

I also support uniformity across all counties by putting the Pennsylvania government in charge of all election operations so as to avoid repeated failures.

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?

As a mother of public school children, a former substitute teacher and former Member of Pennsylvania State Board of Education, I see firsthand need to reform our broken education system by enacting fair funding for public schools via statewide taxes on the rich instead of penalizing seniors on fixed incomes for having their own property. Per the Education Law Center, I will support an immediate $2 billion payment for fair funding of public schools with an additional $1 billion coming every year until the gap between what they have been funded and what they constitutionally require is closed. From there, a fair funding system that comes from the state and goes towards local school boards based on student population will be instated.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

As a pro-choice woman who is a mother of a 19-year-old daughter, it is sad to see our rights being placed to the ballot. I advocate for the complete removal of Pennsylvania’s 23-week ban, allowing women, their doctor and family, to make their own personal medical decisions. The government should not interfere in the private matters of women. I will prioritize funding for universal free contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies and promote a safer and more informed society. I am committed to upholding these values and will not compromise on this issue, unlike some Democratic politicians.This district was established in the 1960s, and if elected, I will be the first woman to represent it, despite women making up 50% of the population.

Robert Freeman

County: Northampton

Occupation: legislator

Education: Easton Area High School; Moravian College, BA History & Political Science, magna cum laude; Lehigh University, MA History.

Qualifications: State Representative, 1982-1994, 1998-present; Majority Chairman, House Local Government Committee, serve on State Planning Board and Local Government Commision; created Elm Street program to revitalize older urban neighborhoods; expertise in smart growth, farmland preservation, land use planning.

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Increase the minimum wage, provide for paid Family & Medical Leave, increase funding for public education. Enact my Tutoring bill to provide academic credit to high school seniors and juniors who tutor lower grade students. Promote affordable housing by passing my Lease to Purchase legislation providing a pathway for families to purchase the homes they rent. Build on the expansion of the Property Tax Rent Rebate program that I voted for by allowing for Property Tax Circuit Breakers to ensure property taxes never exceed a set percentage of household income. Enact my legislation for a public option for affordable health care insurance. Protect women’s right to reproductive health. Address climate change. Reduce negative impact of warehouses.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Provide for same day voter registration on election day with proper safeguards. Allow for pre-canvasing of mail in ballots up to seven days before the election. Allow early voting starting 15 days prior to election day. Provide better protocols on programing computer voting machines to ensure accuracy. Require the counties to notify electors of minor issues with their mail in ballots so they can be corrected. Increase transparency for viewing the pre-canvasing and canvassing of ballots.

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?

Adopt the recommendations of the Basic Education Funding Commission Majority Report to reduce the volatility in the current basic education funding formula, calculating adequacy targets for each school district and phase in additional funding for poorer school districts to address the court’s ruling. Invest in repairing and modernizing school facilities. Examine charter school funding, enacting broader reforms to help school districts save money and ensure funding for cyber charters is calculated appropriately to reduce the amount school districts are currently required to pay. Make investments to grow the Commonwealth’s education workforce, investing in student support programs, support staff, and improving the mental health of students.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I have consistently supported protecting women’s right to reproductive health. I would support legislation to remove unnecessary obstacles to safe abortion access under current Pennsylvania law.

District 137 - Democrat

Anna Thomas

County: Northampton

Occupation: Consultant

Education: M.P.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, a B.A. in Chemistry from Wellesley College, and is a graduate of Freedom High School in Bethlehem, PA.

Qualifications: Anna is a chemist by trade who got into politics after her favorite teacher was furloughed by Governor Corbett’s tax cuts. When she ran in 2022, she lost by only 703 votes. She has the tenacity and power to get the job done and is the State Rep PA 137 deserves.

Contact: annarthomas.com | www.instagram.com/annaforpenna/ | facebook.com/annaforpenna

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 137 - Republican

Joe Emrick

County: Westmoreland

Contact: votejoeemrick.com | facebook.com/Emrick4Rep

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 138 - Democrat

Jared Bitting

County: Northampton

Occupation: Technology and Engineering Teacher

Education: Masters Degree in Technology Education

Qualifications: 25 Years of Experience as an Educator, President of the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Contact: bitting4pa.today | www.facebook.com/Bitting4PA

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 138 - Republican

Ann Flood

County: Northampton

Contact: voteannflood.com | facebook.com/voteannflood

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 139 - Democrat

Robin Schooley Skibber

County: Pike

Occupation: Registered Dietitian

Education: Bachelor’s in Science from Penn State University. Hotel, Restaurant, & Inst’l Mgt. 1986. Registration in Dietetics, Marywood University 1997

Qualifications: 20 years in food service work, 10 of which in management, including union. Clinical Dietitian in acute care, patient ed. and care planning for at risk patients. 22 years as Administrator for AAA, providing services for 60+ consumers to remain in their homes & communities

Contact: Robinfor139.com | m.facebook.com/robinfor139

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

The access to urgent/emergent health care services for the entire county. There is no urgent care, no hospital, and limited numbers of long term care facilities, especially those that are affordable. The number of mental health providers is very small and there are wait lists at most if not all of them. Also the older population is struggling with high home-related costs to stay safely in their own homes, their taxes and rent/mortage/heating costs are forcing many to move, prematurely into alternative living arrangements or prematurely into long term care facilities. There are few to no affordable housing options in the county for working families and seniors as well as young people heading out into the workforce.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Increase education to secondary Ed. Students including technical schools & community colleges.

Provide community program providers of all types to promote voting registration, mail-in voting, use social media resources as well to target groups of traditionally low voting performance/registration (ie. 20-30 yo’s)

Invest in local communities to participate in election activities & promotion & education about upcoming elections.

Use prominent figures in commercials to demonstrate importance of voting.

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?

Stop using one year budgets & work on longer range plans to level the funding inadequacies of districts.

Look at the high performing smdistricts & see what their funding ratios are & work on those formul needs per student funding, just like special education funding.

Tax equity calculations to help alleviate the tax burden of fixed income & lose income communities

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

Allocate funds for agencies such as Planned Parenthood to expand into area not shutting them out of communities. Make reproductive healthcare accessible & affordable..

Stop punitive-stigma producing loopholes & rules in healthcare services & coverage.

District 139 - Republican

Jeff Olsommer

County: Wayne

Occupation: Insurance

Education: BS - Political Science

Qualifications: 24 yr Business Owner & 10 years as Sterling Township Supervisor

Contact: jeffolsommer139th.com

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Ensuring our first responders have the resources

to keep us safe. Working to improve health care for rural Pennsylvanians. Working to improve our education system to empower tomorrows workforce.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I Would support mail in voting with proper registration and identification tools employed. In person voting - all voters must have a valid ID.

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?

I support the current system, however the formula

should be looked at to ensure state funds are disbursed correctly.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I believe Pa has a good law in place.

Matthew Contreras

County: Pike

Occupation: Self-Employed

Education: College educated, Life tested.

Qualifications: Business owner, entrepreneur, Judge of Elections, husband, father, coach, community leader, education advocate.

Contact: mc4pa.com | facebook.com/MC4PIKE

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

I am running for State Representative to affect change and return our Commonwealth to our founding principles. Like many Americans, I have become disenchanted with political party games that leave ordinary citizens like us wondering what they are getting for their tax dollars. I believe in a government at the county, state, and federal levels that supports our God-given, Constitutional rights. A government that understands the primary role of the government is to promote the safety and security of its citizens. Additionally, I support a limited government that promotes economic responsibility and does not use tax dollars as a political slush fund. Lower taxes, limited government, and economic prosperity are what Pennsylvanians want & need.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Election integrity is vital to maintaining our Republic. I would:

• Pass Voter ID Law
• Eliminate Act 77, drop-boxes, and no excuse mail-in ballots.
• Institute full precinct control of all ballots.
• Demand stricter penalties for Election Fraud
• I do not believe the government and taxpayer dollars should be used to fund abortion. I believe in the sanctity of life. I am committed to promoting the dignity and value of human life from conception to natural death and to restoring legal protection for preborn children. However, it is the will of the People of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through their elected officials, and not the Federal government, that shall determine what laws Pennsylvania adopts.
• End ballot harvesting

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?

I would call for the elimination of the school property tax, implement universal school choice, and demand that Harrisburg pay for it by reigning in reckless budgets and spending.

District 140 - Democrat

Jim Prokopiak

County: Bucks

Occupation: attorney/Site acquisition

Education: West Chester University, Temple School of Law

Qualifications: Pennsbury School Board Member, Former Falls Twp Supervisor, Rec League Coach, father of 3

Contact: jimfor140.com | facebook.com/jimfor140

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

The American dream seems harder and harder for working families to achieve. We need to institute programs that create family sustaining jobs, increase access to skills and vocational training, create attainable housing, and fully fund our education system so that everyone has the ability to put a roof over their families head, pay their bills, provide a quality education for their children, have affordable healthcare, and has a pathway to retirement.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 a fundamental right, so we must ensure everyone has access to the vote, including the right to a mail-in ballot.

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?

We need to fully fund education with a funding formula that is equitable and fair. We need to ensure that everyone has access to low cost lifetime learning, including skills training, vocational training, and public college education.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I fully support a woman’s right to choose. I will not support any restrictions on that fundamental right.

District 140 - Republican

Candace Cabanas

County: Bucks

Occupation: Restaurant server

Education: High School Diploma

Qualifications: I’m a resident of the 140th district of Pennsylvania and I pay taxes

Contact: candaceforpa.com | facebook.com/CandaceForPA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Too many working-class families in communities like mine across Pennsylvania are struggling under the weight of rising inflation, high gas prices, and a weak economic recovery. On top of this, Pennsylvania is ranked among the states with the highest rate of people leaving for other states.

We need responsible leadership in Harrisburg focused on keeping our streets safe, bringing costs down, and promoting the kind of economic growth that will create good family-sustaining jobs.

Bloomberg recently cited “warmer weather, lower taxes, looser regulation, and cheaper housing” as reasons for families and businesses leaving Pennsylvania. While we can’t do anything about the weather, we must do what we can to address these critical issues.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Voters need to have confidence in the outcome of our elections, and I believe there are simple, common-sense measures that we should pursue. Many of these ideas were contained in the proposed Voting Rights Protection Act.

This legislation would have made voting more accessible and more secure – something that should have bipartisan support.

This would have expanded the current voter ID law, required regular audits of elections, and directed counties to provide voters with a scannable and durable Voter Registration Card.

This would have made it easier to vote as well, allowing for in-person early voting, implementing a more practical timeline for mail-in voting, and providing regulations for county-run drop boxes.

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?

When it comes to education, my top priority is ensuring that our local school districts receive their fair share of funding. Our students deserve a top-quality education, and when I’m elected State Representative, I will fight to ensure that they, and their teachers and support staff, have access to the resources they need to be successful.

In particular, I will be a champion for quality Special Education and IEP programs that work for students in need and their families.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I believe that it is our voters’ right in this district to decide this issue through referendum and create a basis for the laws enacted. My job is to represent the decisions voters make in the 140th district to Harrisburg. The law currently supports a woman’s right to have an abortion up to 24 weeks (or 6 months) and allows for exceptions due to rape, incest, and life threatening issues to the mother and her health. If this is what our voters wish to continue, then this will remain our law.

I do not believe in late term abortion unless involving the exceptions listed above, which matches the majority of public sentiment on the issue.

District 141 - Democrat

Tina Davis

County: Bucks

Occupation: State Representative

Education: BA LaSalle University

Contact: tina4staterep.com

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Real estate taxes and the cost of staying in one’s home. Freeze taxes after a certain age, give tax credits for home improvements. Give more incentives to builders who have attainable housing.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Voters who choose to use mail in ballots should have their votes counted on election night. Pa should allow counties to pre-canvass ballots prior to Election Day… preparing them for tabulation.

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?

I would support all the recommendations from the courts to fairly fund each school which would allow all children access to a good education.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I would codify it in the constitution so that it could never be reversed.

District 141 - Republican

Noah Boyd

County: Bucks

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 142 - Democrat

Anna Payne

County: Bucks

Occupation: Executive Assistant to Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia

Education: Associates Degree in Business Administration, Bucks County Community College

Qualifications: Member of the Middletown Twp. Board of Supervisors, Vice Chair of the PA Rare Disease Council, Co-founder of the Bucks County Cystic Fibrosis Alliance and board member of Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute, Treasurer of the Bucks County Democratic Women’s Forum, PA State Committee Member

Contact: www.annapayne4staterep.com/ | www.instagram.com/annapayne4pa/ | www.facebook.com/AnnaPayne4StateRep/

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

I want to deliver real positive change for my district by tackling the issues facing my community daily. This includes bringing down the cost of living and improving the quality of life for the residents of our community by lowering healthcare costs, investing in mental health services, and lowering prescription drug prices, especially for our seniors, ensuring all Pennsylvanians receive the quality care they deserve. This also includes continuing to protect reproductive healthcare in PA, making responsible investments to keep our communities safe, and being a leader in keeping Pennsylvania’s air, water, and energy clean.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

As a step representative, maintaining free and fair elections in my district will be of the utmost importance. If elected, I would encourage increasing access to drop boxes in my district and would support legislation that would expand access by establishing true early voting in Pennsylvania and pre-canvassing while protecting and expanding the implementation of automatic registration in PA. I would also advocate for legislation that will focus on improving voter education, including the importance of voting, registration, and vote-by-mail information. Most importantly, I would oppose any legislation that aimed to disenfranchise voters throughout the Commonwealth by blocking their ability to participate in the democratic 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?

If elected, I would urge my colleagues to support legislation that would require all public education funding to be filtered through the fair funding formula so that we may ensure that all children in Pennsylvania receive an equitable opportunity to succeed academically through our public school system, regardless of their parent’s level of income or the value of taxable property in their school districts. I would also support legislation that would increase special education and early childhood program funding while assuring its fair distribution as well as expanding funding towards maintaining school facilities.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

Reproductive healthcare has been under attack across the country. We are fortunate that in the state of Pennsylvania, a woman’s right to choose is still protected. This choice is between you and your doctor, no one else. The state legislature must continue to protect reproductive rights, including access to abortion and contraceptives. Recently, the Alabama Supreme Court declared that embryos created through IVF should have more rights than the person who is carrying them. I can promise that if elected to the state house I would support codifying all forms of reproductive healthcare including IVF treatments. We must protect every Pennsylvanian’s bodily autonomy, especially when concerning their reproductive rights.

District 142 - Republican

Joe Hogan

County: Bucks

Occupation: Economic Development Professional

Education: Penn State B.A., M.P.A. Community and Economic Development. Temple University, Beasley School of Law J.D.

Qualifications: I have been the incumbent representative since 2022 and have developed a strong reputation as a bipartisan leader in Harrisburg and our community. Before this role, I worked in local government with the RDA and served as a member of Former Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick’s staff in Bucks and D.C.

Contact: hogan4rep.com | www.facebook.com/hogan4staterep

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

The cornerstone to communities that work is safety. As a state representative I have been on the forefront of fighting for more measures to make our communities safer. I have been a loud voice for increased funding for school safety for our kids. I have worked with both parties to pass common sense gun laws. I have also made sure to make sure our police have the resources they need and opposed any effort to defund them. Now it’s time we turn our attention to tackling the fentanyl epidemic that is killing residents daily. First, we should seek tougher penalties for dealers and we must urge the federal government to do something about our porous boarders where these drug often times originate from.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Securing our elections should be an absolute priority for anyone running for office. I support Voter ID as a first step to securing our elections. This commonsense solution would help stop fraud and is supported by 75%+ of our residents. I would also put an end to unattended or unmonitored drop boxes. I would be open to expanding voting hours or having some form of in person early voting as well to expand access. I also support allowing our local election offices to pre-canvass mail in ballots so that election results are known within a few hours after the polls close.

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?

One of the proudest accomplishments of our first budget is the bipartisan way that we were able to significantly increase funding for our public schools. Working together we not only passed the largest single year investment in our schools ever, we also passed a record amount in total for our schools. I support continuing these investments in our schools over the next several years so that we not only come in compliance with the court’s ruling, but we make sure that our kids have access to world class education and educators. But students cannot learn if they are not in a safe environment free from violence or hazardous substances or if the child does not access to the resources they need. I have supported efforts to address both concerns.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I am the only candidate in this race who has voted to protect a woman’s right to choose. I would not support any changes to our abortion laws. This is a deeply personal issue and I respect that there is a diversity in this view, but I believe that the choice should be between a woman and her doctor, not either side of the political divide more interested in scoring political points.

District 143 - Democrat

Eleanor Breslin

County: Bucks

Occupation: Lawyer

Education: Temple University, Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Juris Doctor, May 2004 Associate Editor, Temple Environmental Law and Technology Journal, 2003 – 2004 Integrated Trial Advocacy Program, 2002 – 2003 Law Faculty Scholarship, 2001 – 2004 Temple University, Fox School of Business a

Qualifications: Meshkov & Breslin, LLC, Easton, Pennsylvania Partner, January 2008 – present Founding and managing partner in multi-county plaintiff’s oriented law practice focusing on personal injury, workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, civil rights, criminal defense, family law, and social security

Contact: eleanorbreslin.com | www.facebook.com/ElectEleanorBreslin

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Public Education is under threat. I am committed to securing adequate funding for quality public education, safeguarding schools from extremist influences, and ensuring a balanced and inclusive learning environment for all students.

People are struggling financially. I will support increasing the minimum wage to a livable wage, advance policies to offset the high cost of living, and foster economic growth to benefit everyone.

Healthcare costs are too high. I will work to make quality healthcare and prescription medications more affordable and accessible for everyone.

Access to reproductive healthcare is under threat. I will fight to protect choice and keep the government out of womens’ health decisions.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Voting needs to be accessible, convenient, and secure for all those who are eligible to vote. Pennsylvania’s voting laws can be changed to (a) modernize Pennsylvania’s voter registration system, (b) require counties to provide equitable and convenient access to secure drop box locations, (c) allow counties to process mail in ballots and absentee ballots before Election Day, (d) make it harder to disqualify legal votes for minor voter errors, (e) protect election workers from harassment and threats, and (f) establish standards for post-election audits to ensure accurate election results reporting.

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?

I firmly believe every child deserves a meaningful opportunity to succeed in school and in life, and that all children must have access to a comprehensive and effective public education. I would support legislation that advances the recommendations identified in the January 11, 2024 Majority Report adopted by the Basic Education Funding Commission.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I support access to safe, legal abortion, and strongly oppose restrictions on a woman’s right to choose.

District 143 - Republican

Shelby Labs

County: Bucks

Contact: shelbyforpa.com | facebook.com/ShelbyforPA

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 144 - Democrat

Brian Munroe

County: Bucks

Occupation: State Representative, former police officer and firefighter/EMT, Navy Veteran.

Education: West Chester University, Montgomery County Police Academy, Montgomery County Fire Academy

Qualifications: I am the current State Representative. I am a Navy Veteran, former Police Officer, and former Firefighter/EMT. I am married to my wife for 20 years and a father of a 16 year old and 12 year old daughters.

Contact: munroeforpa.com | facebook.com/brianmunroe4staterep

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Putting money back into the pockets of Pennsylvanians. We passed a record increase to child care tax deductions and rent rebate programs. Another major issue is shrinking budgets for our senior citizens. When the state does not fund our local schools appropriately, this puts the burdens on our seniors and homeowners because local schools are forced to raise taxes. We have proposed increased funding for our school systems, which would help prevent rising taxes. I also support using our $14 Billion fund surplus or applying a gas extraction fee on fracking companies and create a school tax refund for our seniors. Putting money back into peoples pockets would have a positive feedback loop, which would benefit our local economy.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I support increased access to voting, which includes early voting or increased in person voting by having polls open longer than a single day.

This past year, I was one of the few Representative who voted for increased ID requirements, but at the same time would have allowed pre-canvassing of mail in ballots. This was a win/win for Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. This compromise was a bi-partisan effort.

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?

We are still early in the budget process and the approach to school funding in light of the recent court ruling is still uncertain. What I can say is that I represent 2 of the best School Districts in the state and I am extremely proud of both Central Bucks and Centennial School districts. My job is to help them be the best they can be by advocating for the most amount of funding as possible.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I strongly support a woman’s right to choose. I think important medical decisions involving a woman should be made between her and her doctor, spouse, ect. Not the government!

We have seen extremist views take hold in other states, where laws have been passed restricting abortion access and even criminalizing it. The negative impacts on women’s health have already been documented. The recent Alabama ruling declaring frozen embryos as children is just the most recent example in government overreach on this issue and the nightmare it is creating for families.

2 years ago, there was an attempt to make a woman’s right to choose illegal in Pa. My election to the State House put a stop to it and I will continue to defend women’s rights.

District 144 - Republican

Daniel J. McPhillips

County: Bucks

Occupation: Bucks County Recorder of Deeds

Education: B.A. in Political Science, La Salle University; A.A. in Behavioral Sciences, Bucks County Community College; Archbishop Wood H.S.; Log College Middle School

Qualifications: I’m a life-long resident of Warminster Township. I currently serve as the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds. Previously, I served as a member of the Warminster Township Board of Supervisors. I have been an elected official for more than 10 years representing and serving the people of our community.

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

As I spend time in our community, I hear from a lot of people worries about the quality-of-life issues that have made our communities strong. I think we need to have leaders who listen and who represent the values of our communities. We need to invest in our schools and make sure our kids have access to opportunity. We need to protect our neighborhoods and that includes standing with our police and doing everything we can to work with our federal officials to seal our border and get tough on fentanyl dealers here at home. And we need leaders who will take on the kitchen table issues to save our families money. Every penny we save them in Harrisburg is one more they must fight inflation.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I think this is an area that has become too partisan. Lets look at commonsense measures that make sense and protect our democracy. It does neither side any good to undermine democracy, so lets do what we can to strengthen people’s faith in the system. As a county official, I know the pressure our election workers are under to deliver results the public has confidence in. I would allow limited pre-canvasing efforts and would encourage increases in pay for election workers. I would also support voter ID to secure our elections with the state providing an ID to every citizen who doesn’t have a drivers license. I would also be in favor of in person early voting at county election offices.

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?

As the son of a former local public-school board member and a product of the public schools within the 144th district, I know that funding is a big piece of the puzzle for improving our education system. I support more money for our public schools and will always support increasing state support for our schools. I also think we have to have a system where parents have a voice in the system as well. A lot of what we need to do has to do with mimicking successful approaches in the classroom that have worked across the commonwealth – some of our top performing schools aren’t our top spenders. We need to see what they are doing to improve educational opportunities. We have to save kids from failing public schools & access to opportunities.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I would not seek to make any changes to our current law. One thing that a good leader does is listen and I have heard from many voices on this issue. It’s clear to me that this issue isn’t as controversial as politicians want to make it – most people support some access to reproductive care with reasonable limits and exception for rape, incest, and life of the mother. While the issue is very complex, especially for those faced with this choice, politicians at the extremes have made it into a political football. That’s not what the community wants and that is not what I will do as our state representative.

District 145 - Democrat

Vera Cole

County: Bucks

Occupation: Retired

Education: BS Mechanical Engineering, MS Industrial Engineering, PhD Information Science

Qualifications: I’m an engineer and teacher and have lived in the district for 33 years. After a wide ranging career in industry, taught Energy and Sustainability Policy at Penn State; family owned a local small business; community volunteer, and served on West Rockhill Township’s Conservation Committee.

Contact: veracoleforpa.com/home | www.instagram.com/veracoleforpa/ | facebook.com/VeraColeforPA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

1) Safeguarding democracy and election integrity, without which little else matters. My opponent signed a letter to US Congress in 2020 asking that acceptance of Pennsylvania electoral votes be disputed. 2) Political interference in our personal lives, first and foremost a woman’s right to make her own decisions about her own body. I will oppose any legislation that curtails personal freedoms subjective grounds. 3) Reforming school funding is an urgent and overdue pressing issue impacting children, parents, teachers, property tax payers. 4) Protecting our water, air and climate, starting with special interest tax breaks subsidizing oil & gas companies billions yearly. In clear need of immediate reform, especially as LNG exports are pending.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I would support mailing a ballot to every registered voter for every election without the need to apply or renew. I support a simpler process for completing and submitting mail in ballots, including no privacy envelope, no date requirement, and more drop off locations. I would like for election results to be released on election day, by improvement in ballot processing or by starting the count earlier. I support the Governor’s Election Security Task Force, while regretting its necessity. Expanded mail-in balloting is a reliable and constructive way to improve voter engagement and take pressure off in-person voting logistics and concerns. And finally, I would support expanded civic and voter education in our schools.

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?

For starters, I would have voted for HB 1422 to modernize cyber charter funding and save millions for county schools. Incredibly, my opponent did not. The bill makes fair and practical adjustments to the amounts school systems are required to pay cyber schools, including special needs funding based on a student’s needs, and ensuring that cyber schools follow the same rules as traditional public schools. The bill passed with bi-partisan support. I agree with the Court’s Ruling that our school funding system must be reformed. I support shifting the bulk of the responsibility of school funding to the state and away from local property taxes, so that all schools are fairly and properly funded, regardless of zip code.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I agree with much of our current framework, including access to abortion medication and a 23-week window for abortion as a reproductive health option, followed by legal access if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger. I support changes to laws that delay a woman gaining access to a procedure for which she is lawfully entitled, including mandatory advanced pre-counseling and requiring parental consent or judicial review for minors. I support abortion coverage by healthcare plans, including Medicaid. I support a woman’s right to make decisions for herself, in private, and have access to the healthcare she chooses.

District 145 - Republican

Craig Staats

County: Bucks

Occupation: State Representative

Education: Central Bucks East, 1979 Johnson & Wales University

Qualifications: State Representative

Contact: staatsforstaterep.com | facebook.com/StaatsForStateRep

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

The two top issues facing Pennsylvania families are the rising cost of living and the rising crime rates across our communities. We must work to address these key issues that directly impact the quality of life here in Upper Bucks County every single day.

I have consistently voted against tax hikes on working families and have supported measures to help reduce energy prices that drive up the cost of everything from filling your tank to running a small business.

I will always stand as a partner with our police and first responders, making sure they have the resources they need to keep our streets safe. They put their lives on the line each and every day to protect us, and they deserve someone fighting for them in Harrisburg,

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

Pennsylvanians deserve confidence in the outcome of our elections, and I am proud to have supported legislation to ensure that every eligible voter has their voice heard.

The Voting Rights Protection Act, which I voted for last session, would have required regular audits of our elections, as well as the implementation of Voter ID. It also laid out rules and regulations for county-run drop boxes and a more practical timeline for mail in voting.

This combination of security and access to early voting is the type of common-sense solution our election process needs. It was unfortunately vetoed by then-Governor Wolf, but I will continue to fight to make our elections more secure.

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?

I have always been an advocate for quality education. I am proud to have been appointed to serve on the Commission on Education and Economic Competitiveness for this legislative session to investigate how we can best serve our students.

This commission is a bipartisan study on PA’s school system which will examine the shortcomings of the current system, the different approaches of leading school districts in the Commonwealth, and how we compare to other school systems around the world.

Preparing our students for a successful future in a highly skilled workforce starts with analyzing our current school system and taking proper steps to provide a world-class education in every corner of the state.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I believe that an issue as critical as this is best left in the hands of the people. That’s why I was proud to support putting a referendum on the ballot to begin addressing the question of abortion in Pennsylvania.

I am personally pro-life, but I do recognize the need to allow for some exceptions to protect the health and safety of the mother. I will always stand against allowing late-term abortions on-demand for no medical reason.

District 146 - Democrat

Joe Ciresi

County: Montgomery

Occupation: Legislator

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Music, University of Miami

Qualifications: Three terms as a legislator; Former director of Sales and Marketing; former school board director for 12+ years

Contact: ciresiforpa.com | facebook.com/CiresiForPA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Our most pressing issue is the fair and equitable funding of education in our commonwealth. This issue is intertwined with property taxes and our ability to support families and seniors on fixed incomes who struggle with the cost of maintaining their homes as a result. (more on this topic below)

At a minimum, the Legislature needs to balance the scales by contributing more – as a commonwealth – to lessen the pressure on local districts to raise money through property taxes.

The second most pressing issue is mental health. Like cancer and other physical ailments, mental illness is real and should receive the attention and priority it deserves. Too many of our fellow citizens are succumbing to “deaths of despair.”

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

I support same-day voter registration, as well as early voting (the latter of which is done in Florida). The more people who participate in our democracy the better.

As for safety and security, there has been a documented increase in threats against election officials. This is unacceptable; we must ensure that election officials and poll workers feel safe and protected. They are on the front lines of our democracy. As a legislator, I listen to county election officials and Pennsylvania’s Secretary of State Al Schmidt. We must get this issue right.

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?

I’m proud to serve on the Education Committee in Harrisburg and will never stop fighting until every student in our state has the same opportunities to succeed in our schools, regardless of zip code.

The Commonwealth Court ruling is clear: we must do better. Last July, the House approved my bill on cyber charter reform (HB 1422). By ending $455 million in overpayments and making sure that taxpayer dollars are being properly spent on their intended purpose — educating students — this reform bill will help all our students and taxpayers. House Bill 1311, which I also introduced, continues the successful “Level Up” funding of disadvantaged school districts.

I will continue to advocate for increased state funding of our school districts.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

Abortion should remain accessible to all women. I am unwavering in my position that decisions related to abortion should remain between a woman, her family, and doctor.

District 146 - Republican

Michael J. McCloskey III

County: Montgomery

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

As a no-nonsense businessman, 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. And let’s 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’s between a woman and her 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.

District 147 - Democrat

Albert Leach

County: Montgomery

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Education: Graduated from Indiana University of PA

Qualifications: School Board Director for 8 years, President for 3, Vice-President for 4

Contact: www.alleachforpa.com | www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555733549817

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Our commonwealth’s future depends on the fair and equitable funding of education. Education is the foundation of our society, and every student deserves access to quality education, regardless of zip code or family income. Unfortunately, our current system leaves behind those who need it the most. Families and seniors on fixed incomes are struggling with the funding of education. This issue is closely linked with property taxes and the challenges faced by families and seniors on fixed incomes who struggle with maintaining their homes. The Legislature must contribute more to balance the scales and reduce the pressure on local districts to raise funds through property taxes.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

The health of our democracy depends on the integrity of our electoral process. It’s time we take action to protect our democracy and ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard. That’s why I strongly advocate for same-day voter registration, early voting, and increased drop-box locations for those who choose to vote by mail.But we must also address the disturbing increase in threats against our election officials. These individuals are the backbone of our democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect them. Let’s stand together and demand that our elected officials take meaningful action to protect our democracy and strengthen our electoral system.

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?

I am committed to advocating for increased state funding for our school districts. Our students deserve the best education possible, and we can achieve this by making sure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. The House’s approval of bill HB 1422, which will end $455 million in overpayments, is a step in the right direction. By ensuring that our students receive the education they deserve, we can also benefit taxpayers. Furthermore, House Bill 1311 will continue to provide funding to disadvantaged school districts through the “Level Up” program. I am confident that with these reforms, we can improve education for all our students and ensure that our taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

Equal access to reproductive freedoms is a fundamental right for all women. I stand strong in my conviction that healthcare decisions are to be made by the woman, in consultation with her family and physician. It’s also crucial to protect women who travel to Pennsylvania for reproductive health services from being prosecuted in their home states. I am committed to advocating for legislation that supports these beliefs.

District 147 - Republican

Donna M. Scheuren

County: Montgomery

Contact: donnascheuren.com | facebook.com/DonnaScheuren

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

Ditrict 148 - Democrat

Mary Jo Daley

County: Montgomery

Contact: maryjodaley.com | facebook.com/maryjo.daley1

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 149 - Democrat

Tim Briggs

County: Montgomery

Contact: timbriggs.org | facebook.com/timbriggsforstaterep

This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.

District 150 - Democrat

Joe Webster

County: Montgomery

Occupation: State Representative, PA HD150; VP, Accenture Federal; VP Gestalt; Colonel, USAF (ret); Associate Professor

Education: PhD, George Washington Univ; MA, US Naval War College; MA, Wright State Univ; BS, US Air Force Academy

Qualifications: Incumbent elected 2018 who brings character, work ethic, and both analytics and compassion to the mission of serving our community.

Contact: joewebsterpa.com | www.instagram.com/joewebsterforstaterep/ | www.facebook.com/JoeWebsterPA

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

This election is about addressing the future of Pennsylvania --- everything from public education and extreme weather events --- to protecting the right to abortion and reproductive health, to defending democracy. I work every day to fulfill the promise of justice and liberty for every Pennsylvanian.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

There are two policy areas important to protecting PA’s voters: first is the administration of voting--funding election services so PA’s counties can do their work. Remember: PA’s elections were audited numerous times and they were secure. But there are also numerous technical changes required for mail-in ballots (including dates, secrecy envelopes, drop boxes) to increase access. See my bill: PA HB 282. The second step is Campaign Finance Reform. Pennsylvania has no limits on campaign contributions, gifts, and no controls on outside money, “dark money,” or foreign-owned, corporate contributions. All of this must be regulated so Pennsylvania’s elected officials serve only Pennsylvania’s interests. I have introduced those bills also.

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?

We need to pass Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget request. In this regard, the responsibility of the legislature is not “legislative.” It’s budgetary. The Governor has proposed a five year increase to meet the Constitutional requirement. We should fund $1.5B this year (we have a $14B surplus!). This provides the ability for school districts to adjust (to hire and build the programs required) and it gives Pennsylvania time to grow into its true responsibility over five years. We also need to pass HB1422 in the Senate and control the cost of cyber charter schools. Then, at the very least, we must make all charter schools subject to basic government audits. We should know where every tax dollar is spent. That’s a pretty simple principle.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania. And, because we have a Democratic majority in the PA House, there will be no constitutional amendment to ban abortion in Pennsylvania. Sadly, we now must also make sure women in PA are not subject to legal threats from the states that are criminalizing basic reproductive health needs. HBs 1784 through 1789, which I have cosponsored, represent a package of bills that will prohibit other states from attacking our citizens and our doctors. They protect medical records, home addresses and insurers. Most important: these bills protect the basic healthcare needs of Pennsylvania’s women. We need to pass every one of these bills.

District 150 - Republican

Simone Collins

County: Montgomery

Occupation: Managing Director

Education: Masters from the University of Cambridge (Technology Policy), GWU Business Admin BA

Qualifications: Background in policy advocacy, technology policy, nonprofits, private equity, and business operations.

Contact: collinsforpa.com | instagram.com/simonehcollins | facebook.com/SimoneHCollins

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?

Bureaucratic and regulatory bloat has dramatically increased the cost of government and public services without any improvement in quality. A top priority of mine is to eliminate the legislative waste and bureaucratic tumors weighing down our state and to modernize government services using tech, which will improve their quality while not increasing costs.

What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?

With regard to election security and access, we need more transparency, simplicity, and uniformity in standards and procedures. I support initiatives that increase these things.

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?

I’ll support legislation that expands school choice and encourages competition between public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling.

What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?

I support abortion laws that protect cultural sovereignty and reproductive choice. Different cultural groups in our state have very different views on abortion and should not be robbed of their rights to practice their beliefs within reason (and most Americans share the same definition of what reasonable universal restrictions exist).