This is the second in a couplet of stories profiling the Democratic candidates for the 136th State House.
Robert Freeman needs little introduction to voters in the 136th District. He has represented the district’s constituents in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1983 through 1994, and from 1999 to date.
“I am honored to represent the people of the 136th District in Harrisburg and proud of my record of service,” Freeman said. “I have dedicated myself to working for the everyday people of my district and Pennsylvania.”
Taiba Sultana is one member of Freeman’s district who argues that’s not enough. She is challenging Freeman for his job in the Democratic primary. The District includes Easton, Freemansburg, Glendon, Hellertown, West Easton, Wilson, Williams Township, and parts of Palmer and Lower Saucon.
In the WFMZ.com interview, Freeman did not mention Sultana by name. When asked to explain differences in policy, experience, background and temperament between himself and his opponent, Freeman noted that he serves as the majority chair of the local government committee and that he has “been a leader on land use and planning issues.”
“I have lived in the community my entire life,” he said. “I have a bachelor of arts from Moravian College and a master’s degree from Lehigh University.”
He added “I have always carried myself with integrity and have the temperament needed to work with other to advance legislation.”
Freeman believes the top issues impacting voters in the 136th District center around education, taxes, and economic development.
“We need to ensure that our children have access to quality education, and I have supported historic state investments in education, which increase opportunities for students and protect local taxpayers,” he said.
He added that he supported the expansion of the property tax rent rebate to assist seniors and people with disabilities. Freeman said he “delivered numerous grants to support our district's economic revitalization efforts."
Freeman is a supporter of Gov. Shapiro’s latest energy plan calling climate change as “the challenge of our generation.”
“Gov. Shapiro’s proposal will ask power plants to reduce carbon emissions and will lower energy bills for consumers,” Freeman said.
He voted for spending more money on affordable housing projects and he supports “new tools for municipalities such as the Attainable Housing Community designation.” The designation is contained in H.B. 1386. Freeman is also the prime sponsor of House Bill 1922, “which would help renters achieve the dream of home ownership.”
Freeman said his support of small business is like the sun coming up in the east and setting in the west - consistent. He is the author of the Elm Street program, which in conjunction with the Main Street program supports downtowns and surrounding neighborhoods.
“I have consistently supported state funding and tax incentives for small business,” he said.
The representative supports H.B. 777, which closes the loophole which has allowed untraceable guns to be assembled from mail-order kits without background checks.
Like many Democrats in the state house, Freeman supported efforts to expand access to health care. He specifically supported legislation to create Pennie, the commonwealth’s own insurance exchange.
“I have supported enhanced mental health services for Pennsylvania residents of all incomes,” Freeman said. “I also have supported legislation to increase income eligibility for the state’s prescription program.”
The Pennsylvania primary election is scheduled for April 23. No Republican has announced for the race.
