What are your top three legislative priorities in 2023?
As an advocate for criminal justice reform, I prime co – sponsored a bill with Rep. Harris which would expand Pennsylvania’s first in the nation clean slate legislation to include low level, non-violent drug felonies. The bill, HB 689, would give more Pennsylvanians the ability to get back into the work force.
Constituents in my district have been helped by the state’s property tax rent rebate program. I introduced a bill to help more seniors get rent rebate relief. My house bill HB 1048 would add COLA moratoriums into the program.
As the former chair of the Children and Youth Committee in the State House, I had worked on a bill to update the definition in the child protective services law. This year I am again working on the bill, as it is a needed process reform, to help our state’s children and youth agencies.
What are the important issues facing your district?
As a legislator that represents part of three public school districts and two private schools the needs of each district as it relates to funding in the budget. Another important issue is the rise in the cost of living in Central PA due to inflation. And finally, transportation infrastructure is a priority with our growing population in Cumberland County to keep roads and bridges safe.
Where do you shop locally for food?
I like to shop at local grocery stores whether that be Giant or Weis. I also give special preference to PA Preferred food for our farmers here in Central PA.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
I enjoy going with my family to Bethany Beach Delaware in the summer.
What are the biggest challenges for grocers in your district?
Supply shortages in grocery stores like the lack of eggs due to the avian flu. Some grocery stores are facing staffing issues due to not being able to find people willing to apply for the good paying jobs that are open.
What are your biggest challenges and successes as a legislator?
A challenge I face as a legislator in Harrisburg is the lack of civility in political discourse and debate. Democracy is based on dialogue and debate. This can be done respectfully, even when we disagree to work a comprise that moves an issue forward. I’ve had success as a legislator through my ability to work in a bipartisan manner on issues. I am proud to have had seventeen bills signed into law. The one that has impacted the most people was the first in the nation Clean Slate bill, giving people with criminal records a second chance after they have earned it. My biggest success has been being the First in the Nation Clean Slate reform that I and Rep. Harris introduced and helped pass in 2018 helping more than 1.2 million Pennsylvanians get a second chance.
What is your favorite food or meal to cook?
One I pick up or take out from a local restaurant.
What do you like to do for fun?
Go to the beach, to read a book or to watch baseball, especially my Washington Nationals play.
