Issue Position: Reform

Issue Position

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

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

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