My Stance on

House District 5 is the largest district in Berks County, with much of it being farmland. I will work to keep and expand programs that allow food banks to buy locally sourced produce as well as ensuring critical funding for those supported by SNAP, largely the elderly, disabled, and young children. Options for supplying local produce for school lunches should be explored to aid in reducing child hunger where possible.

I appreciate new and innovative ways to solve problems using technology. Data centers are a necessity for many businesses and industries to function. What is not necessary is the use of AI by large corporations to find new ways to take advantage of people. Some companies have been experimenting with surveillance based pricing, using cameras and AI algorithms to determine who may be able to spend more or less money, and adjusting prices in real time. Flock Safety cameras are present all across the United States and have allowed for violations of citizens’ privacy rights, in some cases by members of law enforcement. I will work to create a framework that can allow data centers to exist where necessary, but provides protections to ensure pollution, power consumption and the purpose of said data centers is to provide a benefit to the Commonwealth and never a burden.

Pennsylvania’s system of funding public education has led to unequal outcomes across the state. Future generations should be invested in, now. I will work to ensure public education receives the funding and support necessary to provide for all students. I will work to expand programs providing pay for student teachers as well as expanding recruitment programs for understaffed districts in need of high quality teachers. Higher education programs including college, apprenticeships and professional training should receive more funding in order to allow as many as possible to improve themselves and create a stronger American workforce.

All across the state Pennsylvanians are seeing energy bills skyrocketing. I will work to alleviate these pressures through providing expanded credits for LIHEAP and advocate for construction of renewable energy projects that can provide cleaner energy generation at reduced cost. Caps should be implemented for utility bill increases and these requested rate hikes should be audited by the PUC. I would expand access to first time home buyer tax credits and work to implement caps for increasing mobile home lot rental fees. I believe Pennsylvania’s minimum wage should be increased up to $15 and remove exceptions in the law that allow paying disabled persons less than minimum wage.

Excessive medical bills are one of the most common reasons for declaring bankruptcy in the United States. Other first and even third world countries do not have this issue. I would ideally like to see public healthcare, or Medicare for all. In the meantime, I will work to reduce prescription drug prices and protect credits that help middle and low income families of Pennsylvania afford health insurance. Local and rural hospitals should be provided enough funding, so long as they maintain compliance required to remain as non-profit . I am pro choice, and believe that is a right and decision to be made between a pregnant person and their healthcare provider. I will work to provide adequate funding for mental health and suicide prevention programs such as the 988 hotline.

It is the job of a Representative to do just that, represent their constituency within the legislature. This would include those who have yet to receive their citizenship or permanent residency as well as those who may be here illegally. They are still subject to our laws and jurisdictions, we should not ignore their opinions or treat them as lesser because they are not allowed to cast a ballot. In order to address the issue of illegal immigration I will work to ensure there are better pathways to citizenship for those already in the country and working, and assist those seeking asylum within the commonwealth. Those who commit crimes should see their day in court before a judge, not simply be rounded up and held indefinitely or removed from the country with no recourse.

Access to elections is the most direct way Americans can voice their opinions. I will work to ensure elections are fair and safe for all who are legally able to vote. I would also work to open primary elections to Independent voters, allowing them to choose a candidate before a General Election.