Economy: As a member of a small business-owning family, John saw firsthand how unfair COVID-19 mandates punished our local businesses while big box stores thrived. For this reason, he was proud to co-sponsor the constitutional amendment that Pennsylvania voters approved in May 2021, making Pennsylvania the first state in the nation to curb a governor’s abuse of emergency powers. John is one of only a few legislators boasting both a 100% lifetime voting record from the PA Chamber of Business and Industry and a 100% 2019-20 term voting record from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), indicating he is always willing to put our small businesses first.
Right-to-Life: As a member of the House Pro-Life Caucus, John has co-sponsored important measures such as the Down Syndrome Protection Act and “heartbeat” legislation. John believes that life begins at conception and has earned the PA Pro Life Federation’s endorsement for his campaign. John has been a member of the House Health Committee since beginning his legislative service in 2019. He has helped shepherd pro-life initiatives and priorities through the legislative process.
Right to Bear Arms: Article I, section 21 of the Pennsylvania State Constitution reads, “The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.” In John’s opinion, “shall not be questioned” goes even further than federal Second Amendment rights. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, John has played a pivotal role in opposing Governor Tom Wolf’s most egregious forms of “questioning” an individual’s right to bear arms, including firearm registries, background checks for ammunition purchases, and additional excise taxes on guns and ammo. Further, he has helped shepherd legislation such as state pre-emption through the process, going after unconstitutional ordinances in Philadelphia and elsewhere, while working to make firearm ownership and the right to carry more safe and accessible. John has received an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and an endorsement from the Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC), indicating that he is a consistent supporter of an individual’s rights
Property Taxes: John has cosponsored bills to completely eliminate property taxes. While he recognizes and supports the need to fully fund schools, he also believes that this should not come at the expense of senior citizens and large landholders. In the past, he has supported moving education funding to a fairer, consumption-based system.
State Budget: As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, John has drafted and supported budgets that not only increase education spending in record numbers, but they have done so without a need to increase any taxes or fees. He has held the line on new taxes, opposing any new tax-and-spend initiative from the Wolf Administration. From his position on Appropriations, he has also worked to make sure that millions in state dollars are used for rural Pennsylvania projects.
Agriculture & Rural Affairs: John has served on the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee since taking office in 2019, and he recognizes the important role that Pennsylvania’s No. 1 industry plays in the health of the state’s overall economy. John has immediate family in the dairy, beef and agribusiness industries in Pennsylvania, and he constantly holds an ear to the ground to listen to what the producers of our nation’s food supply need. Recently, John and Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry-ret.) secured a grant for Juniata, Perry and Mifflin Counties to assist in the development of high-speed internet projects. John recognizes the need for connectivity and access in an ever-changing world.
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