District 139 candidates share key policy goals

During the general election this November, residents in Pennsylvania Assembly District 139 will have two candidates to choose from: Incumbent Jeff Olsommer (Republican), who won the spring special election to fill the remainder of Joe Adams’ term, and challenger Robbin Skibber (Democrat). Each candidate was asked three questions regarding their policy priorities. Their answers are below.

Jeff Olsommer

Detail the first one to three bills you hope to have signed into law once you’re elected:

During my time in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, I have voted on numerous pieces of critical legislation that have made this Commonwealth and Pike and Wayne counties better for our families, seniors, employers, farmers and sportsmen.

I am currently working on a few pieces of legislation that include: a Storm Chaser bill, which will prevent fraudulent contractors outside of our area from taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners and a Guardianship bill, which will require courts to hold a hearing within 30 days of receipt of a petition to modify or terminate a guardianship for an incapacitated individual.

I am also planning on introducing legislation that will provide a tax cut for every Pennsylvanian. We are all suffering — seniors, families and employers — from the high cost of materials, energy and groceries brought on by inflation, high interest rates, and a poor energy policy. Pennsylvanians need help and should expect their state government to help them keep more of their hard-earned money!

It is my honor and privilege to represent a community that I know so well and the citizens I respect so much. I would be honored to earn your vote on Tuesday, November 5.

What existing state law would you work to reform and why?

The Shapiro and Biden administrations have stifled economic growth with their burdensome regulations and job-crushing taxes. It’s time for government to get off our backs and return to what President Lincoln envisioned: a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

I will fight to reduce burdensome regulations and job-crushing taxes to improve Pennsylvania’s economy, lower taxes, reduce costs and make America energy independent.

Thanks to my steadfast commitment to fiscally responsible leadership and growing our economy, I have endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business and Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

How will you increase the quality of life for constituents in your District?

As a small business owner for over 24 years and dedicated community leader, I know what it’s like to work hard to provide for your loved ones, to stand up for what you believe in, and to fight for the freedoms we are so blessed to enjoy.

That’s why the residents of Pike and Wayne counties can trust me to work to lower taxes and costs, enact pro-growth policies to help rural Pennsylvania prosper, ensure our first responders have the resources they need to keep us safe, and improve our education system to fully empower tomorrow’s workforce.

Robin Skibber

Detail the first one to three bills you hope to have signed into law once you’re elected:

I want to pass common-sense reforms to stem the tide of gun violence. When a troubled relative of mine ended his life with a gun, I was shocked to learn that over half of all gun-related deaths in PA are suicides. I support “red flag” laws to allow judges to order the temporary confiscation of a person’s firearms, and I will draft a bill to allow people with suicidal thoughts to voluntarily join a confidential self-registry to stop an impulsive purchase of a gun.

In 2019 the Pike County child food insecurity rate was 15.8%, which is 8.2% higher than the national average. I support PA House Bill 180, which would make all school meals free, but the bill languishes in committee. We know the stigma of free or low-cost school meals for “poor” children means many won’t eat them. Research shows that eliminating that stigma reduces pupil suspensions and improves learning for all students. Universal free meals save schools money since they won’t have to track money owed and repeatedly send notes home.

What existing state law would you work to reform and why?

I met a behavioral health nurse practitioner (NP) — fully licensed in NJ and NY — who moved to Pike, but isn’t working here. A licensing rule — “formal collaborative agreement” — requires her to contract with two physicians, costing thousands. Research shows that rule offers no health benefits and 27 states, D.C., and the VA health system license NPs under “full practice authority” (FPA) — no physician contracts needed. Nurse practitioners are more likely than MDs to serve rural areas like ours, but PA’s outdated rule hinders them from providing much-needed care. I will work to change this.

How will you increase the quality of life for constituents in your District?

Voters deserve a state legislator who knows our community, commits to serving others, and works across party lines. Cross-party collaboration is key to solving community problems. For 22 years I ran the Pike Agency on Aging, keeping seniors in their homes and fighting isolation and food insecurity by opening four senior centers.

If elected I will work to support elders and the disabled, create better futures for students, bring health and mental health services here and improve addiction treatment programs, improve access to reproductive healthcare and protect women’s right to make their own health decisions, and improve environmental sustainability.