DVE-News/TV interviews Rep. Jeffrey Olsommer

On a beautiful day, DVE-News/TV reporters set out to Harrisburg to meet with Pennsylvania District 139 House Representative Jeff Olsommer in the Harrisburg State Capitol. We were met by Ms. Pam Albert, legislative assistant to Rep. Jeff Olsommer. Rep. Olsommer surprised us by telling us that we were going to interview him on the House floor before the House went into session! We began our interview. Rep. Olsommer thought about being in government ever since he was in middle school and high school. He explained how laws were made by the state. They start off with a small idea. Then it is passed by the state representatives and after that it is sent to the governor. He studied law making at East Stroudsburg University.

He doesn’t live in Harrisburg but does have to travel to the Capitol building in Harrisburg. He travels there about three times during the week and tries to work a little during the weekend. He plans on cutting taxes. He’s currently working on a State personal income tax reduction. He’s working on a bill for tax cuts for veterans, first responders and senior citizens. He explained that it takes bipartisanship in trying to get the majority of 202 people to agree with you.

When asked about the most crime committed in the 139th District, he said it is the fentanyl crisis. He believes it can be reduced by helping people figure out how to change and getting those who are dealing drugs. When asked how he plans on helping to keep first responders safe, he said by giving them the equipment they need and money. He doesn’t write grants but would accept and review the grants he receives.

He grew up in Sterling Township in Wayne County with his parents and two brothers. For fun, Rep. Olsommer enjoys golf, traveling and going to his brother’s football games (who is a coach). When asked if his life changed since becoming a state representative, he said it got a lot busier. He told us that his wife’s backing and encouragement inspires him. Prior to being our representative, he worked at his parents’ Christmas tree farm, pumped gas, washed windows, worked at a golf course, and was briefly a security person at ESU. He then owned his insurance business for 25 years. He believes that living in the 139th District his whole life and having 35 years of business experience helps him to do his job. His grandfathers worked in politics.

Rep. Olsommer was asked if he wasn’t a state representative or owned his own business, what would he be doing today. He responded that he would be in sales.

Some changes he would like to see made are attracting quality businesses, so people would stay in this area. He would also work on affordable housing, as it’s difficult for renters and first-time home buyers to stay in this area. When asked if he could make any law right now, it would be one to expedite guardianship hearings. He feels that getting a better energy policy would help to reduce costs. His least favorite part of his job is commuting and being on Interstate 81. He feels his greatest accomplishment in life was getting elected as representative.