Barb Gleim- Republican

Scope: What are your top three priorities if elected?

BG: The top issues facing the 199th district, and therefore my priorities, are inflation, crime, housing and education issues.  

The economy is the worst it has been in decades, with inflation rates over 8%, high gas and food prices, and interest rates soaring.  Your generation’s ability to purchase a new home and realizing the American dream is waning so this trend must be reversed.  I will promote opening our economy back up to oil and gas production, workforce development, and lowering harmful taxes and fees.  Reducing regulations also stimulates the free market system, and I will fight to do that as part of the economic growth caucus of the House.

We have an issue in Carlisle with seniors being scammed out of their retirement savings, both through social media and phone scams.  Crimes like theft and illegal drug sales are on the rise as well.  I support the police and would support funding them and the programs they need to fight crime.  We have teamed up in the past to meet with seniors and provide them the resources they need to learn about scams, and I will continue to do that as well.

We have a housing crisis in the region.  We don’t have enough low income housing for the local population.  I have supported state funded grants for our low income housing projects in our region to help build more housing developments, but there is much more to be done in this space.  I have also encouraged the development of an ap where locals can find roommates in a two bedroom apartment to split the high cost of rent.

Scope: Pennsylvania is a major swing state, if elected how do you plan to unify the state population?

BG: Our state is a very diverse state and compromise has historically been a challenge for lawmakers.  In spite of that fact 90% of the laws we pass are bipartisan. I have worked across the aisle on legislation, traveled to different parts of the state to understand various issues that don’t exist in my district, and met with special interest groups.  It is important to represent the majority of the district in which you live when voting on issues, all the while getting along with colleagues you disagree with.

Scope: What are your plans for alleviating higher education costs?

BG:  Colleges need to reduce their tuition, room and board costs and I encourage them to be more fiscally sound, refinance, and share resources with neighboring community colleges.

Scope: Where do you stand on Roe v. Wade and Obergefell v. Hodges and how will your position on these issues impact your advocacy?

BG: In light of the recent Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision, the legislature approved a ballot question that will allow voters to decide whether or not taxpayers should pay for abortions.  I fully support allowing PA citizens to vote to decide these issues in our state, not the federal government or judges or unelected bureaucrats.

Scope: Gun violence in schools is a worry for many school students across the state, if elected, how do you plan to combat this in office?

BG: The root of gun violence happening in some schools directly relates to an increase in mental health issues.  As a member of the State School Safety and Security Committee I have interacted with all stakeholders across the state to develop a plan, both for physical school buildings and for mental health programs across the state.  Over $150 million was allocated from the state budget to help target the most at risk areas of the state.

Scope: Why should high school students vote for you?

BG: High School students should vote for me because I am a hard working, fiscal conservative that is for limited government, free market enterprise, faith and family values.  I am a local farmer, small business owner and a mom that understands parental rights and the importance of listening to constituent issues and solving problems. According to a recent USA Today poll, and many other economic indices, you are not better off today than you were two years ago, and our state is in a recession now.  You need to afford gas for your car and food to eat and your parents are most likely struggling financially.  Having the financial knowledge to pass policy that will help the state economically, and therefore you, is critical right now and that’s why I am the better candidate in the race for the State House of Representatives.