Stephanie Borowicz

LOCK HAVEN — State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) is seeking another term in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in the Nov. 5 general election. Borowicz was first elected in 2018.

The Express asked Borowicz 10 questions regarding various issues facing the Commonwealth and those in the 76th District. His responses are printed below verbatim:

Q: What are the key policy initiatives you plan to prioritize?

Borowicz: Some of the key policy initiatives that I have championed as a legislator and will continue to champion have been: limited government, lower taxes, less government regulation and spending, protecting the Second Amendment, energy independence, parental rights, election integrity, opposing the invasion of our border and the funneling of illegal immigrants into Pennsylvania.

Q: In what ways will you advocate for the needs of your constituents in Harrisburg?

Borowicz: Since my election, I have defended the interests of the voters of the 76th District with three words guiding my decisions: “We, the People.”

We must return to a government “of the people, for and by the people.” I do this by pushing back against government regulations, fighting for lower taxes and lower government spending. Inflation is one of the biggest issues facing Pennsylvanians right now. Grocery, gas and energy costs are a huge problem. This is because the Biden and Harris administration and the federal government are spending too much. I think fighting for energy independence to reduce energy costs would affect all other areas of inflation. It is also important to maintain a fiscally sound budget. Another big cause for concern is the cost of fuel. The Commonwealth has one of the highest gasoline taxes in the country. I co-sponsored a bill to reduce the gas tax. It’s time to make Pennsylvania a prosperous state with limited government and a pro-freedom agenda.

Q: How do you plan to make health care more affordable and accessible to Pennsylvania residents?

Borowicz: We just voted in the State House on HB 2339. This bill will help bring transparency to hospital pricing and, I believe, help address rising health care costs. Hospitals will start publishing their prices which have never been disclosed before. We will all be able to know the real prices that hospitals have to pay compared to what they charge patients.

House Republicans held a hearing on this issue and we heard testimony from other states that have implemented this legislation. This effectively lowered health care prices. It is time to create a parallel, free healthcare system that is not part of the monopolized medical system created by the government. When we have more options in health care, it produces more competition and more competition creates lower prices.

Q: What strategies will you implement to create jobs and promote economic growth in the state?

Borowicz: When it comes to creating jobs and economic growth, the most important strategy is to get government out of the way. One strategy is to reduce government regulations. Regulations placed on businesses and our agricultural community stifle growth and prevent businesses from coming to Pennsylvania. Since serving in the Legislature, I have opposed more government regulations from Harrisburg bureaucrats. If we want businesses to come here and stay, we need to get a handle on cumbersome regulatory agencies.

Q: How will you work to solve the problem of mass shootings and gun violence?

Borowicz: Having raised three boys, every child is important and every school should have a trained armed guard to protect our precious children. I sponsored legislation to have an armed guard in every school in Pennsylvania. A similar law passed in the last budget calls for one armed guard per school district, but that is not enough. Every school building in this Commonwealth must have the same protections that politicians surround themselves with every day as armed bodyguards.

To answer the second part of the question, we have a crime and sin problem in this country, not a “gun problem.” Criminals do not obey the laws. I am proud to say that in my time in the Legislature, no gun control bill has become law. I will continue to fight Democratic gun control legislation whose ultimate goal is to disarm law-abiding citizens. The Second Amendment defends all other amendments. We now see other countries that have lost the ability to defend themselves and fight against tyrannical governments. This will not happen here in America. I am grateful that in this nation the Founding Fathers made it clear that this right “shall not be infringed” or, as in the Pennsylvania Constitution, “it shall not be questioned!” »

Q: What is your position on reproductive rights and abortion?

Borowicz: When it comes to reproductive rights, we want all women to have access to reproductive care during pregnancy. America offers the most amazing prenatal care to moms and their babies, and it should continue to be a priority. I also defend the life of the unborn child. Pennsylvania’s abortion law allows abortion on demand without question or limitation during the first six months of pregnancy. Sad and tragic. Pennsylvania state Democrats won’t stop at six months; they are trying to pass a constitutional amendment allowing abortion up to birth. Their extremist views on this important issue in the lives of unborn children are heartbreaking and should disgust us all. I will always speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Q: How would you bridge the gap between the state’s rural and urban communities?

Borowicz: First, we must remember that we are all Americans. I want rural areas to know that we represent the majority of counties in Pennsylvania. We cannot underestimate the power of our voices in small rural areas. It is also important for urban and urban areas to understand that they cannot survive without rural areas. God’s own country, where we live, provides food and resources to urban areas.

Q: LGBTQ+ rights have become a major topic within the state, and even the nation, in recent years. What is your position on this subject and on the legislation that has been considered at different levels of government?

Borowicz: Under the umbrella of “LGBTQ,” we now have biological males allowed to use women’s restrooms and play women’s sports. It has now evolved into surgical interventions for gender mutilation on minors. This has gone too far with our children whose brains are not even fully developed. It is completely unacceptable to allow biological males to play women’s sports and use women’s restrooms. We have Democrats in the State House pushing legislation to support gender mutilation surgeries on minors, allowing boys in girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms, defending boys in girls’ sports, and celebrating time spent in the library of drag queens with minors. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has attempted to introduce gender ideology and sexual orientation into our children’s schools, teaching them in first and second grade. HB 300 passed by the State House would authorize some of these grotesque things. Additionally, the changes to Title IX by the Biden and Harris administration attempt to force these things into our local schools. My bill to protect women’s sports was vetoed by the governor last session, but I continue to stand up and fight for what is right.

Q: What specific changes are you proposing to the state’s tax system?

Borowicz: In 2023, Pennsylvania had the 4th highest tax rate in the country. This is causing many of our residents to move to states with lower taxes. The State House voted to lower the corporate net income tax rate, but it’s simply not enough. We should also work to eliminate our state’s income tax, like other prosperous states in America. Another tax that constitutes complete theft is the property tax. We have introduced several bills to address property taxes, but none have fully passed both chambers. When we cut taxes across the board, individuals and families have more money in their pockets. It also incentivizes businesses to come here and hire more people.

Q: Do you think action on climate change is a priority? If so, how would you combat it while balancing economic interests?

Borowicz: Although we are called to steward and care for God’s creation, I believe the global climate control agenda is being used as a control mechanism. It is primarily used by the Democratic Party to control and dictate what people can and cannot do. I have seen several pieces of legislation in Pennsylvania, such as banning gas-powered lawn mowers and banning custom exhausts on motorcycles. Also as part of the “climate change agenda,” other states are actively trying to ban gas stoves.