State Representative Warren Kampf (R-157) today announced his bid for re-election to Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives.
“During my first year in office, I have answered the public’s call to restore fiscal discipline to state government and have focused on making our state more competitive in the national marketplace,” said Kampf. “I am proud of my efforts thus far, but know there is still much to be done. Restoring our economy by reversing the failed policies of over-spending and over-borrowing of the previous administration will take time.”
In announcing his re-election bid, Kampf outlined a few key successes thus far in House:
- Passing a balanced budget by the constitutionally mandated deadline (a first in seven years) and without raising taxes;
- Focusing the state budget on priorities like education funding despitethe loss of billions of dollars in federal stimulus funding;
- Making Pennsylvania more competitive in the national jobs marketplace through initiatives like the Angel Investor Tax Credit,
and reforms to the state’s tort system, business tax structure, and welfare system; and
- Efforts to protect property taxpayers, give voters a stronger voice on property taxes and make the legislature more transparent
to residents were all undertaken by the House.
“During these difficult economic times, I have kept my word to the people of the 157th District and worked to put state government back on a strong financial foundation and change the way we treat job creators,” said Kampf. “Do I know there is more to be done? Of course I do, and I will keep working to make sure it is completed.”
Kampf also pointed out his efforts to be available to the communities he represents to hear their concerns, help them with state related issues and keep them up to date with the happenings in Harrisburg.
“I know that to be a strong Representative, you need to listen to the people you represent. That’s why I have held numerous tele-town hall meetings, visited with local school administrators and teachers, held numerous forums – including for local fire companies – and much more,” said Kampf. “I am especially proud to have been able to help thousands of local residents with state issues through my convenient offices and knowledgeable staff.”
Asked to cite his personal highlights for his first year in office, Kampf answered, “Meeting so many residents and hearing their different views and ideas on where Pennsylvania should be heading and how we should get there has been the most fulfilling part of the job.”
“Legislatively, I am proud of my work on delivering a fiscally sound budget that continues to provide help for those who need it while also dedicating more state tax dollars to basic education than ever before,” Kampf continued.
Looking ahead, Kampf said there is more work to be done both to fulfill his own pledge to the to the people of the 157th District, as well as to keep Pennsylvania on a course toward economic recovery.
“I am continuing to develop comprehensive legislation to address the pension issue in our state by creating a defined contribution retirement plan, like those in the private sector have, for all new state hires and will introduce it early this year,” said Kampf. “I will continue to work to ensure education funding remains a top priority in the budget, and push for further reforms to our state’s tax structure to help lure new job creators to our state and encourage current businesses to expand and create more jobs.”
During his first term, Kampf has also kept his pledge to lead by example on reform and fiscal discipline, refusing perks like a state-paid automobile and per diems, as well as not accepting the salary COLA for both 2011 and 2012, and not enrolling in the legislature’s defined benefit pension system.
“I ran for this office to try and make a difference for local residents and Pennsylvania, not to take part in the perks of office. I promised to turn my back on those perks in these difficult times and have kept that promise,” said Kampf.
