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LOCK HAVEN -- State Representative Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) is looking to secure another term in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives during the General Election on Nov. 5. Borowicz was first elected in 2018.
The Express asked Borowicz 10 questions regarding various issues the Commonwealth, and those in the 76th District, face. Her answers are printed below verbatim:
Q: What are the key policy initiatives you plan to prioritize?
Borowicz: Some of the key policy initiatives, I have stood for as a legislator and will continue to stand for have been: limited government, lower taxes, less government regulations and government spending, protection of the Second Amendment, energy independence, parental rights, election integrity, standing against the invasion at 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 being elected, I have been an advocate for the constituents of the 76th District with three words guiding my decisions: "We the People."
We must return to a government "of, for, and by the people." I do this by pushing back on government regulations, by fighting for lower taxes and less government spending. Inflation right now is one of the top issues facing Pennsylvanians. Grocery costs, gas and energy costs are a huge problem. This stems from the Biden and Harris administration and the federal government spending too much. I believe fighting for energy independence to bring energy costs down would affect all other areas of inflation. It's also important to keep a fiscally sound budget in place. Another huge cause of concern has been the cost of fuel. The Commonwealth has one of the highest state gas taxes in the nation. I have cosponsored legislation to cut the gas tax. It is time to make Pennsylvania a prosperous state with a limited government and pro-freedom agenda.
Q: How do you intend to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Pa. residents?
Borowicz: We just voted in the State House on HB 2339. This bill will help bring transparency to hospital pricing, and I believe will help with the rising costs of healthcare. Hospitals will begin to publish their prices which have never been disclosed before. We will all be able to know the actual prices hospitals have to pay compared to what they charge patients.
House Republicans held a hearing on this issue, and we heard testimonies from other states that implemented this legislation. It effectively brought healthcare prices down. It is time to create a parallel free healthcare system that is not a part of the monopolized medical system the government has created. When we have more options in healthcare, it produces more competition and more competition creates lower prices.
Q: What strategies will you implement to create jobs and foster economic growth in the state?
Borowicz: When it comes to creating jobs and fostering economic growth the biggest strategy is to get the government out of the way. One of the strategies is to cut government regulations. Regulations that are placed on businesses and our agricultural community stifles growth and stops business from coming to Pennsylvania. In my time in the legislature, I have stood against more government regulations coming from bureaucrats in Harrisburg. If we want businesses to come here and stay here, we must rein in the burdensome regulatory agencies.
Q: How will you work to address the issue 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 at every school in Pennsylvania. A similar piece of legislation passed in this last budget that puts one armed guard per school district, but this is not enough. Every school building in this Commonwealth must have the same protections politicians surround themselves with on a daily basis which are armed bodyguards.
To answer the second part of the question, we have a crime and sin problem in this nation, not a "gun problem." Criminals don't obey laws. I am proud to say that in my time in the legislature no gun control bills have become law. I will continue to fight against Democrat gun control legislation whose ultimate motive is to disarm law abiding citizens. The Second Amendment defends all of the other amendments. We now see other countries who have lost the ability to defend themselves and fight back against tyrannical governments.That will not happen here in America. I am thankful 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: Where do you stand on reproductive rights and abortion?
Borowicz: As far as reproductive rights, we want all women to have access to reproductive care while having their babies. America has the most amazing prenatal care for moms and their babies, and this should continue to be a priority. I also stand for the life of the unborn. Pennsylvania's abortion law allows abortion on demand without question or limitation during the first six months of pregnancy. Sad and tragic. Pennsylvania State House Democrat members won't stop at six months; they are trying to pass a constitutional amendment to allow abortion until birth. Their extremist views on this important issue of the life of the unborn is harrowing and should disgust us all. I will always speak for those that can't speak for themselves.
Q: How would you bridge the divide between the state's rural and urban communities?
Borowicz: First, we must remember that we are all Americans. I do want the rural areas to know that we are the majority of Pennsylvania counties. We cannot underestimate the power of our voices in the smaller rural areas. It is also important that the urban and city areas realize that they cannot survive without the rural areas. God's country, where we live, provides the food and resources to the urban areas.
Q: LGBTQ+ rights have become a major topic within the state, and even nation, within recent years. What is your stance on this topic and the legislation that has been considered in various levels of government?
Borowicz: Under the umbrella of "LGBTQ" we now have biological males being allowed in female restrooms and playing in female sports. It has now evolved into gender mutilation surgeries for minors. This has gone too far with our children whose brains aren't even fully developed. It is completely unacceptable to allow biological males to play in women's sports and to use women's restrooms. We have Democrats in the State House pushing legislation for gender mutilation surgeries on minors, allowing boys in girls restrooms and locker rooms, advocating for boys in girls' sports and celebrating drag queens library time with minors. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has tried to push gender ideology and sexual orientation into our kids' schools, teaching them as young as first and second grade. HB 300 that passed the State House would allow some of these grotesque things. Also, Title IX changes by the Biden and Harris administration are trying to shove these things into our local schools. My protect women's sport's bill was vetoed by the governor last session, but I continue to stand and fight for what is right.
Q: What specific changes do you propose to the state's tax system?
Borowicz: In 2023, Pennsylvania had the 4th highest tax rates in the country. This is causing many of our residents to leave for states that have lower taxes.The State House voted to lower the corporate net income tax rate, but this is simply not enough. We should also work to get rid of our state income tax, like other prosperous states in America. Another tax that is complete theft is property taxes. We had several bills that tried to tackle property taxes, but nothing has fully passed both chambers. When we lower taxes across the board, individuals and families have more money in their pockets. It also incentivizes companies to come here and hire more people.
Q: Do you feel climate change action is a priority? If so, how would you work to combat it while also balancing economic interests?
Borowicz: Although we are called to steward and take care of God's creation, I believe the climate control global agenda is being used as a control mechanism. It is being used mainly by the Democrat 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 under the "climate change agenda," other states are actively trying to ban gas stoves.