WELLSBORO, Pa. - Pennsylvania State Rep. Matt Baker (R-68, Tioga and Western Bradford counties) recently announced that he will seek re-election to the state's House of Representatives. Rep. Baker looks forward to also serving Galeton Borough and Pike Township in Potter County in 2015 if successfully re-elected.
Baker said he wants to continue the work of serving the people of Pennsylvania by pushing for lower state taxes, property tax reduction, job creation, and protections for children and the elderly, in addition to promoting policies that will enhance the agricultural, manufacturing, allied health and tourism industries.
"Representing the honest, hard-working people of the 68th Legislative District has been a joy and an honor," Rep. Baker said. "I would like to express my appreciation to all the people who have given me the privilege of serving. I am sincerely grateful for the confidence and trust extended to me over the years."
Baker is the Republican Chairman of the Health Committee, serves on the Human Services Committee, and has been an ardent supporter of improving access to quality health care that is affordable and patient-centered. The Health and Human Services Committees consider legislation that impacts programs and services that now cost more than $23 billion in state and federal funding ($10 billion in state funding) to help the state's most vulnerable citizens. Baker also serves on the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education that oversees all 14 state universities including Mansfield University. In addition, he serves as Speaker Pro Tempore and serves on the Firefighters & Emergency Services, Local Tax Reform, and Diabetes and Lupus Caucuses, and created the Rural Health Caucus to address the improvement of rural health care in Pennsylvania.
In the past year, Baker has received statewide recognition for his leadership, having received the 2014 Pennsylvania Family Physicians Legislator of the Year Award. Other awards he received in 2013 include:
- Pennsylvania Orthopedic Surgeons' Society Legislator of the Year Award
- Friend of County Government Award (award by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania). Awarded to a non-member who has substantially helped CCAP "while maintaining the highest moral and ethical standards."
- Defender of Liberty Award from the American Conservative Union
Baker was recently recognized by House Leadership for 21 years of perfect voting attendance in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and is ranked number one in the Republican Caucus in providing constituent services. His offices serve an average of 350 to 500 people each day and provide over nine times the average volume of services processed by Republican members of the House of Representatives, according to documents tracked and recorded at the Capitol.
Baker has over 33 years of combined experience as a legislator, legislative aide in state government, and was an advocate for the disabled during his 12 ½-year tenure in a local Wellsboro law firm.
"I would like to continue my full-time service to the citizens of the 68th district - working hard to support initiatives that will improve healthcare, education, economic growth, create jobs, and protect taxpayers," Baker said. "I am eager to represent the issues and values inherent to our local area in the coming years."
Baker's current and past civic memberships include the Laurel Health Care System's Development Council (past chairman), Wellsboro Food Pantry (past president and vice president), Wellsboro Rotary Club, Pennsylvania and Tioga County farmers' associations, Governor's Council for the Employment of People with Disabilities (past vice-chairman), Charleston Valley Grange, Tioga County Visitors Bureau, Tioga County Development Corporation, and the National Rifle Association. He has received the State Governor's Award for Volunteerism and has been honored with numerous statewide awards for his advocacy and help in providing funding for health care needs throughout Pennsylvania.
A graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School, Baker received his degree in Political Science/Law from Elmira College, graduating as an honors scholar. He also attended Mansfield University and graduated from Corning Community College. A native of Westfield, he has been a lifelong resident of Tioga County and resides with his wife, Brenda, in Wellsboro where they are members of the Wellsboro First Baptist Church.
Submitted article.