Pennsylvania

State Senators:

John Fetterman (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2023

Full Name: John Karl Fetterman
Date of Birth: August 15, 1969
Birthplace: Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Early Life and Education: John Fetterman was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, and raised in York, Pennsylvania. He attended Albright College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance in 1991. Fetterman went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Connecticut in 1993. Later, he attended Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where he received a Master of Public Policy (MPP) in 1999.

Personal Life: John Fetterman is married to Gisele Barreto Fetterman, a Brazilian-American activist. They have three children and reside in Braddock, Pennsylvania. Known for his unconventional appearance and approach to politics, Fetterman continues to work towards policies that promote justice, equity, and opportunity for all Americans.

Early Career: After completing his education, Fetterman joined AmeriCorps and moved to Braddock, Pennsylvania, a struggling steel town, to work on community development projects. He focused on improving the quality of life in the community, working on initiatives related to youth programs, affordable housing, and economic revitalization.

Political Career:

Mayor of Braddock: Elected in 2005, Fetterman served as the Mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, until 2019. During his tenure, he focused on revitalizing the economically distressed town, working on initiatives related to education, public health, and economic development. He worked to attract new businesses and investments to Braddock, often using his own salary to fund community projects.
Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania: In 2018, Fetterman was elected Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, serving from 2019 to 2023. As Lieutenant Governor, he chaired the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons and was a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, marijuana legalization, and LGBTQ+ rights. He traveled across the state to engage with constituents and promote policy initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Pennsylvanians.
U.S. Senate: In 2022, Fetterman was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Pennsylvania. He took office on January 3, 2023. As a senator, Fetterman focuses on issues such as economic equality, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection. He is known for his progressive stance on various issues and his commitment to working-class Americans.

Committees:

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Joint Economic Committee
Special Committee on Aging

Legislative Achievements:

Economic Development: Fetterman is a strong advocate for economic revitalization, particularly in distressed communities. He supports policies that promote job creation, infrastructure development, and investment in education and healthcare.
Healthcare: Fetterman supports expanding healthcare access and affordability. He advocates for strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and exploring options for universal healthcare coverage.
Criminal Justice Reform: Fetterman is committed to criminal justice reform. As Lieutenant Governor, he worked to reduce the state’s prison population and advocated for the legalization of marijuana as a means to reduce incarceration rates.
Labor Rights: Fetterman supports strengthening labor rights and increasing the minimum wage. He advocates for policies that protect workers and promote fair wages and working conditions.
Environment: Fetterman is an advocate for environmental protection and renewable energy. He supports initiatives to combat climate change and transition to a clean energy economy.

Senator Fetterman is known for his dedication to economic revitalization, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, labor rights, and environmental protection. His background in community development and his experience as Mayor of Braddock and Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania shape his legislative priorities in the U.S. Senate, where he continues to advocate for policies that benefit Pennsylvanians and the nation.

Committees

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee deals with agricultural economics, research, production, and forestry.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Development: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters.

Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.

Joint Economic Committee: Bipartisan committee composed of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This committees’ role is to inform Congress about the state of the economy and provide policy recommendations to address economic challenges and opportunities. Its work helps shape economic policy and legislation in the United States.

Special Committee on Aging: Committee aims to improve the well-being, health, and financial security of older Americans.

Voting patterns

Senator Fetterman has a voting record that reflects his commitment to economic revitalization, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, labor rights, and environmental protection.

Key Voting Patterns:

Economic Development:

Infrastructure Investment: Fetterman supports significant investments in infrastructure to promote job creation and economic development. He has voted for legislation like the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” to modernize the nation’s infrastructure.
Community Development: Fetterman advocates for policies that revitalize economically distressed communities, including funding for education, healthcare, and local businesses.

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act: Fetterman is a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has consistently voted to protect and expand it. He supports measures to lower prescription drug costs and expand Medicaid.
Universal Healthcare: Fetterman is open to exploring options for universal healthcare coverage, advocating for expanded access and affordability of healthcare services.

Criminal Justice Reform:

Sentencing Reform: Fetterman supports reforms aimed at reducing mass incarceration and addressing systemic injustices within the criminal justice system. He has voted for measures to reduce mandatory minimum sentences and provide second chances for non-violent offenders.
Marijuana Legalization: Fetterman advocates for the legalization of marijuana as a means to reduce incarceration rates and address racial disparities in the justice system.

Labor Rights:

Minimum Wage: Fetterman supports raising the federal minimum wage and has voted for legislation to increase it, aiming to help working families achieve economic stability.
Worker Protections: Fetterman is a strong advocate for labor rights, supporting legislation that strengthens union protections and ensures fair wages and working conditions for all workers.

Environment:

Clean Energy: Fetterman is an advocate for aggressive action on climate change and supports transitioning to renewable energy sources. He has voted for legislation to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy initiatives.
Environmental Protection: Fetterman supports measures that protect public lands and promote environmental conservation, and he has backed policies that address global climate change.

Senator Fetterman’s voting record reflects his commitment to progressive principles, emphasizing economic equality, comprehensive healthcare access, balanced national security, strong environmental protections, and the advancement of social justice and civil rights.

Full Name: Robert Patrick Casey Jr.
Date of Birth: April 13, 1960
Birthplace: Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Bob Casey was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a prominent political family. His father, Bob Casey Sr., served as the Governor of Pennsylvania. Casey attended Scranton Preparatory School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of the Holy Cross in 1982. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in 1988.

Personal Life: Bob Casey is married to Terese Foppiano Casey, and they have four daughters. The family resides in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Known for his dedication to public service and his pragmatic approach to governance, Casey continues to work towards policies that promote fairness, opportunity, and security for all Americans.

Early Career: After completing his education, Casey practiced law in Scranton. He began his public service career in 1996 when he was elected Pennsylvania State Auditor General, a position he held until 2005. As Auditor General, Casey focused on improving accountability and efficiency in state government. In 2004, he was elected Pennsylvania State Treasurer, where he served until his election to the U.S. Senate.

Bob Casey Jr. (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2007

Political Career:

Auditor General of Pennsylvania: Elected in 1996 and re-elected in 2000, Casey served as Pennsylvania’s Auditor General from 1997 to 2005. His tenure focused on ensuring government accountability and protecting taxpayer dollars.
State Treasurer of Pennsylvania: Elected in 2004, Casey served as Pennsylvania’s Treasurer from 2005 to 2007. He worked on initiatives to improve the state’s financial management and increase transparency.
U.S. Senate: In 2006, Casey was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Senator Rick Santorum. He has been re-elected multiple times, serving as a senior senator from Pennsylvania. Casey’s work in the Senate has focused on healthcare, education, labor rights, and economic development. He is known for his commitment to protecting Social Security and Medicare, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and advocating for workers’ rights.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Finance
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Select Committee on Intelligence
Special Committee on Aging (Chairman)

Legislative Achievements:

Healthcare: Casey is a strong advocate for expanding healthcare access and affordability. He supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has worked on legislation to protect Medicaid, expand CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), and lower prescription drug costs.
Economic Policies: Casey focuses on economic policies that support working families. He advocates for raising the minimum wage, expanding labor rights, and promoting job creation through infrastructure investments.
Education: Casey supports increasing funding for public education and making higher education more affordable. He has worked on legislation to expand access to early childhood education and reduce student loan debt.
Social Justice: Casey is committed to advancing social justice and protecting civil rights. He supports legislation to advance LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and voting rights. He has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and policies to address systemic racism.
Veterans’ Affairs: Casey is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He has worked on legislation to improve veterans’ healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Senator Casey is known for his dedication to healthcare access, economic policies that support working families, education, social justice, and veterans’ affairs. His background in public service and his extensive experience in state and federal government shape his legislative priorities in the U.S. Senate, where he continues to advocate for policies that benefit Pennsylvanians and the nation.

Committees

Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP): Committee addresses issues related to health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.

Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between national security needs and the protection of civil liberties by ensuring that intelligence operations are conducted lawfully and effectively.

Special Committee on Aging: Committee aims to improve the well-being, health, and financial security of older Americans.

Voting patterns

Senator Casey has a voting record that reflects his commitment to healthcare access, economic policies that support working families, education, social justice, and veterans’ affairs.

Key Voting Patterns:

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act: Casey is a staunch supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has consistently voted against efforts to repeal or undermine it. He supports measures to protect Medicaid and expand CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).
Prescription Drug Costs: Casey has supported various bills aimed at reducing the cost of prescription drugs, including efforts to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

Economic Policies:

Minimum Wage: Casey supports raising the federal minimum wage and has voted for legislation to increase it, aiming to help working families achieve economic stability.
Labor Rights: Casey is a strong advocate for labor rights and has supported the “Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act” to strengthen workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
Economic Stimulus: Casey has supported measures aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals, families, and businesses during economic downturns, including COVID-19 relief packages.

Education:

Public Education Funding: Casey advocates for increasing funding for public education and making higher education more affordable. He has supported measures to expand access to early childhood education and reduce student loan debt.
Higher Education: Casey supports efforts to make college more affordable and accessible. He has introduced and voted for legislation to reduce the burden of student loans and increase financial aid for students.

Social Justice and Civil Rights:

LGBTQ+ Rights: Casey supports LGBTQ+ rights and has voted for the “Equality Act” to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Voting Rights: Casey is a strong advocate for protecting and expanding voting rights. He supports the “For the People Act” to enhance voting rights, address campaign finance reform, and reduce corruption in politics.
Criminal Justice Reform: Casey supports criminal justice reform and has voted for measures aimed at reducing mass incarceration and addressing systemic racism in the justice system.

Veterans’ Affairs:

Veterans’ Benefits: Casey is committed to improving services for veterans. He has supported legislation like the “VA MISSION Act” to enhance healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for veterans.
Military Support: Casey advocates for policies that improve the quality of life for military personnel and their families, including better healthcare, housing, and education benefits.

Senator Casey’s voting record reflects his commitment to progressive principles, emphasizing economic equality, comprehensive healthcare access, balanced national security, strong environmental protections, and the advancement of social justice and civil rights.