Dating back to our first state constitution in 1776, couched as the most democratic and radical of all state constitutions at the dawn of the United States, Pennsylvania has always been on the cutting edge of national transformation.
As we once again face an era of divided government and fluctuating razor-thin majorities in the state House, Pennsylvania will be in no less of a position to lead by example and forge a path ahead.
But getting there takes vision and bold action. And right now, we recognize many feel like the Commonwealth is stuck and have an uneasy feeling about our future.
That is why we unveiled The Keystone Commitment.
The Keystone Commitment is a people-driven, future-focused platform that will be the foundation upon which we build on four cornerstones of a thriving economy, affordable living, safe communities, and a child-first, family-focused educational experience.
Fully realized, we believe these guiding principles will deliver a legislative agenda of hope through the opportunity for all Pennsylvanians to experience earned success.
A better Pennsylvania based in a thriving economy must permanently solve the problem of Pennsylvania’s lack of competitiveness in attracting business growth and development. It must also be recognized that government has erected too many barriers to business and job growth and fluidity.
House Republicans believe chasing the American Dream should not be a nightmare and coming to government should not be a barrier to innovation and economic growth. That is why our vision for a thriving economy is based on making it easier to come to Pennsylvania to do business, making it easier to get a job, and making government move at the speed of business.
Due to poor policy and fiscal initiatives at the federal level, Pennsylvanians and their families are struggling to make ends meet due to record inflation and continuing supply chain issues.
House Republicans believe Pennsylvanians should not be priced out of living in the Commonwealth. To fight inflation and bring down the skyrocketing cost of living in Pennsylvania, House Republicans will drive an agenda that reduces energy costs on Pennsylvania families and local businesses and helps preserve affordable and available housing.
Doubtless, the nation continues to be in the grips of a crime and violence epidemic. In our cities, which are exporting crime and violence to other communities, political prosecutors continue to thwart efforts of police and other public safety officials. Unfortunately, no Pennsylvania community has been spared from the ravages of crime and violence that is plaguing the entire nation.
House Republicans envision a better, safer Pennsylvania where police and prosecutors are given every resource they need and the state takes an active role in getting to the root causes of crime and violence.
We must also create a child-first and family-focused educational experience.
Everyone knows the current delivery model for K-12 education is broken and state involvement in higher education is not far from the breaking point itself. We must refocus our priorities away from systems and special interests and start putting Pennsylvania’s children and families first in our education policymaking.
The recent Commonwealth Court ruling that our education funding system is unconstitutionally inequitable provides an opportunity for that shift in focus and the transformational change in education that has been demanded by so many students and parents looking for a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
As quoted at the top of the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, William Penn said, “There may be room there for such a Holy Experiment, for the nations want a precedent, and my God will make it the seed of a nation. That an example may be set up to the nations. That we may do the thing that is truly wise and just.”
We cannot, and should not, rest by merely being one of the best. We must work to realize Penn’s prayer for Pennsylvania to be a precedent to the nations.
As we look forward, we know we can grow to again lead this country forward as a model of excellence by advancing policies that allow for real natural growth that creates opportunity for all.
We are asking everyone to join us in building a Commonwealth where freedom leads the way, not bloated and intrusive government mandates. The Keystone Commitment platform stands to grow opportunities for every Pennsylvanian today and long into the future.
State Rep. Bryan Cutler represents the 100th District comprising parts of Lancaster County. He currently serves as the Republican Leader in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
