Emily S. Skopov

Education

Though our public universities and community colleges are outstanding institutions, their skyrocketing tuition has made them increasingly unaffordable. I pledge to combat this out of control spending by insisting on more accountability and transparency, while working to increase funding where it is most needed, and seeking ways to reduce our shameful record on student debt. Learn more

I oppose using public dollars for private education, especially for charter schools that have no transparency, no accountability, and questionable standards that are more concerned about profits than educating children. We must focus on improving our public school districts rather than undermine those districts via vouchers and allowing charter schools to flourish. Learn more

I will also work to increase funding for, and availability of, job training programs and incentivize the creation of paid apprenticeships to ensure that every Pennsylvanian who wants a well paying job will have the skills to enter or remain in the workforce. Our approach to education must be as well-rounded as diverse as the constituents of the Commonwealth, encompassing both traditional and non-traditional paths for our students. Learn more

Environment / Energy

I will also fight to see municipalities given the right to decide what is best for their communities and to choose what kinds of operations can take place within their borders. We need to prevent fracking in residential zones or close to occupied residents and allow local governments the freedom under the municipal planning code to decide if and where they want to host frack-wells. Learn more

As a legislator, I will vigorously pursue both current and emerging, innovative means to produce the energy we rely on in safe, sustainable ways. It is clear from the science of climate change that we must move to end our carbon and methane emissions in a timescale that avoids calamity. The best path forward will be one that evolves from a diversified energy portfolio and enforces common-sense regulations that are critical to our citizens and our environment to achieve the goals. Learn more

Best Available Control Technology should be the standard for all new gas infrastructure to create the safest and most responsible conditions possible. We must ensure that corporate and industrial entities are regulated and compliant if they want to do business in the Commonwealth, and are held accountable when they break the rules. Learn more

Guns

I support universal background checks on all gun sales in Pennsylvania, a ban on military-style semi-automatic weapons and high capacity magazines, and a ban on bump stocks. I also support Extreme Risk Protection Orders, especially in light of the strong evidence that these kinds of policies significantly decrease the number of suicides by gun. I will strongly advocate for increased mental health education and treatment programs. Learn more

Healthcare

I’m committed to ensuring affordable, accessible, quality health care for all Pennsylvanians, and to explore ways by which Pennsylvania can exert pressure on insurers and Big Pharma to control the cost of pharmaceuticals. I will fight to maintain and increase the Medicaid expansion, and to protect those with preexisting conditions. With the alarming rate at which mental health issues are increasing for folks of all kinds, we must prioritize mental health equally with physical well being, removing the stigma and making treatment options affordable and accessible. I will also work to pursue the most effective means by which to combat the opioid epidemic so that education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, along with criminal justice reform, are strong tools being readily implemented to save the lives of countless Pennsylvanians. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

Given the rise in flooding incidents throughout the 28th district and the surrounding areas, we can't wait any longer to address the serious problems with stormwater management. We also can’t continue to have an inadequate public transportation system that hinders our residents’ abilities to pursue personal, recreational and professional activities. Increasing public transportation would improve traffic on our roads, reduce pollution, and provide a safe, affordable way for many populations, especially our seniors, to stay active in their communities. Increased and improved transportation will enable our workers and businesses to expand their capacities, and further boost economic growth throughout the region. Learn more

Investing in infrastructure and transportation will enable us to lure and retain new citizens and new businesses. I will advocate for an expansion and modernization of all aspects of our infrastructure and significantly expand our systems of transportation, including railways and air travel, in order to be competitive in the 21st century, and improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

No more kicking the can down the road in ways that have lead to credit downgrades and a poorer outlook for the next generation of Pennsylvanians. For too long, legislators in Harrisburg have tried to convince you that their actions don't have consequences — and costs — locally. For example, their refusal to adequately fund public education has forced your local school boards to raise your taxes to make up for their shortfalls. I will fight to see that the state pays its fair share, rather than pass those burdens on to Pennsylvanians. Learn more