State Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st, has announced he will seek re-election to the State House of Representatives.

"Issues such as pension reform, education funding reform and more must be addressed to protect the future of our state, our community and taxpayers," Simmons said in his announcement.

"We are helping job creators by making Pennsylvania more competitive in the effort to keep and attract businesses as well as closed a $4 billion budget deficit without further burdening taxpayers. Natural gas drillers were made to follow strict environmental standards while also paying to address the impact drilling has on our state," Simmons said.

Other initiatives supported by Simmons during his second term include privatization of the state liquor store system, reducing the size of the legislature and making significant changes to the property tax system to provide relief for homeowners. Each of these legislative initiatives now awaits action in the state Senate.

Simmons also pointed to personal accomplishments, particularly passage of "Caylee's Law," a child protection bill by the House which would increase the penalties for the crime of concealing the death of a child. Simmons also noted the importance of focusing on issues local to the 131st District, such as supporting local fire and ambulance companies.

Simmons and his wife, Erica, live in Upper Saucon Township.

Due to constitutionally mandated redistricting, the 131st District in which Simmons is running for re-election includes all of Lower Milford, Upper Milford and Upper Saucon Townships, and the Boroughs of Coopersburg, Emmaus and part of Salisbury Township, in Lehigh County; Upper Hanover Township and the Boroughs of East Greenville, Pennsburg and Red Hill in Montgomery County; and, parts of Lower Saucon Township in Northampton County.