R-131st

State Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st, announced he will not seek re-election to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 2020.

“While this is a bittersweet moment as I have been honored to serve the people of our community, I can do so knowing that I contributed to making a difference not only for the residents of Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties, but for all Pennsylvanians,” Simmons said.

Originally elected in 2010, Simmons focused his legislative career on promoting commonsense limited government policies that helped protect the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, increase free market competition and spark job growth. He has also been a leader in the effort for government reforms that reduce the power of career legislators.

Some legislative highlights of Simmons’ tenure in the state House include:

• Sponsoring and passing into law a measure that expanded the use of voter approval of local government borrowing in Home Rule counties like Lehigh County;

• Sponsoring a new law that helped better protect homeless infants by providing critical early intervention services;

• Authoring and passing a law providing civil immunity for school bus drivers and crossing guards who must administer epinephrine injections EpiPens to save the lives of children experiencing allergic reactions; and,

• Helping pass historic pension reforms and liquor sales reforms to bring both systems more in-line with today’s world.

Along with his legislative achievements, Simmons also worked successfully (and often with other members of the community’s legislative delegation) to secure important state grants that brought tax dollars back from the state to help fund numerous important local projects, including more than a half-million dollars for local school safety programs; millions of dollars for infrastructure improvements in Upper Saucon Township, Coopersburg Borough and Lower Saucon Township; conservation and recreation grants for Emmaus Borough, Salisbury and Upper Saucon Township and many others.

In addition to securing grants, Simmons has stood side-by-side with residents on numerous important local issues – from supporting the Upper Perkiomen Police Department to fighting a proposed quarry in Lower Milford Township.

Simmons took time to thank those who have worked with him on both his legislative and campaign efforts throughout his tenure.

“None of these achievements would have come to a successful completion without my excellent staff who have worked by my side throughout the years. They have given endlessly of themselves by providing outstanding constituent services,” Simmons continued. “I am also forever grateful to the many volunteers who gave of their time and energy to my campaigns. I will be forever humbled by their faith in me.

“I am proud of the record I have built advocating for the principles I have espoused throughout my career while still working across the aisle. My service in the State House is, and always will be, a highlight in both my professional and personal life,” Simmons concluded.

For more information on Simmons and his legislative priorities, please visit www.RepSimmons.com or www.Facebook.com/RepSimmons.