SENATOR, STATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 35TH DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

A senator serves the electorate as a law-and policy-maker for the commonwealth. He or she is responsible for considering and voting on major legislative proposals that affect the entire state as well as minor legislation that affects only selected areas of the commonwealth. He or she also has oversight of the executive branch of government through review and approval of budgets, expenditures and program accomplishments.

Term: Four years

Salary: $76,163.31 (2008)

Question: What should the state government do to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has health insurance coverage?

DEMOCRAT

John N. Wozniak

Residence: Johnstown Campaign

Web site: not provided

Birth date: March 21, 1956

Education: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, B.A.; Economics, 1978

Occupation: State senator Qualifications: House of Representatives, 1981-96; state Senate, 1997-present

Answer to question: I am very encouraged that we were taking steps to help all children receive good medical care through our Cover All Kids Initiative, but disappointed that we couldn’t do more to cover adults when the Senate failed to take up the Access to Basic Care initiative. Individuals should have access to low-cost quality care, and small businesses should be able to purchase health insurance for their workers at affordable costs. We have to do this without raising taxes.

REPUBLICAN

Joseph W. Veranese

Residence: Johnstown

Birth date: Nov. 9, 1970

Campaign Web site: www.josephveranese.com

Education: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, B.S. Science, accounting, minor, music education

Occupation: Operations manager, First Credit Resources Inc.

Qualifications: Business experience, 15 years; township supervisor, six years; police commissioner, two years

Answer to question: The health insurance issue is both a state and national issue. I feel that a market-based solution is the most cost-effective way to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to proper care. This solution would involve a clinic-style approach, with the funding coming directly from the state. It would also include incentives to physicians to not only stay in Pennsylvania but practice in our rural communities. This is the most cost-effective plan in these uncertain economic times. …