LWVCC: What to know about the PA state offices you’ll see on your ballot this November

League of Women Voters of Centre County is providing a three-part series about the offices on your ballot this year. The first installment focuses on state offices.

LWVCC thanks the LWV of the United States for the following information produced and published by them on their Vote411.org website.

PA State House Representative

Description of office: The General Assembly is the legislative branch of government in Pennsylvania. It is composed of two houses: the Senate is the upper house, and the House of Representatives is the lower house. A majority vote in both houses is necessary to pass a law. There are 203 members representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents. Representatives must be at least 21 years old, have been a citizen and a resident of the state four years and a resident of their respective districts one year before their election, and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms. The House develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending, and passes laws (including redistricting in collaboration with the Senate). The House also has the exclusive authority to impeach public officials. Representatives serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation. Term: 2 years Salary: $106,422

PA State Senator

Description of office: The PA Senate consists of 50 members, representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents. Senators must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen and a resident of the state four years and a resident of their respective districts one year before their election, and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms. The Senate develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending and passes laws (including redistricting in collaboration with the House of Representatives). The Senate tries officials impeached by the House and authorizes executive appointments. Senators serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation. Term: 4 years Salary: $106,422

PA State Treasurer

Description of office: The Pennsylvania Treasurer safeguards the commonwealth’s financial assets, which total more than $160 billion in public monies. The Treasury Department is responsible for: reuniting unclaimed property with its rightful owner, investigating loss, theft, and fraud involving commonwealth checks, reviewing real estate leases and contracts entered into by commonwealth agencies, and maintaining the PA contracts electronic library. The treasurer has specific duties in addition to the oversight of the department: serving as chair of the Board of Finance and Revenue, which selects banks to serve as depositories for state money, setting interest rates paid on commonwealth deposits, and hearing and deciding state tax appeals. Term: 4 years Salary: $197,748

PA State Auditor General

Description of office: The principal role of the auditor general is to determine whether state funds are being used in accordance with the purpose and guidelines that govern each use of the commonwealth’s dollars. The auditor general conducts financial and performance audits of individuals, state agencies and organizations that receive state funds, including school districts, state liquor stores and public employee pension funds. These audits are designed to measure how effectively government programs are using public money to meet their stated goals and objectives. The office performs more than 6,000 audits each year and is responsible for auditing all state programs that are allocated federal funds. Term: 4 years Salary: $197,748

PA State Attorney General

Description of office: The basic duties of the attorney general, as outlined by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, are to: serve as the commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer; collect all debts, taxes, and accounts due to the commonwealth; represent the commonwealth and all its agencies in any action brought by or against the commonwealth; administer the provision relating to consumer protection laws; and represent the commonwealth and its citizens in any action brought about for violation of the antitrust laws. Term: 4 years Salary: $197,748