Senator Don White to Seek Re-Election
INDIANA – (February 29) State Sen. Don White (R-41) today announced his intention to seek a fourth term in the Pennsylvania State Senate. The 2012 election for the 41st Senatorial District will include all of Indiana County as well as parts of Armstrong, Butler, Clearfield and Westmoreland Counties.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of the 41st District for the past 12 years. While I am pleased with my accomplishments in the State Senate, there is much more to do. I am committed to moving Pennsylvania forward and continuing the effort to make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family. Pennsylvania is at a very crucial crossroad, where the decisions we make now will impact the state for generations to come.
“Responsibly balancing our Commonwealth budget, protecting the health care consumer, and working to retain existing and create new family-sustaining jobs are my focus as Senator and will continue in the future,” White continued. “With these issues in mind, and recognizing the work is far from complete, I am asking the voters to renew their trust in me once again and support me as I seek another term in the state Senate.”
Local economic redevelopment is a top priority of Senator White and will continue to be one of his primary objectives in his service to the citizens of the 41st District. “While thePennsylvaniaeconomy is in better condition than many other states and the nation, there is no question that many of the people I represent are suffering financially. Unemployment and underemployment are simply too high and we must focus on making the state and our region more attractive for the creation and retention of family-sustaining jobs.”
Senator White specifically cited the expanding production of Marcellus Shale gas as a recent development in western Pennsylvania that will have a significant positive impact on the regional economy. “Four years ago, Marcellus Shale was not really on the radar of the general public. Today our communities are starting to experience significant and positive economic development as a result of this natural resource.”
However, Senator White stressed that the drilling must be done in an environmentally sound manner. “This is the only planet we have and I am committed to ensuring we do everything possible to manage the Marcellus Shale development responsibly to ensure that our environment is protected and the cost of adverse drilling impacts are not passed on to the taxpayer,” White said.
Citing his service as the Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee and a member of the Pennsylvania InfrastructureInvestment Board (PENNVEST) Senator White believes he is in a prime position to effectively serve his constituents.
“Serving as a member of the PENNVEST board has been a true pleasure. I have been able to work with communities throughout the 41st District to secure millions in grants and loans for public water and sewer projects. When a community decides to pursue a water or sewer project, I am very active in working to make the project as affordable to the ratepayers as possible. As a result we worked to secure millions in grants and low interest loans for projects that would otherwise be unaffordable,” said White, who indicated his strong desire to continue advocating such projects in the future.
“I have spent considerable energy over the past four years as Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee as a strong advocate for consumers – particularly the health insurance consumer. Whether it was my successful opposition to the proposed merger between Highmark and Independence Blue Cross or stepping in to protect the consumer during the current dispute between Highmark and UPMC, I am committed to ensuring the consumer’s voice is heard and their rights are protected.”
“There is much work ahead in the health insurance marketplace and that is one of the main reasons I have decided to seek another term in the State Senate. Between the Highmark and UPMC dispute and the looming Federal Health Care law, the decisions made during the next four years will have a profound effect on every person in this Commonwealth. I believe my experience will be very helpful in addressing these issues and I will insist that decisions are made in the best interests of the consumer – not the health care conglomerates,” Senator White concluded.
Senator White currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance and is the Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He is a member of three other Senate committees: Community, Economic and Recreational Development, Environmental Resources and Energy, and State Government.
Born in Kittanning, Senator White has lived in Indiana most of his life and is a 1968 graduate of Indiana Area High School. He attended Juniata College from 1968 to 1972. Senator White enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1972 and served in Germany until receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1975.
He is married to Sarah “Anne” Broderick. Their daughter, Abby, is in a surgical residency program.
