Pike County Courier Election Coverage
Robin Skibber, candidate for PA House 139
Detail the first one to three bills you hope to have signed into law once you’re elected:
I want to pass common-sense reforms to stem the tide of gun violence. When a troubled relative of mine ended his life with a gun, I was shocked to learn that over half of all gun-related deaths in PA are suicides. I support “red flag” laws to allow judges to order the temporary confiscation of a person’s firearms; and I will draft a bill to allow people with suicidal thoughts to voluntarily join a confidential self-registry to stop an impulsive purchase of a gun.
In 2019 the Pike County child food insecurity rate was 15.8% which is 8.2% higher than national average. I support PA House Bill 180, which would make all school meals free, but the bill languishes in committee. We know the stigma of free or low-cost school meals for “poor” children means many won’t eat them. Research shows that eliminating that stigma reduces pupil suspensions and improves learning for all students. Universal free meals save schools money since they won’t have to track money owed and repeatedly send notes home.
What existing state law would you work to reform and why?
I met a Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) - fully licensed in NJ and NY - who moved to Pike, but isn’t working here. A licensing rule - “formal collaborative agreement” - requires her to contract with two physicians, costing thousands. Research shows that rule offers no health benefits and 27 states, DC and the VA health system license NPs under “Full Practice Authority” (FPA) - no physician contracts needed. Nurse Practitioners are more likely than MDs to serve rural areas like ours, but PA’s outdated rule hinders them from providing much-needed care. I will work to change this.
How will you increase the quality of life for constituents in your District?
Voters deserve a state legislator who knows our community, commits to serving others, and works across party lines. Cross-party collaboration is key to solving community problems. For 22 years I ran the Pike Agency on Aging, keeping seniors in their homes and fighting isolation and food insecurity by opening four senior centers.
If elected I will work to support elders and the disabled; create better futures for students; bring health and mental health services here and improve addiction treatment programs; improve access to reproductive healthcare and protect women's right to make their own health decisions; and improve environmentally sustainability.