Tri-County Independent 2024 Legislative Elections Q&A
Robin Skibber, candidate for PA House 139
Why are you running for this office?
Voters deserve a legislator who knows us and commits to improving our lives. Born in Pike and graduated from Wallenpaupack, for 22 years I ran the Pike Agency on Aging, working to keep seniors in their homes and opening four senior centers. I worked across party lines to do this. With your help I will continue to help elders and the disabled; create a better future for our students; expand local health and mental health services; improve access to comprehensive reproductive care and protect women's right to choose; and improve environmentally sustainability.
What do you consider to be the top THREE issues the district faces? If elected, how would you address them?
Access to women’s healthcare and abortion is my highest priority. My opponent is endorsed by Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, which seeks a state constitutional amendment to eliminate women’s right to abortion services with no exceptions. Democrats must stop Republicans from taking control of the House and jeopardizing women’s right to control their own bodies. In 2019 Pike County child food insecurity rate was 15.8%, 8.2% higher than the national average. PA House Bill 180 would make school meals free – as they were during Covid - but remains in committee. The stigma of free or low-cost school meals for “poor” children means many won’t eat them. Reducing that stigma reduces pupil suspensions for poor behavior and improves learning for all. I want to pass common-sense gun reforms. When a troubled relative ended his life with a gun, I learned that over half of gun-related deaths in PA are suicides. I support “red flag” laws to allow judges to order the temporary confiscation 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.
What decisions would you have made differently than your opponent?
My opponent voted against: The 2024-2025 school budget which added $1.7 million in general and special education funds and reduced the amount transferred to cyber charter schools; The Solar for Schools Grant Program, which uses federal funds to install school solar equipment and reduce energy costs. Both Senators Rosemary Brown and Lisa Baker voted for this law; HB1367 requiring coaches to take a mental health training course since nearly half of students face mental health issues and student athletes tend not to seek help; Strengthening the Women, Infant and Children’s Nutrition (WIC) program; Helping grandparents below the poverty line - and raising their grandkids - to speedily access Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Improving protections for seniors from financial exploitation; HB2269 which would protect same-sex marriages in PA; Allowing businesses to take a tax deduction if they choose to contribute to their workers childcare expenses.
What is the first bill you would introduce if elected/re-elected, and why?
I met a Nurse Practitioner (NP) who’d moved to Pike County, and is a specialist in behavior health. She is fully licensed in NJ and NY states, but isn’t working in PA due to a licensing rule called a “formal collaborative agreement.” That rule requires her to contract with two physicians, which costs thousands of dollars. Research shows this requirement offers no patient health benefits, which is why 27 states, DC and the entire VA health system currently license NPs under a “Full Practice Authority” (FPA) that doesn’t require physician contracts. PA needs to join them. Nurse practitioners are more likely than MDs to serve rural areas like ours. PA’s arbitrary and outdated rule is hindering them from providing much-needed care in Pike County, especially in the field of mental health. I would introduce a bill to end this archaic rule.
Describe your community involvement.
I am the volunteer President of the Blooming Grove Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary (since 2010) and a trained Dementia Friends Champion. Prior volunteerism includes chairing the Carbon, Pike and Monroe Drug and Alcohol Board; Coaching the Wallenpaupack Youth Soccer League; and serving on the board of the Wayne and Pike Suicide Prevention Committee. I am a Registered Dietician and I volunteered to serve on Governor Shapiro’s Food Policy Committee to help improve food and nutrition security, public health, environmental sustainability and local food economies.
Describe your employment background.
I graduated Penn State University, worked for a few years in the hospitality industry, but returned to Pike County to pursue education and become a Registered Dietician. For 22 years, I ran Pike County’s Area Agency on Aging, opening four new senior centers and providing services to prevent premature institutionalization and hospitalization to keep seniors in their homes. The Agency helps seniors improve health, wellness and nutrition; secure personal care; get protection from abuse and neglect; and access state programs for housing, transportation, heating, and home modifications.
What elected positions, if any, have you previously held?
I have held no prior elected positions.
List your campaign website and/or social media.