MaryLouise Isaacson

MaryLouise Isaacson earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, Oneonta. Her career experience includes working as a legislator.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am currently running for a fourth term in the PA House of Representatives as a proud and passionate fighter for the 175th legislative district. Prior to serving as state representative, I worked as a staffer in the PA House Democratic Caucus for 12 years, working on a range of issues from constituent services to drafting bills to bringing home resources. In year past, I was honored to be ranked the Least Conservative Member in the House and also was ranked first in the entire state for bringing home state funding to my district.

As a person who believes that policy can push social change, I have introduced over 40 bills this session, taking on issues from charter school reform to an economic bill of rights to pay range disclosures to environmental initiatives to local regulations on gun control. I serve on the Environmental Resources, Education, Consumer Protections, Ethics and Liquor Control Committees in Harrisburg and am also Vice Chair of the Democratic Policy Committee, a member of the Basic Education Funding Commission, newly appointed to serve on PHEAA, and Democratic Chair of the Community College Caucus.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I proudly served on the Basic Education Funding Committee that voted for a groundbreaking plan that will finally level the playing field by fully funding our schools. We recommended $6 billion in targeted investments over seven years to address inadequacies in funding. We also recommended delivering equity and predictability for all schools with at least an additional $1.4 billion in dedicated basic education funding -- $200 million per year for seven years. Further, because Pennsylvania school buildings have been neglected and school districts cannot be expected to absorb the massive costs of construction and renovations $2.1 billion was allotted to fix school buildings so students are free to learn in safe and healthy environments.I am supportive of a Green New Deal for Pennsylvania and have advocated for RGGI for years. I am a cosponsor of legislation to move us to 100 percent renewable energy and work to ending fossil fuel use and dependency. We need to create a green economy so we can replace the dependence of the Commonwealth on the gas industry and as stated earlier, create a blue workforce for new green jobs. While we are moving in this direction, we must also hold companies accountable which is why I introduced a bill to put tracers in fracking fluid to increase accountability for pollution. I also sponsored a bill that would increase the municipal waste tipping fee so that more funds are available for recycling programs.I am a mother of two incredible kids - now adults - and I know how hard it is for working families across the state from rising costs of childcare to the lack of paid leave to balancing your job and taking care of little ones. I was extremely proud to have helped increase the child tax credit in Pennsylvania this past year. I am also dedicated to implementing policies and changes that would benefit families and parents such as flexible scheduling, remote work, paid leave, competitive and fair pay, and many others. Priorities of mine include making much-needed improvements and investment in the childcare sector and repairing our school buildings and the toxic hazards.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education funding, raising the minimum wage, and transitioning Pennsylvania to a green economy have been legislative priorities of mine since I was elected in 2018. I am also dedicated to protecting our waterways, commonsense gun legislation, fighting for LGBTQ and women's rights including protecting Roe, affordable healthcare for all and a government that is transparent and accountable to citizens, particularly in election reforms.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Believe it or not, one of my very first jobs was selling shoes. I did not keep that job for very long, but it did teach me a lot about people and relationships.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have previously been endorsed by Represent PA, Emily’s List, Pennsylvania NOW, Planned

Parenthood, Sierra Club, PennEnvironment, Clean Water Action, Conservation Voters of PA, PFT, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, HumanePA, 18th Ward Democrats, 5th Ward Democrats,

Philadelphia Democratic City Committee, LEAP FORWARD, IBEW, Sheetmetal Workers, Transportation Workers, Firefighters Local 22, UFCW 1776, Liberty City, PGN, and Mom’s Demand Action.

What committees interest you?

I serve on the Environmental Resources, Education, Consumer Protections, Ethics and Liquor Control Committees in Harrisburg and am also Vice Chair of the Democratic Policy Committee, a member of the Basic Education Funding Commission, newly appointed to serve on PHEAA, and Democratic Chair of the Community College Caucus.

MaryLouise Isaacson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was elected state representative for the 175th District in Philadelphia in November 2018, serving the areas of the River Wards along the Delaware River from Old Richmond to Queen Village and points in between including Chinatown and historic Washington Square. I have worked my entire adult life on issues that impact my neighbors and communities of the district I now represent.

My top priorities include education funding, protecting our waterways and fighting for a green economy, commonsense gun legislation, fighting for LGBTQ and women's rights, affordable healthcare for all and a government that is transparent and accountable to citizens, particularly in redistricting and campaign-finance reform. I am also devoted to working towards more affordable and sustainable housing, fighting the opioid crisis and ensuring that our students' futures aren't overburdened with student loan debt.

Prior to becoming state legislator, I served 12 years as Chief of Staff for the late State Representative Mike O'Brien, working alongside him to serve constituents and identify ways to improve life in the 175th and advance an agenda that puts people before special interests. I have served more than nine years as a member of the Democratic State Committee and 15 years as a local Democratic committee member. I also supported the quality of life of local residents as a coordinator of zoning and land practice at a law firm in Philadelphia prior to joining the 175th District Office.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am an environmentalist, fighting for clean air and water every single day at home and in Harrisburg. I am committed to building a sustainable, green economy in Pennsylvania and moving to 100% renewable energy.I am an education advocate, dedicated to addressing the inequalities of our public schools by increasing education funding, implementing charter school reform, and removing all toxins out of our schools. I will never stop working for economic development and justice for the district so that we can increase the number of jobs with a livable wage, provide affordable housing options, and stabilize our neighborhoods and communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about achieving constitutional equality, advocating for women's rights and access to reproductive services, protecting the LGBTQ community, implementing gun control, fighting against animal cruelty and neglect, and increasing funding and treatment access to fight the opioid epidemic.

I also do not believe that our current economic systems works for everyone which is why I recently introduced an amendment to Pennsylvania's constitution for an economic bill of rights. We are not really free if we cannot afford to live. Food, housing and health care all cost money. My introduced legislation would protect Pennsylvanian's rights to jobs that pay a living wage, affordable and accessible health care as well as quality education at public schools, safe, efficient and reliable transportation infrastructure, and healthy working conditions. We cannot afford to ignore socioeconomic and class issues, especially during this pandemic.

I am supportive of a Green New Deal for Pennsylvania. I am a cosponsor of legislation to move us to 100 percent renewable energy and work to ending fossil fuel use and dependency. We need to create a green economy so we can replace the dependence of the Commonwealth on the gas industry and create a blue workforce for new green jobs. I am dedicated to advocating for additional revenue to invest in a green economy and expand the alternative energy portfolio to be more dependent on alternative energy sources.