Melissa Brewer

Melissa Brewer earned a high school diploma from Governor Mifflin High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1990, a graduate degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 1993, and additional education from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005. Her career experience includes working in education administration.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Melissa Brewer and I am a wife, mother, lifetime resident of Berks County and 19 year resident of House District 130. I have spent my entire career in various roles in public education including teacher, principal and superintendent. I am a person with conservative Christian values and am a Republican and Patriot. I care deeply about our country, our Commonwealth and this district I call home. I want to contribute to the productive and positive work to benefit all Pennsylvanians, and am concerned about the Pennsylvania we will leave to our children and grandchildren. I believe I am skilled at working with others, hearing and considering all perspectives to ultimately realize positive outcomes for our Commonwealth. That said, I know who I am and in what I believe and hold true. I have 20+ years experience as a leader. I am collaborative and committed to solving problems. I have a full life experience of work, family, marriage, parenting and community engagement that equips me to excel in this State Representative role for House District 130.

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 support property tax reform and I believe Pennsylvania needs to determine a better way to fund public schools while alleviating the burden on local taxpayers. As an educational administrator and taxpayer, I have experienced both sides of the property tax issue and believe I can lead and participate in productive work to improve public school funding and advance property tax reform. In addition, I support establishing an independent Pennsylvania “DOGE” Commission to explore, uncover, and purge fraud at the state level. We must ensure all tax dollars are being spent wisely and with accountability. The Commonwealth should not collect more tax dollars than necessary, and those collected should be spent accountably.I support Voter ID requirements for all eligible voters in Pennsylvania. This is a common-sense matter for me. Voting is one of the most important responsibilities of a US citizen. As both a right and a privilege, voter identity should be verified with proper identification.I support our 2nd Amendment right to bear arms for Pennsylvanians. Both the US and Pennsylvania Constitutions afford this right to bear arms. Per the Pennsylvania Constitution, Article I, Section 21, “The right to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about Education Policy, and policies affecting early childhood and our aging population. As a 30+ year educator I want all Pa students to be successful and have purposeful outcomes for adult living. I want all students to read proficiently, and be able to maneuver numbers well. I want all students to embrace the values of working, fulfilling commitments and contributing to their communities. I am committed to finding solutions that will enable our aging Pennsylvanians enjoy their golden years in their homes and thrive in their communities. Helping all Pennsylvanians age well should be a priority for our Commonwealth. This priority also includes ensuring aging Pennsylvanians can afford their homes.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire Jesus Christ. To me, he is the ultimate role model for all people. He was able to meet all people where they were in all walks of life, speak honestly and unapologetically the truth. He loved people and genuinely wanted the best for all. He demonstrated leadership skills that I value: Patience, kindness, grace, decisiveness, focus, authenticity and integrity. I fall short each and every day of his teachings, but strive to be like Him everyday.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials must be trustworthy, authentic, and approachable. They must be convicted of their values, beliefs and priorities, and be able to articulate them to the citizens and voters.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of an elected official is to represent the populace they serve and vote according to the will of the voters. Elected officials must vote in every opportunity and participate meaningfully, productively and collaboratively in assigned committees and legislative roles.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave my district, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania than it is today. I would like to leave my children and grandchildren with the values, morals and life skills to grow and develop into adults who care about their work, communities and greater good.

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

My very first job was working in the Gift Wrap department of John Wanamaker's at the Berkshire Mall in Wyomissing. I held that job over the Christmas holidays.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

The death of my parents at different times in my life has been a struggle. My mother passed suddenly in a car accident when I was 20 years old. Unexpected death of family and friends catapults one into new experiences and tests your will, perseverance, and faith. I am grateful for the years I had her, but missed terribly having my mother in my adulthood. My father passed due to complications of Alzheimer's Disease when I was 51. Assisting my father through many years of cognitive decline and dementia created many challenges for his housing, care and quality of life. I am grateful to have had 77years with him, and am pleased I was able to partner with my sister to do the very best we could to support him through this devasting illness.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The Governor and the PA State Legislature comprised of the House and Senate must engage in a relationship of authentic and committed cooperation. Neither branch of government should overextend its powers, and the relationship among the Governor and state legislature allow for this. This relationship in essence is truly and ideally symbiotic in the Governor needs the legislature and the legislature needs the Governor. The Governor needs the legislature to pass a laws, and the legislature needs the governor to enact, implement, and fund those laws. The common goal for both the Governor and legislature should be a better Pennsylvania for all citizens.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I believe Pennsylvania's greatest challenges are housing affordability and availability, taxes, affordability, aging demographics, loss of population to other states, education opportunities and success for all students and debt.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, I do. The degree to which a lawmaker is willing to compromise must be grounded in one's values, non-negotiables and responsibility to voters.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am presently endorsed by the Gun Owners of America. I am also endorsed by the incumbent State Representative for our district, David Maloney.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

I remember watching the flood waters from my living room bay window at age 3 when Hurricane Agnes hit in 1972. I also remember standing in my driveway playing with friends at age 8 when I learned Elvis Presley died. I would say the first significant historical event I recall was the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. My 12th grade Social Studies was watching the coverage live when the terrible event happened.