Tina Burns

Tina Burns was born in Chicago, Illinois. She served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1989 to 1991. She graduated from Tamaqua High School. She attended Broward College, earned a bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic University, and a graduate degree from Florida International University in 2003. Her career experience includes working as a healthcare consultant, college professor, tractor trailer driver, small business owner, human relations director, operations manager, and standardbred horse owner/trainer/groom. Burns has been affiliated with the AAPC and NAACP.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Having grown up in our local area, I am now raising a family and trying my best every day to do all I can for those around me, including those in my community.

The bottom line is, we can’t afford things the way we used to. Our area has stagnated. The current representative has done little to improve this district. The state legislature can’t do everything – but it can do SOME things. I want to see our area families thrive, not struggle.

I proudly served our country in the US Coast Guard. That spirit of service motivates me to want to continue to serve others by running for PA House of Representatives of the 124th district.

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?

My priority is to work on issues of affordability, eliminating property taxes for seniors, and overall prosperity, improvement, and growth in our area.I want to represent our district to make sure everyone's voice is heard and respected. I want to make sure your government works for you, not for the special interests and billionaires like it has for many years.I'm running because I believe in our small and rural communities and the people living within them. I believe in you, and I am in turn requesting that you choose to make a change and elect me to represent you. November 3 is Election Day. I humbly request that you give me your vote so that I will be able to give you the true representation you deserve in Harrisburg.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare & Public Health, Education, Economic & Workforce Development, and our Environment.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a USCG veteran, parent, grandparent, ordinary, struggling middle class person trying to do my part to make our area the best it can be. I am running for our children, grandchildren, democracy, and all those struggling for far too long.

I am dedicated to serving you, not the multi-billion dollar industries that the current and previous people in the 124th seat have put first over and above our residents for years.

I want stop giving over $3 Billion a year of our PA tax payer dollars to the fossil fuel industry. I want to charge an extraction tax for companies taking our PA natural resources, and then share those extraction tax collections annually with our PA residents, like the state of Alaska does for their residents.

The fossil fuel industry has taken and continues to take more than enough money from us. It's time we start taking care of our PA residents and let fossil fuel fend for themselves like our politicians have allowed our residents to do for far too long. My opponent is a fossil fuel industry executive. He also belongs to an anti government group, yet works in our government representing us. Talk about hiring a fox to watch your hen house.

I want to close tax loopholes so big businesses pay their fair share, which in turn would allow small business to pay less because they wouldn't have to pay more to make up for big businesses currently not paying at all.

I believe in democracy, equal rights, & putting people first.

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?

Democracy over autocracy.Equal rights for everyone, regardless any and all individual uniqueness's, including women and their right to make their own healthcare decisions.Money for YOU, not fossil fuel. Stop the $3 Billion + a year fossil fuel industry tax payer handouts; stop giving our natural resources away for free; close tax loopholes that help big businesses and hurt our small businesses.

Fire the fossil fuel, anti government fox that was hired in 2022 to guard our Harrisburg hen house. We have lost way too man hens. It's time to hire a guard dog like me, Tina Burns, to watch out for our hens and best interests by putting people first over big corporate interests.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Equal rights; resources for our young, disabled, aging, veteran, and other special needs people; overall taking care of our residents instead of the corporations that do not need any more of our funds.

According to Timothy and others, It's not money that's the root of all evil, it's the love of money (greed). Our public policy making needs to be made by not only using sound financial decision making and problem solving skills, but by also considering kindness, compassion, and understanding when finalizing policies. United we stand, divided we fall, its time to bring back kindness and get rid of the divisiveness.

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

My mother. Even though she is no longer on earth, she exemplified the true meaning of kindness, perseverance in the face of adversity, and unconditional love. While there are others more popular than she both now and previously, she will always remain the person I look up to and aspire to be like.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Not really one specific documentation, but in general I believe strongly in our constitution and I've previously taken an oath pledging to uphold our constitution. I am a proud American that supports law enforcement, our military, and all those in service positions that work tirelessly every day to keep PA and America the great state and country they are.

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

Integrity, courage, empathy, understanding, and compassion.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a problem solver with experience from the school of hard knocks and from a formal graduate school. I have perseverance, compassion, leadership abilities, integrity, have served others my whole life, including while in the USCG, and I genuinely care about people, animals, and doing what's right.

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

To take care of all those within the scope of ones office, regardless of political affiliation. An elected office is a service position, which means the job is to serve others, not ones self. While 100% of the constituents will ever agree on a specific vote or action, the goal is to get to as close to 100% as possible to doing what is right for the most people possible.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I would like to leave is the positive imprint in the memory of those I have hopefully helped whether by a small act of kindness or on a larger level of caring and giving to my family members and those who know me best.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Watergate Nixon impeachment, age 9.

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

Mucking horse stalls. Four years from age 12 to 16.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have several, but one of my favorites is I know why the caged bird sings, because its about surviving many adversities while continues to thrive and fight through it all.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Bond, James Bond - he has such cool gadgets!

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I will preface my answer by disclosing I live with my 2 & 3 year old grandsons. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song Hotdog (hotdog hotdog hot diggity dog, its the Mickey Mouse clubhouse...).

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

I have and still struggle with making ends meat, handling the stress of juggling family and work, tending to the special needs of those around me, and overall I struggle with much of the same things those in the 124th do. Which is why I feel I would be the best person for the 124th. Because I know your general struggles because I live them. I have been homeless, I have been hungry, I am a single parent, I live paycheck to paycheck, I have been jobless, I have had and still have everyday ordinary people struggles, just like most of those in our district.

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

The two should compliment and work with one another (regardless of political party) to get the most done for the most amount of people possible, and to also work not only across the aisle for good of the people, but also work across chambers. Currently if the chambers are held by 2 different majorities, not much gets done for PA residents because without both chambers agreeing on legislation, the legislation no matter how beneficial is put in a pile to collect dust without ever getting to the governors desk for final approval. Unfortunately, the residents of our state are the ones that end up suffering.

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

Energy, environment, and declining populations in our rural areas and small towns.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, I believe it is beneficial for state legislators to have excellent problem solving and communication skills with fresh ideas and new perspectives.

All organizations big or small have politics, not just government organizations.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely, all legislators should have individual goals for their specific district which are the priority, but they should also have shared goals for the overall well being of all state residents. Thus, as in any business, relationships and networking are essential to do the best job possible for those one is serving.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

There are several past legislators, but the most inspiring one that I would model myself after and seek to be mentored by is Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz of the 129th district. She won her seat as an underdog with hard work and perseverance and represents her area with integrity, courage, compassion, and every other positive character one would need and want in their representative.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Possibly, but for now I would like to win the 124th to help make a difference at a more local level.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have several stories, some from others and some from person experience. I do not want to share in detail, but all of the stories that have touched me have revolved around human kindness and members of our communities stepping up for others when it matters most.

Tell us your favorite joke.

How do you catch a unique rabbit?

Unique up on him.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, if a fair and equitable bill is crafted and clearly outlined and can be approved with bipartisan support.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Equal rights

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Unions, women's groups, local pac's, and others. For full list go to Burns4PA.com an review my endorsement page.

What committees interest you?

With well over 25 house committees, its a bit tough to narrow the selection down, but some that interest me are: Aging & Older Adult Services; Children & Youth; Health; Education; Labor & Industry; & Environmental Resources & Energy.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe in full transparency and accountability. We are a commonwealth, and as such, have every right to know what our money is being used for and where it is going. Especially when it comes to transparency in election donations and donations to elected officials by lobbyists and other special interests.

Currently PA has very little transparency for elected officials for disclosure of "gifts" from their special interest and lobbyist friends. Which arguably is one of the reasons PA is the only state that does not charge an extraction tax on our natural resources. If politicians imposed such a tax, perhaps the free and unreported gifts they currently get would stop, thus why would some self serving anti government politicians want to impose a tax that would benefit all PA residents?

The dark money in politics needs to be stopped if We the People are ever going to fully be put first.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Both. when not done correctly and crafted with poor and undefined or tricky language, they can be a disaster. But when well crafted, clear, precise and understandably, they can be a goo thing.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a middle class, hard-working, single mother who grew up in rural New Ringgold, PA. I am a graduate of Tamaqua HS, and Florida International University. I have served my country in the US Coast Guard, served our youth as an educator, and served our elderly as a volunteer. And as your representative, I will serve you, my constituents.

My message is simple, I want to do what's best for this district and all of the constituents in it, not just the few elite, like those who have held this seat before me have focused on. The broken promises that the status quo career politicians in this seat are unacceptable and should never have been tolerated. For well over 20 years they promised a solution to property taxes, yet every chance they had to make good on that promise, they failed to act simply because the solutions did not benefit their elite few "friends".

It's time for someone to step up and work for the regular people of our communities as opposed to the few elite. it's time for a New Day and a New Way, because the old way certainly hasn't worked for our area for many years. It's time for me, Tina Burns, because I am a fed up constituent that will fight for all of the constituents in our district.

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?

The job of any representative is to listen, hear, understand, and fight for the voices of the constituent's that elected them. I, unlike the status quo that have come before me in the 124 seat, will Serve the 124 constituents.I stand for You and me, the 99%. The hardworking American just trying to get by the best we can with what we have.All people deserve equal rights in all domains of their lives without hate, fear, or discrimination, without exception.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordability [housing, healthcare, living wage, jobs, services]

Finance [assessment, accountability, reallocation]

Education [funding, technology, teacher training, reorganization]

Environment [infrastructure, zoning, pollution, transition to clean energy]

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

From the political venue, RBG - She single handedly changed the world for women through her fearless actions and perseverance in the face of immense adversity without waiver and with dignity and true ethical integrity. From a non political space, Dolly Parton for the light, joy and love she brings to so many through her selfless actions and like RBG, she too has fought through much adversity and remains ethical, dignified and kind to humanity. These two women represent how we should treat one another and how anyone can overcome adversity and give back to our communities and country, both locally and globally.

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

Integrity, honesty, and a sincere concern for and service to all of their constituents.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Integrity and perseverance.

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

Service to their constituents and to abide by the law with integrity and ethics.

What legacy would you like to leave?

To be known as a person of integrity that served others and impacted the lives I touched in a positive and impactful way.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I have vague memories of the Beatles breakup announcement and of Apollo 15 landing on the moon with the Lunar Rover vehicle.

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

I have been working since I have been 12 years old. My first job was a summer job mucking stalls at a horse barn. From an early age I was taught the value of hard work, determination, and discipline.

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

Being a female, single parent, middle class person.

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

The governor & state legislatures should work hand in hand to provide the best possible legislature for the states constituents. Such topics like budgets and appropriations, enactment of las, confirmation of appointments and overall legislative oversight of one another's branches are necessary for effective operation of state government.

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

Infrastructure, fiscal growth, and environment.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Advantages are laws can be passed more efficiently because they are not held up by one or the other chamber, and is less costly because there are less committees and less time and resources required.

Drawbacks are that it creates room for emergence of a dictatorial head, creates the opportunity for the single chamber to force obnoxious laws through, especially if it has majority in the chamber and the members of the chamber can be influenced by the majority (but in some cases the minority) party, and it may not allow for proper debate of a bill before it is passed.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, in fact it may actually be a hindrance because those experienced in government or politics have been over exposed to the negative aspects and inevitably tend to lose sight of what the job actually is, which is to care about, listen to, take care of and service their constituents, not their parties or the lobbyists.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, absolutely. Relationship building is a core competency of successful human interactions. Without it mutual understanding and compromise will never be attained.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

A non-partisan process.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Yes. Many are of interest to me because they all deal with the welfare and wellbeing of our residents, such as: Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, Children & Youth Committee, Committee On Ethics, Government Oversight Committee, Health Committee, House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, House Education Committee, House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee, House Finance Committee, House Labor & Industry Committee, House Transportation Committee, House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee & Human Services Committee.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Brian Sims, Donna Bullock & Maureen Madden

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Perhaps.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes, several stories for many on the topics of the lack of services for our aging, disabled, and veterans, and also stories related to the destruction of our communities from mining and over building, for example Coaldale and Maxatawny.

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

Compromise is both necessary and desirable for policymaking, without it, government stops. The disfunction of no compromise can be easily seen by looking at our government right now from local, state and federal levels. When parties refuse to work with and hear one another's concerns, the citizens are the ones that lose and suffer the consequences.