Scott Hutchinson

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, announced Jan. 5 he is running for reelection. Hutchinson, of Oil City, is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, vice chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and a member of the Game and Fisheries, Health and Human Services and Local Government committees. He legislatively created the Conventional Oil & Gas Advisory Committee, of which he is also a member.

A news release from Hutchinson’s office said he is running to continue the pro-growth, limited government principles to enable working families and allow small businesses to create jobs and keep more income.

“Going forward, we must live within our means while focusing on education, workforce training, infrastructure including broadband access and job creation,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson said his top priority “remains improving the state’s business climate to encourage economic development,” and allow the state’s homegrown manufacturing businesses and traditional energy and forest products industries to flourish.

“The abundance of energy in this state provides an incredible opportunity,” Hutchinson said. “Affordable fuel can attract energy dependent manufacturers, in addition to benefiting local homeowners by keeping their utility bills in check.

“Reducing bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary regulations are also key goals that both sides of the aisle seem to agree upon as key components of a competitive Pennsylvania.”

Hutchinson was born and raised in Oil City where he still resides with his wife Mary Beth.

Hutchinson is seeking his third six-year term in the state Senate, having first taken office in 2013.

The 21st District includes all of Venango, Clarion, Warren and Forest counties, a large portion of Butler County and part of Erie County.