Gibbons to focus on education
State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-10th, will continue to focus on education funding during his next term.
“State aid is not keeping up with the cost of education,” said Gibbons, who is running unopposed in this year’s election. “We need to find additional funding for education.”
Gibbons represents Slippery Rock borough and township in his district, which also covers parts of Lawrence and Beaver counties.
Gibbons said education is something the state must be mindful of when creating next year’s budget.
While education is an ongoing concern for the representative, Gibbons said he has a few new issues to bring up early in the next House session.
“A new project I’m focusing on is on distracted driving laws,” Gibbons said.
Gibbons referenced an incident this past May when a motorcyclist was killed by a distracted driver in Scott Township, Lawrence County.
“I want to take a look at cell phone legislation and strengthen some of those laws,” he said. “Particularly in accidents resulting in injury or death.”
Gibbons said he was approached by the family of the man killed in the accident.
“I always look to be responsive to the needs of my constituents,” he said.
Gibbons said the state still has ongoing issues it must address, including its pension liabilities.
Gibbons said pensions go alongside the state’s education funding.
“We need to find revenues to meet our obligations going forward,” he said. “We have to figure out a way to pay our bills.”
