Election 2022: Democrat Laurie Smith For State Representative

Candidates running in the Nov. 8 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Laurie Smith is running as a Democrat for state representative in the 18th Legislative District against Republican incumbent Kathleen C. Tomlinson in the Nov. 8 general election.

Name: Laurie Smith

Age: 45

Town of residence: Bensalem

Position sought: Pennsylvania House Representative

Are you an incumbent? No

What Towns Does Your District Cover? Bensalem & Hulmeville Borough

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Married with 3 children.

Education: B.A.English, M.Ed Holy Family University

Occupation: Former Teacher

What are the top issues currently facing your district and how do you plan to address them?

• Education: Local property taxes account for 70 percent of the funding for our schools. I will fight to fairly allocate state funding, and increase the state's share to lessen the burden placed on local Bensalem taxpayers.
• Community Safety & Mental Health: We need to keep our community safe by funding our police, but also taking a proactive approach to crime prevention by investing in social services that help address the root causes of crime and addiction.
• Cost of Living: Stagnant wages, inflation, and corporate price gouging have taken a toll on families across our district. We need to provide relief directly to families by reducing or eliminating certain taxes and expanding the property tax and rent rebate program.

Identify specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your district:

We need to do better to support all community members suffering from mental health struggles, but especially those who are unable to advocate for themselves: our children. The ongoing mental health crisis is being largely ignored by Harrisburg, and families are suffering as a result.

A child should be able to receive an evaluation, individualized plan, management tools, treatment, and follow-up treatment by a certified professional without an untimely waiting period, exorbitant costs, or bias. I’ve experienced firsthand how broken mental health and recovery services are in Pennsylvania. The frustration of knowing that a loved one is suffering and being unable to access the services they need is heartbreaking. We know there's a problem; we need to do better.

What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office?

I worked in business, banking and financial services for 10 years. For 14 years, I served as a public school teacher and union leader. I am the proud mother to three fantastic children and I know the work that goes into supporting a family of five. My experience in business, as an educator, as well as my experience in union leadership and contract negotiations, extensive advanced graduate research, and as a working mother has given me a set of skills that would be useful in Harrisburg. Negotiating and compromising, researching and collaborating, educating and learning, listening and presenting—these are things that embody my life as a project manager, lifelong learner, educator, and mother.