Election 2024: Democrat Melissa Cerrato For State Representative

Candidates running in the Nov. 5 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.

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —State Rep. Melissa Cerrato is running for re-election as a Democrat for state representative in the 151st Legislative District against Republican Allen Anderson in the Nov. 5 general election.

Biographical Information

Name: Melissa Cerrato

Age: 42

Town of residence: Horsham Township

Position sought: State Representative

Are you an incumbent? Yes

What Towns Does Your Position Cover? All of Horsham Township and Ambler Borough, about half of Upper Dublin Township, and about three-quarters of Montgomery Township

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: I am a married mother of four

Education: Some College

Occupation: State Representative

Candidate Questions

1. What can you do to curb crime that is seeping into the suburbs in Lower Bucks County / Eastern Montgomery County?

While State Representatives may not have investigative or enforcement powers, we play a crucial role in supporting our local police departments through grant funding. For example, one of the grants I helped secure enabled the Horsham Police to acquire K9 Mac, a highly specialized dog trained to detect electronic storage devices such as cell phones, USB drives, SD cards, mini-SD cards, external hard drives, and hidden cameras. Mac has been instrumental in solving cases involving child exploitation, murder, and more. I remain steadfast in my commitment to continue supporting our local departments in my capacity as State Representative.

2. How can you work to get more money for your district in terms of school funding and grants?

Ensuring our district receives adequate funding for schools and grants is a top priority for me. I will work closely with my colleagues in the General Assembly to advocate for increased state funding for our schools. This includes supporting budget proposals that prioritize education, such as our most recent budget, which aims to boost public school funding by $1.1 billion. I will continue to support legislation aimed at addressing funding inequities across school districts because fair and equitable funding will help our district receive its fair share.

Additionally, I will maintain strong relationships with local governments, police and fire departments, and non-profits. By ensuring open communication about our community’s needs, I can inform them of available grants and assist with writing letters of support. This approach has enabled me to secure millions of dollars in grants during my first term in office.

3. Where can improvements still be made to reduce traffic that continues to clog key roads in your district?

While most roads in our district are owned and maintained by local governments, I support these efforts by securing grants and advocating for increased funding in our budget for PennDOT to address state-owned roadway issues. Investing in road infrastructure maintenance and expansion is crucial. By focusing on these areas, we can work towards a more efficient and sustainable transportation system that meets our community’s needs. I am committed to advocating for these improvements and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure their successful implementation.

4. What do you bring to the district as a change agent in helping your constituents have a better life after years of inflation and rising costs for families?

As a dedicated State Representative, I bring a proactive and compassionate approach to addressing the challenges our district faces. My commitment to supporting our community is evident through my advocacy for legislation for our children, families, seniors, veterans, and first responders. I also actively support local non-profit organizations such as Mitzvah Circle, Family Promise, One House at a Time, and many others, which provide essential services and support to families in need. Through these efforts, I strive to create a more resilient and thriving district where every resident has the opportunity to prosper.

I write weekly emails discussing my work throughout the community and Harrisburg each Friday and you can read all the archived emails at Rep. Melissa Cerrato | News Center (pahouse.com) to learn more.