HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer announced Tuesday he will run for re-election, seeking a ninth term in the state House of Representatives.
“Rural Pennsylvania needs a strong voice at the state Capitol to fight back against job-crushing regulations and higher taxes, and to fight for better health care and educational opportunities,” Causer said. “As one of the most senior members in the state House, I have been and will continue to be that voice. I will make sure our residents, our employers and our communities are heard.”
Causer said he has led in promoting the wise use of natural resources and the production of energy, a cornerstone of the region’s economy. He fought against what he called excessive regulation of the conventional oil and gas industry by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and now serves as a member of the Penn Grade Crude Advisory Council, which was created to advise the agency and ensure reasonable and responsible oversight of the century-old industry.
As chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Causer said he is working to ensure the future of the state’s top industry by improving the regulatory climate and permitting processes; addressing infrastructure needs, such as processing facilities for dairy producers and rural broadband access; and ensuring the state is equipped to prevent the spread of diseases like avian influenza and spotted lanternfly, which could decimate segments of the industry.
He was a key architect of legislation establishing a community college to serve more than a dozen rural counties in northern and northwestern Pennsylvania. The Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is now offering affordable degree and certificate programs for recent high school graduates, as well as job training and professional development opportunities for workers looking to build on their skills or change careers.
Causer said he has also been a vocal advocate for the region’s fire and ambulance companies, working to boost funding and address the recruitment and retention challenges they face. Earlier this year, the state House approved his bill to increase Medicaid reimbursements for advanced life support and basic life support services for the first time since 2004. He voted in favor of a law allowing ambulance services to receive payment directly from insurance companies, and has supported a measure to provide reimbursement for treatment even if the patient is not transported to a hospital.
He said he has also voted to support grant and loan programs that help fire and ambulance companies with facility, training and equipment needs.
Causer also helped ensure passage of a 2016 law that increased the payment in lieu of taxes on state-owned forest lands from $3.60 per acre to $6 per acre, benefitting the municipalities, school districts and counties in which the land is located.
“Jobs, education, health care and public safety are all top priorities for me as I advocate for our rural communities,” Causer said. “We have taken many positive steps, but there is still more work to be done.”
In addition to his chairmanship of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Causer also chairs the Timber Caucus and serves as a member of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Causer earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. He previously served as an Annin Township supervisor and is a member of the McKean County Republican Committee.
Causer is a member of St. Mary’s Church in Sartwell. He resides in Turtlepoint and has three children, Matthew, Morgan and Mallory.
