Pennsylvania State Rep. Tobash Issues Statement on Not Seeking Re-Election

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 22 -- The Pennsylvania House Republicans issued the following statement on Jan. 21 by Pennsylvania State Rep. Mike Tobash, R-Schuylkill/Dauphin, regarding his intention not to seek re-election:

"Serving as your state representative in the Pennsylvania General Assembly has been a great honor, and a responsibility I took very seriously.

"When I first ran for office nearly 10 years ago, I had the belief that careers should be dedicated to private sector work and not elected positions. I hold that same belief today.

"A rewarding portion of my service has been working with students, parents and teachers to cut back on the growing influence of standardized testing in our school systems and to help reduce a negative stigma that exists with vocational and technical skills learning."

In addition to his work to better promote career and technical education, Tobash has been instrumental in changing the retirement plans of future state employees to include a 401(k)-style plan, more in accordance with workers in the private sector.

"I plan to stay fully engaged in supporting constituents and community leaders as well as working with House leaders on a number of bills, including my House Bill 1960, which consolidates the investment arms of our two largest Pennsylvania pensions plans, the Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) and the Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System (SERS).

"Some experts believe that reducing duplication, better negotiating power, and the potential for improved performance could result in a savings to taxpayers of as much as $20 billion over the next 30 years."

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Tobash has served on the Public Employees Retirement Commission, along with the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Services, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Education committees. In addition, he has chaired the Public Pension Investment and Asset Review Commission. The lawmaker was instrumental in establishing the Economic Growth Caucus which focuses on initiatives to improve Pennsylvania's economic standing.

For more information, contact Tobash's district office in Schuylkill Haven located at 988 East Main St., by calling 570-385-8235. Information can also be found online at RepTobash.com or Facebook.com/RepTobash.