State Representative Doyle Heffley (R-122nd) announced today that he will seek re-election to Pennsylvania House of Representatives for a second term.

"During my first year in office, I have answered the public's call to restore fiscal discipline to state government and have focused on making our state more competitive for job growth. Said Heffley. "I am proud of our accomplishments thus far, but know there is still much to be done. Restoring our economy by reversing the failed policies of the past will take time."Based on his priorities of creating a business-friendly environment, reducing taxes, achieving greater fiscal responsibility and restoring government trust, Heffley was elected to serve the people of the 122nd Legislative District Carbon County in 2010.Since taking office one year ago, Heffley has also fought hard in an effort to secure property tax relief for Pennsylvania citizens.He is a prime sponsor of legislation that requires the tax levied on table games to be placed in the property tax relief fund.Heffley is also the prime sponsor of legislation that requires a statewide referendum question, allowing voters to choose one of four property tax relief proposals."Property taxes continue to rise and we have to find a way to lessen the burden on the taxpayers," Heffley said. "Many people simply cannot afford to pay these astronomic amounts of money on an annual basis."Heffley said one of the major issues facing our Commonwealth today is the poor condition of our roads and bridges. He authored legislation to authorize the repair and reconstruction of specified local and state bridges, making our roads safer and more secure while creating jobs in our commonwealth.Heffley has also been a key legislator in the passage of legislation designed to combat crime. As a member of the House Human Services Committee, he voted for the passage of legislation that creates a Prescription Registry. With the passage of this legislation, those addicted to prescription drugs will be prevented from continuing their habit and will be able to seek the help they need. When I heard the testimony of local parents who had lost their children to prescription drug overdoses, I was moved to take action to do everything in my power to prevent the proliferation of these drugs," Heffley said.In announcing his re-election bid, Heffley outlined other key successes thus far in the Pennsylvania House:- Passing a balanced budget by the constitutionally mandated deadline (a first in seven years) and without raising taxes;- Focusing the state budget on priorities like education funding despite the loss of billions of dollars in federal stimulus funding;- Making Pennsylvania more competitive in the national jobs marketplace through initiatives like the Angel Investor Tax Credit, and reforms to the state's tort system and business tax structure- Efforts to protect property taxpayers, give voters a stronger voice on property taxes and make the legislature more transparent to residents were all undertaken by the House."I know that to be a strong Representative, you need to listen to the people you represent. That's why during my first year in office, I have held 5 town hall style meetings throughout the district and 3 telephone town hall meetings, visited with local school administrators and teachers, held numerous forums including a property tax forum, a senior expo, fire company grant seminar along with various other events". "I am especially proud to have been able to help thousands of local residents with state issues through my three district offices and knowledgeable staff."During his first term, Heffley has been named to serve as Secretary of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee, and also as a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, the House Human Services Committee and the House Transportation Committee. He is also a member of the Pro-Life Caucus, Coal Caucus and Property Tax Caucus.Heffley has kept his pledge of reform by refusing perks like a state-paid automobile and per diems.Representative Heffley is a life long resident of Carbon Count. He is a 1989 graduate of Lehighton Area High School, and Lincoln Technical Institute where he received his associate's degree in architectural drafting and design. Prior to his election to the state House, he served as a Transportation Industry consultant.In addition to attending Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trachsville, he is a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post No. 314, the Indian Mt. Rod and Gun Club, the Beaver Run Gun Club, Lions Association, the National Rifle Association, and the Lehighton F & AM Lodge 614. He is a former member of the Lower Towamensing Planning Commission and has served as both committeeman and chairman of the Carbon County Republican Committee.He is the son of Larry and Roberta Heffley of Lehighton. He and his wife Kellie have been married 15 years and reside in Palmerton with their two daughters, Elizabeth and Angela.