Rep. Jack Rader Jr., R-176, announced his intention to run for re-election in 2016. Elected to Pennsylvania's House of Representatives in 2014, Rader has quickly become a strong voice for taxpayers across the communities he represents.

"It has been an honor to serve the residents of the 176th District, and to work together on priorities like property tax elimination, education funding, and economic growth," said Rader. "We have not yet reached our common goals though, which is why I humbly ask for their support again."Rader has made the protection of local taxpayers the hallmark of his tenure thus far, with a special emphasis on fighting for the property tax relief local homeowners so passionately support - an issue he has made a key point during thebudget impasse.Rader has worked to compromise on other budget issues during the negotiation process as well. He supports a reasonable tax on natural gas drilling that is dedicated to education funding, but continues to oppose broad-based tax increases on working families and seniors. He is also a supporter of public pension reform and liquor privatization initiatives that would save taxpayers billions of dollars over the long term."The people of our community have told me repeatedly that, without real property tax relief, now is not the time for broad-based tax increases; it is the time for responsible fiscal leadership that doesn't increase their burden," said Rader.Throughout the negotiations of the past six months, Rader has supported numerous budget packages that increase state funding for education to its highest level ever. He has also worked to refocus education on teaching children important skills, rather than teaching to a test.Rader, who brings more than 30 years of private sector business experience to Harrisburg, served 28 years on the Jackson Township Board of Supervisors, including 20 as chairman, before his election to the state House.Rader is a graduate of Pocono Mountain High School and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Susquehanna University. He and his wife, Susan, live in Reeders. They have four children and two grandchildren.