State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, announced today he will seek re-election to the House of Representatives.

Knowles has quickly become known as one of the strongest voices for taxpayers in Harrisburg."Since my election, I have proudly fought to protect the tax dollars of the hardworking residents and retired seniors of the 124th District," Knowles said. "Pennsylvania does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. Now more than ever, with Gov. Wolf unwilling to give up his plans for record high tax increases, I need to return to the state capitol to keep up this fight."During his tenure, Knowles helped defeat a 16 percent personal income tax increase and cut more than $1 billion in wasteful spending from the state budget. Over the past year, he has remained steadfast in his opposition to Wolf's massive tax and spending proposal - a proposal that includes a tax increase amount higher than all other 49 states combined saw in 2015."The people of Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill counties have told me in no uncertain terms that now is not the time for broad-based tax increases; it is the time for responsible fiscal leadership that doesn't increase their burden," Knowles explained."They cannot afford to pay more in taxes, and I will continue working to make sure they don't."His number one legislative priority continues to be SB/HB 76, legislation to eliminate the failed property tax system that hurts local schools, homeowners, and senior citizens.In addition to his various committee assignments, Knowles was also recently elected vice chairman of the bipartisan, bicameral Government Reform Caucus. Here he's focused on reducing the size and scope of government to save taxpayers money and institute common sense reforms.A former proprietor of a successful retail grocery store in Tamaqua, Knowles also served his community as a full-time police officer.He was originally elected to the state House in a 2009 special election to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Dave Argall.He is married to the former Lorraine David of McAdoo for 42 years. They have two sons and two grandsons.