State Rep. Jerry Knowles announced he will run for re-election in the 124th District (Schuylkill/Berks/Carbon Counties).

"The voters elected me to the State House just five years ago because they believed I'd fight for taxpayers by cutting wasteful spending and reducing government regulations that hurt job creators," Knowles said."We've made positive steps forward, but I know there's more to be done. That's why after discussions with my family, friends, and local leaders I've decided to run for re-election."Knowles is a fiscal conservative who helped defeat a 16 percent personal income tax hike, cut more than $1 billion in wasteful spending from the state budget, and voted against the recent $2.1 billion gas tax.The American Conservative Union (ACU), the oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization in the nation, recently announced that Knowles is a "Conservative All-Star of the Pennsylvania General Assembly."The ACU rates members of Congress as well as both the Senate and House in Pennsylvania with the goal of holding every elected official accountable for their voting record, ensuring they actually vote like they promise.Under Knowles' leadership, the House passed critical legislation aimed at restoring fiscal discipline to state government by passing on time, no tax increase balanced budgets; and helping make Pennsylvania more business-friendly through a reformed tax structure.He has refused per diems, a state car and has reduced the size and cost of his offices.Knowles priority moving forward is legislation to eliminate the failed property tax system that hurts local schools, homeowners, and senior citizens.A former proprietor of a retail grocery store in Tamaqua, Knowles also served his community as a full-time police officer and a local and county elected official. He was originally elected to the State House in a June 2009 special election to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Dave Argall.He is married to the former Lorraine David of McAdoo for 40 years. They have two sons and two grandsons.