HARRISBURG – Senator Scott Martin (R-13) took the oath of office today to begin serving his second term representing southern Lancaster County communities in the Senate of Pennsylvania.
“I am extremely grateful to be given another opportunity to represent the interests of local communities in Harrisburg,” Martin said. “Fighting to protect Lancaster County values over the past four years in the state Capitol has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I look forward to continuing to fight for honest, responsible, transparent and efficient state government in the years ahead and providing opportunity for our future, especially for our children.”
Martin was first elected to the Senate in 2016. In his first term, he worked to protect the taxpayers of Pennsylvania by fighting against wasteful spending and inefficient government operations, including writing new laws to review the expensive and inefficient Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network and eliminate costly and outdated mandates. He also led the charge to stand and fight for pediatric cancer children and their families to devote more money to research and find ways to help them stay connected through their treatment.
He also authored laws during the COVID-19 pandemic to help local government respond to the crisis, while at the same time ensuring the opportunity for more taxpayers could take advantage of property tax discount periods. In addition, Martin sponsored a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution that would limit the length of future disaster declarations to ensure cooperation and transparency among all branches of government when responding to emergencies.
Martin sponsored a total of 15 new laws in the most recent two-year legislative session, including bills to redesign the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education; provide new educational resources to students facing extended absences from school; protect young victims of sexual assault; prevent the placement of Video Gaming Terminals in Lancaster County; support volunteer fire companies; and boost job creation and economic development in local communities.
Martin served as Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee during the 2019-20 Legislative Session. In addition, he served on the PA System of Higher Education Board of Governors, Chesapeake Bay Commission, PA Athletic Oversight Committee, Local Government Commission and Special Education Funding Commission.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Martin served as a Lancaster County Commissioner, where he worked to downsize government by cutting duplicative agencies and departments, reduced debt by $40 million, and cut costs for taxpayers through privatization and public employee benefit reform.
The 13th Senatorial District includes the City of Lancaster, the townships of Bart, Colerain, Conestoga, Drumore, East Drumore, East Lampeter, Eden, Fulton, Lancaster, Leacock, Little Britain, Manheim, Manor, Martic, Paradise, Pequea, Providence, Sadsbury, Salisbury, Strasburg, Upper Leacock and West Lampeter; and the boroughs of Christiana, Millersville, Quarryville and Strasburg.
Martin won re-election in November 2020 by nearly 15,000 votes.
CONTACT: Terry Trego (717) 787-6535