Pledges to continue her commitment to Fiscal Responsibility,
Economic Growth and Reform

SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP – Gathered with family, friends and supporters at the Penbrook American Legion in Susquehanna Township, Sue Helm today announced that she is running for reelection as state representative to continue her fight for the taxpayers of the 104th District in Dauphin and Lebanon counties.

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“Six years ago, I ran for the state house because I wanted to use my small business experience to help change the culture in Harrisburg and bring reform to state government.  Like many residents who opposed the midnight pay raise and former Governor Rendell’s failed policies that cost us jobs, I wanted to do my part and make a real difference for local taxpayers,” said Helm.  “Today, I am happy to say I am keeping that promise.”

Committed to reform, Helm has led by example by refusing a taxpayer-funded car, refusing the automatic legislative salary cost of living adjustment (COLA) instead returning it to the state treasury or giving it to charity and posting her office expenses on her website.

Helm also voted in support of a series of reforms that have changed House rules to make its operations more transparent to the public, increased whistle-blower protections for legislative employees, increased penalties for lobbyists who break the rules, made it illegal for legislators to create non-profit organizations which receive tax dollars, provided for the creation of a website where the public can see how their money is spent, and much more.

“Throughout my tenure, I have demonstrated my commitment to the people of the 104th district by listening to their concerns and focusing on issues important to our quality of life,” Helm said.

“The only way for a representative to know the needs of their community is to spend time interacting and listening to their constituents.  I have done that by attending hundreds of events, working with community leaders and meeting individually with my constituents,” said Helm, who has also earned the reputation as a tireless and responsive legislator.  “In the 104th District, it is pocketbook issues people are worried about, and having the good paying jobs they need to pay their bills.”

Helm noted that the national recession has had a significant impact on our Commonwealth and has been made worse by federal and state level policies that drive businesses and the jobs they create out of Pennsylvania.

“I have answered the public’s call for a fiscally disciplined state government focused on making our state competitive in the jobs marketplace,” said Helm.  “I have fought for this by opposing Governor Rendell’s reckless borrowing that we are now paying for today, by working with the new administration to rebuild a strong fiscal foundation for our state, and by passing common sense measures that encourage job creation.”

Helm pointed to passage of this year’s budget as an example of how things are changing for the better for Pennsylvania taxpayers.

“This year – for the first time in seven years — by working with Governor Corbett and the new Republican majority in the state House, Pennsylvania had a balanced budget passed by the constitutional deadline,” said Helm.  “This budget recognizes the economic realities we all face, deals with the loss of billions of dollars of Obama’s federal stimulus spending, spends less than the year before and still focuses on our priorities.”

Helm also noted several initiatives she supported as Representative to help improve the state’s business climate to help encourage job growth.

Among those initiatives are the Angel Investor Tax Credit which encourages investment in business start-ups and expansion, the Private Transfer Fee Act which protects consumers in real estate transactions, and reforms to the state’s tort system, business tax structure and welfare system.

“While these initiatives will all help to increase job growth in our state, I am most proud of sponsoring legislation to create new jobs right here in Susquehanna Township,” said Helm.  “My legislation to help ensure the building of the new Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) headquarters will help to create more than 200 new private sector jobs in our district.”

Helm also pointed to her efforts to work side-by-side with local officials and community leaders to ensure the quality of life in our community.

Helm was a leader in the successful fight to maintain access to quality health care in upper Dauphin County by keeping the Evelyn Frederick Health Center in Millersburg open.  Not only were her efforts successful, but Pinnacle Health agreed to increase services and is finishing a complete remodeling of the center, which will benefit local residents.  Her efforts also helped secure a $750,000 state grant to preserve and redevelop Millersburg’s historic Colonnade Theatre.

Helm brings to the office of Pennsylvania State Representative a life-time of experience and service to her community and to the Republican Party.  She is a successful small business woman having founded and operated Century 21 At the Helm Realty.   She has held numerous positions with the Republican Party including service as a member of the Republican State Committee, vice chairwoman of the Dauphin County Republican Committee, President of the Dauphin County Council of Republican Women and she served as a Delegate and member of the Rules Committee at the 2000 Republican National Convention.

A graduate of Susquehanna Township High School and Harrisburg Area Community College, Helm has deep roots in the 104th district.  She is a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Penbrook. She has served on the Friends of Fort Hunter and later on the Fort Hunter Board of Trustees.  She also has served on the board of the Pride of the Susquehanna.

“During these difficult economic times, I have kept my word to the people of the 104th District to fight for fiscal discipline, economic growth, new jobs and reform. And while we are making positive progress, I know there is more to be done,” said Helm.  “I have proven my dedication and commitment to the people of this community and I am asking them to re-elect me as their Representative so I can use my proven experience to continue the fight for the things we need.”

The 104th District includes: Part of Dauphin County consisting of the townships of East Hanover, Halifax, Jefferson, Middle Paxton, Reed, Rush, Susquehanna, Swatara (PART, Districts 04 and 07), Upper Paxton and Wayne and the BOROUGHS of Dauphin, Halifax, Millersburg and Penbrook and Part of Lebanon County consisting of the townships of East Hanover and North Annville.

Please join me Thursday, January 5th, 2012 as I announce my candidacy for State Representative of the 104th District and kick-off my re-election campaign. I would be honored for you to attend! 

EVENT DETAILS: 

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

5:30pm (light refreshments)
6:30pm (announcement)

Sue Helm

State Representative, 104th District

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas today.

Sue hands out treats at this year's Halfax Halloween parade.

There were no tricks, just treats at this year’s Halifax Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Twin Valleys Lions Club. Sue Helm and supporters came out to show off their best Halloween costumes and festive spirit while marching in the parade that took place on Wednesday, October 26th in Halifax. Representative Helm also took part in the Millersburg and Dauphin Halloween parades.

Rep Helm takes part in the groundbreaking for the new Capital Medical Center

Representative Sue Helm joined a group of area doctors on Thursday, October 20th as they broke ground on a new medical arts building in Susquehanna Township.

This building is planned to be opened in the fall of 2012 and will employ approximately 50 people and feature a surgery and laser center.

“I am pleased that the surgeons have decided to locate its new building in the 104th Legislative District.  The jobs that will be created are certainly welcome along with the state-of-the-art services the medical center will provide to area residents,” Helm said.

The 24,000-square-foot Capital Medical Center will house a variety of offices including ophthalmology, plastic surgery, podiatry, and pain management.

Sue Helm with John Sygielski, President of HACC

Friday, October 21st, Representative Sue Helm attended the inauguration of John J. “Ski” Sygielski who will serve as the seventh president of Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). He has been at the five-campus college since July and has previously served as the president of Mount Hood Community College in Oregon.

“I think he will make a great leader for the college and look forward to his plans for HACC,” said Representative Helm. “A strong and thriving college not only benefits the students, but their families and the community as well.”