Jan 22, 2018 5 min read

State Rep. Ryan Warner, R-Perryopolis, will seek re-election to the House of Representatives to continue his work of protecting taxpayers, fighting for our jobs and values, and reforming state government.

Warner is serving in his second term in the 52nd District, which includes portions of Fayette and Westmoreland counties.

“I was elected to put people before politics, and I have done that as state representative,” he said. “I am proud of my work to enable local families to keep more of their hard earn money; my fight for our hometown values; and my efforts to provide local seniors and residents with the services they need. We have made positive steps, but I know there is more that needs done for the hard working men and women I serve.”

Warner continues to work toward reforming state government. He has refused the costly per diems, state car and state pension. Warner was also one of the few House members who did not accept a paycheck during the extended 2015 budget impasse.

“I grew up in a blue collar household,” said Warner. “So when I ran for election, I promised that I would continue to live like the residents I serve. That’s why I refused the costly perks, and have worked so hard to reform the system to better protect taxpayers.”

Warner said he is respected as a common sense legislator who knows that residents cannot afford higher taxes, especially when the majority of the money does not stay in Fayette or Westmoreland counties. He was a leading supporter of a constitutional amendment to provide reasonable spending limits, performance-based budgeting legislation that became law, and is part of a bipartisan group of legislators who continue to work for a responsible budget process.

“Gov. Wolf continues to propose higher taxes in order to support bigger, more expensive government,” said Warner. “I know there are better ways to balance the budget. That is why I fought for strong measures to stop welfare fraud and abuse to ensure those most in need receive help while helping to reduce costs. During the budget process, I will continue to side with hard working taxpayers by opposing Wolf’s excessive tax and spend plans.”

Warner said he has voted to pass budgets that were fiscally responsible, focused spending on priorities, and did not raise taxes. The budget proposals he’s supported provided additional funding for education and programs that would benefits local residents, seniors and children. Warner has also worked to refocus education on teaching children the important skills they need to success, rather than teaching to a test.

“As the father of two children, I support our public school system and the teachers who work hard to help provide our kids with the skills they need to succeed after graduation,” Warner said. “That is why I supported budgets in the House that provided record funds for our schools. However, I also understand that a quality education is not just about money, and must be affordable to property taxpayers. That is why I supported a historic proposal to reform the pension system, which is a driving cost to governments at all levels, but especially for school districts.”

Warner is a fiscal conservative committed to making Pennsylvania more business-friendly, and to supporting the energy and coal industries. He has opposed federal and state policies in order to keep jobs, and to grow the economy to create new local jobs. Warner has promoted the responsible development of natural gas without eliminating the impact fee, which has delivered millions of dollars for local improvements.

“The people of Fayette and Westmoreland … want responsible fiscal leadership that cuts wasteful government spending, fosters sustainable job growth, and forces government to live within its means like our families must do,” he said.

Throughout his life, Warner has helped his father with the family’s logging business. He attended Frazier High School and graduated from Penn State University. Following college, he went to work for Siemens Industry in Westmoreland County as a project controller. As a result of a tough economy, Siemens reduced its workforce and Warner was one of those who were let go after nearly five years on the job.

“My story is like many other western Pennsylvanians,” said Warner. “As representative, I never forget the importance of providing people with a reliable safety net and effective job retraining programs when needed so they can get back to work supporting their families. I work hard every day to keep the jobs we have, and to grow our economy to create new local jobs.”

Warner’s bipartisan legislation to cut government red tape was signed into law five months after he took office. He has introduced legislation including bills to make English the official language of Pennsylvania, provide tax credits to our volunteer fire fighters and EMS workers, and to stop wasteful government spending. Warner co-sponsored bills to protect our pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and pro-family values. He has also put workers first by supporting efforts to deny public benefits to illegal immigrants.

Ryan and his wife Leslie reside in Perryopolis where they are raising their two children Paloma and Ben.

They are members of St. John the Baptist Parish. He has deep family roots in our community, and is an avid hunter and sportsman.