Brenda's Platform
Making Pennsylvania More Affordable
You work hard for your money. Government should work just as hard to protect it.
For families across the 120th District, affordability isn't an abstract issue—it's the electric bill, property taxes, child care, groceries, housing costs and the everyday expenses that determine how far a paycheck will stretch.
Brenda Pugh has focused on policies aimed at reducing costs, increasing transparency and keeping more money in the hands of the people who earned it.
Holding the Line on Taxes
Brenda supported the 2026–27 state budget, which was enacted without raising state taxes or drawing from Pennsylvania's Rainy Day Fund. She has also co-sponsored legislation to eliminate Pennsylvania's inheritance tax, which currently remains pending in the House Finance Committee.
Fighting Rising Utility Costs
When utility bills increase, consumers deserve to understand why.
Brenda introduced House Bill 2738, legislation designed to provide greater transparency into utility costs by requiring a five-year review of rate adjustments affecting residential, commercial and industrial customers.
The goal is straightforward: give consumers and lawmakers a clearer picture of what is driving increases in Pennsylvania utility bills.
Addressing the "Rain Tax"
Brenda introduced House Bill 2360 to address the costs municipalities and property owners face from stormwater requirements. Her proposal seeks to distribute those costs more broadly and reduce the disproportionate burden placed on individual communities, homeowners, small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
She also brought state lawmakers and local leaders together in Luzerne County for a policy hearing focused specifically on the financial impact of these requirements.
Tackling the Cost of Child Care
Child care has become a major expense for Pennsylvania working families. Brenda joined a bipartisan legislative effort examining regulatory and other changes intended to reduce costs for child care providers while maintaining safety standards, with the goal of making care more affordable and accessible for families.
Protecting Taxpayers as Pennsylvania Grows
Brenda co-sponsored House Bill 2198, legislation addressing Pennsylvania's tax treatment of data centers. The bill passed the House 197–5 in June 2026 and was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
As Pennsylvania attracts major new development, Brenda believes taxpayers and host communities should not be expected to shoulder an unfair share of the costs.
Affordability Starts With Accountability
There is no single bill that will solve the affordability challenges facing Pennsylvania families.
Brenda's approach is to examine where government policies, taxes, fees and regulations add to the cost of living—and work toward practical changes that provide relief while protecting taxpayers.
Lower the burden. Demand accountability. Make Pennsylvania more affordable for the people who call it home.
Putting Our Jobs First
We need to stop job-crushing regulations, support energy independence, and stand with our workers to create better opportunities for families across District 120 and all of Pennsylvania.
Protecting Taxpayers
I will continue to hold the line on broad-based taxes and focus on property tax relief in Pennsylvania, ensuring that we prioritize fair taxation for all — especially senior property tax relief in Luzerne County.
Supporting Public Safety
Our police and first responders must have the tools they need to keep us safe, allowing us to feel secure in our neighborhoods. I will always back the brave men and women who serve our communities.
Prioritizing Our Students
We must give parents more control over education and focus on helping students who have fallen behind at school, particularly in areas like Luzerne County. Every child deserves a quality education.
Backing Real Reforms
I support voter ID initiatives and will work to end automatic COLAs for politicians, as well as unaccountable per diems without receipts, ensuring accountability in government spending and real reform in Harrisburg.