“Life has taught me many lessons that I carry with me to Harrisburg when I am fighting for you. First, partisanship should never matter when making decisions. Second, life has enough burdens and government shouldn’t be one of them. Third, everyone deserves to be treated with respect and civility.” Valerie Gaydos
Legislation to Strengthen Communities and Support Families
I have introduced a series of bills aimed at making Pennsylvania more efficient, fair and accountable, while directly benefiting our communities and families. These initiatives focus on everyday priorities such as helping small businesses access affordable healthcare, returning surplus funds to taxpayers, protecting students through equitable education policies, and improving government transparency and accountability.
The following legislation reflects a commitment to strengthening our Commonwealth, empowering residents and preparing Pennsylvania for a brighter, more prosperous future.
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Protecting Taxpayers
Elimination of Pennsylvania’s Inheritance Tax
House Bill 1394 would eliminate Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax, ending state taxation on inherited assets to prevent double taxation and would also ensure families receive inheritances without an added financial burden during a time of loss.Reducing the Size of the Legislature
House Bill 1010 would reduce the size of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly to streamline operations, lower costs, increase accountability and create a more efficient and transparent government. It would also empower voters to decide on a smaller, more effective legislature that can act swiftly and responsibly in the best interest of all Pennsylvanians.Cost Reduction for County Election Offices
House Bill 978 would streamline Pennsylvania’s campaign finance reporting by eliminating outdated duplicate county filings and requiring state-level candidates and political committees to file reports only with the Department of State.State Improper Payment Act
House Bill 979 would strengthen accountability in state programs by requiring agencies to assess, report and publicly disclose improper payments, mirroring federal standards to reduce waste,
improve transparency and protect taxpayer dollars.Financial Disclosure for Write-In Candidates
House Bill 984 would ensure fairness in elections by requiring all candidates, including write-ins, to file a statement of financial interests before appearing on the general election ballot.‘Voter Motor’ Bill — Connecting State Agency Data to Address of Residency
House Bill 981 would improve government efficiency by securely sharing voter registration address updates across state and local agencies, ensuring accurate records, streamlined services and better access to benefits for residents who move within or into the Commonwealth.Returning Surplus to PA Taxpayers
House Bill 1362 would create the Taxpayer Surplus Refund Program to return excess General Fund dollars directly to Pennsylvaniataxpayers, rather than using a one-time surplus to fund ongoing government spending.Taxpayer Dividend Program
House Bill 1092 would establish the Taxpayer Dividend Program, directing the state treasurer and Department of Revenue to administer and distribute dividend payments to eligible taxpayers. -
Stronger Education
Equity in Education
House Bill 976 aims to ensure public schools meet the needs of gifted learners by requiring Pennsylvania school districts to identify gifted students and include them in a weighted funding formula, addressing the current lack of required services and compensation.Restriction on School Directors Serving Where Family Is Employed
House Bill 1395 would remove situations where school directors could oversee or vote on matters affecting their own family members. This helps protect against conflicts of interest and promotes fairness in district decision-making.Prohibiting ‘No-Zero’ Grading Policies
House Bill 1398 would prohibit school districts from requiring no-zero grading policies that would prevent teachers from assigning a zero for missing or poorly completed work, restoring teacher discretion and reinforcing student accountability.Investing in Education
Secured over $400,000 for our schools including historic funding for school safety.Supporting Career and Technical Education
Along with higher education – because education shouldn’t be one-size-fits all.Increasing Accountability
For ALL schools, both public and private.
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Sharing Our Values
Sharing Our Values – as a proven legislator who values the U.S. Constitution, Valerie is committed to protecting and defending our rights and freedoms. She has stood strong for policies that help children, support veterans, and respect the contributions our older residents have made to our state and nation.
With a sister as a family physician, Valerie believes that medical decisions do not belong in legislation but should be made between a doctor and patient. She has worked hard to improve health care and health choices in the legislature – from reducing prescription drug costs to improving maternal health. On the sensitive issue of abortion, Valerie stands with the mainstream of our community: believing that abortions should be rare, safe and legal, and protecting exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother while also supporting initiatives that value the family, like IVF access and making adoption easier.
Pro-Second Amendment legislator endorsed by Firearm Owners Against Crime for her defense of our Constitutional Rights.
Maintaining a work ethic that is a strong value in Western PA. Endorsed by Laborers District Council of Western PA.
Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America
House Bill 999 would authorize the placement of a privately funded semiquincentennial commermorative bell at the Capitol to mark the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s founding.Protecting and preserving personal rights and freedoms as protected under the Pennsylvania and U.S. Constitution.
Protecting animals and all living creatures. Endorsed by Humane PA Partners for a Humane PA.
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Community Safety
Since elected to serve in 2019, nearly $104 million in state grants has been secured for the 44th Legislative District.
These funds help build stronger communities for residents and create opportunities for local businesses.Protecting Pennsylvanians From Landslides
House Bill 589 would establish a program through the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide insurance coverage for landslides, slope movement and sinkholes caused by natural forces, protecting Pennsylvanians from significant financial losses. The legislation passed the House in September and now awaits consideration in the Senate.State Grants to Support Fire, EMS Services
Fire and emergency response organizations throughout the 44th Legislative District have been awarded more than $191,000 in grants from the state.Infrastructure, Community Development Funding for Local Municipalities
Nearly $1.03 million in state grant funding through the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund (GEDTF) has been secured for local municipalities. The funding will support important infrastructure upgrades, public safety improvements and community enhancements across the district.Prevention of Human Trafficking of Illegal Immigrants Act
House Bill 975 would strengthen penalties for trafficking undocumented immigrants, acknowledging that migrants, especially women, are often victims of severe exploitation and abuse. It also focuses on stopping drug cartels that have become increasingly involved in human smuggling to maximize profits and put vulnerable people at risk.
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Sparking Job Growth
Grant to Launch Pittsburgh Innovation Park in Findlay Township
A major boost for economic development in western Pennsylvania, the $8.98 million grant to AMS Land Acquisitions, LLC, will support development of the 596-acre Pittsburgh Innovation Park property in Findlay Township.Health Care Reform to Support Small Business Growth
House Bill 1444 has been reintroduced legislation that would allow small businesses to join together to offer affordable health care benefits to employees. This is part of a continued effort to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic climate and support small businesses.Made Pennsylvania better for job creators by fighting higher business taxes and introducing legislation to reduce health insurance costs for small businesses.
Supporting career and technical education so workers have the skills they need to attract employers and fill today’s jobs.
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Healthcare
Working to reduce healthcare costs and increase access through reforms such as tele-medicine and free-market competition in insurance sales.
Introduced legislation to create transparency and freedom when it comes to the cost of prescriptions. ACT 67, which became LAW lowering prescription drug prices for seniors
Ensuring continued support for programs like PACE and PACENet that help make prescription drugs more affordable.
Association Health Care Plans
House Bill 1444 would allow small businesses to band together to form association health plans, enabling them to negotiate lower health insurance costs and offer more competitive benefits to their employees.Orthotic, Prosthetic and Pedorthic Device Coverage
House Bill 1391 would update insurance law to make sure health insurers and Medicaid cover medically necessary custom medical devices like prosthetics and orthotics, including fitting, repair and replacement when prescribed by a licensed provider.Protecting Seniors and Those in Need
Legislation passed in House to increase transparency and accountability in Medicaid by examining improper payments in Medicaid. (Awaits votes in the Senate).Recommended by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. (HAP)
