In that short time frame, Beyer has worked effectively on a number of issues that affect the residents of the 131st district. On October 31, 2006, Gov. Ed Rendell signed House Bill 2001, the Consumer Price Gouging Act, into law. Beyer created this bill and moved it through the legislative process to a successful vote. It prohibits price gouging by any person in the chain of distribution of consumer goods and services during and within 30 days of the termination of a state of disaster emergency declared by the governor. It gives the attorney general broad powers to investigate any complaints concerning violations of that law, and to bring action for penalty and relief under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
Beyer has been at the forefront of making cyberschools accountable for their use of public funds. She also has led the charge on the issue of eminent domain, getting legislation passed and signed into law, further protecting the property rights of owners. Beyer also has been a leader on the property tax and rent rebate issue, serving as prime sponsor of House Bill 2135 that sought expanded eligibility and higher funding for claims payment. In addition, Beyer sponsored legislation dealing with education, law enforcement, developing new diesel technology and transportation. Beyer is the prime sponsor of 17 bills so far, many of which are being reintroduced in this session.
Beyer currently serves on the House Health and Human Services Committee, where she is Republican chairman of the subcommittee on health; the House Commerce Committee; the House Consumer Affairs Committee; and the House Urban Affairs Committee. Beyer is also a member of the House Republican Policy Committee Task Force on Infrastructure. She has been appointed to a Select Committee which is investigating the degree to which minority-, women- and disadvantaged-owned business enterprises have been utilized in contracts awarded by the Commonwealth and determining if barriers exist constraining their participation in contracting and procurement activities and how those barriers can be eliminated. Additionally, she was appointed to the advisory board of Pennsylvania’s Tuition Account Program (TAP).
In 2003, Beyer was elected school director of the Saucon Valley School Board, where she also served as president. The school district was experiencing financial and managerial challenges at the time. In her two years on the board, she worked to get the district back on track. During her time on the board, she did not vote for an increase in property taxes or other taxes. As a result, achieving property tax relief remains her No. 1 priority upon being elected to serve the residents of Lehigh County and Northampton County.
Beyer also previously worked as a legislative aide in the 134th Legislative District, as a staff writer in the newsroom and marketing departments of The Morning Call in Allentown, and as a news clerk and correspondent for the Harrisburg Patriot-News.
Beyer is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force. Beyer is the only female veteran serving in the General Assembly. In addition, she has organized the House Veterans Caucus at the Capitol, made up of many House members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The district is composed of part of Lehigh County consisting of the city of Allentown (part, wards 12, 14 [part, division 01], 16 and 19) and the townships of Lower Milford, Salisbury (part, Wards 02, 03 and 04), Upper Milford (part, District Western) and Upper Saucon and the borough of Coopersburg and part of Northampton County consisting of the township of Lower Saucon (part, District Seidersville).
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