Pillars In-depth | Hummel for the 109th

Strong communities start with local voices.

Justin believes decisions about growth and investment

should be shaped by the people who live here.

Local Voice, Real Authority
Communities deserve a real say in decisions that affect their land, water, and future. That means clearer guidance from the state, better access to zoning information, and stronger local control—so municipalities aren’t left navigating complex decisions like data center development on their own.

Smart Growth & Responsible Development
New opportunities—like data centers—must be approached thoughtfully. Justin supports better planning at the county level and making sure concerns about water use, energy demand, noise, and long-term impact are addressed before decisions are made.

Fair Funding for Schools & Taxpayers
Rising costs shouldn’t keep falling on local families. Justin supports:

Charter school reform to protect public school funding
Solar for Schools to help districts reduce long-term energy costs
Expanding state-supported healthcare pools to lower insurance costs for local governments
Special education funding reform so districts aren’t left carrying unpredictable financial burdens

Jobs & Economic Opportunity
Columbia County is well-positioned for growth. With access to major highways, water, and infrastructure, Justin will work to attract new industries, support local employers, and create good-paying jobs—while strengthening the tax base so costs don’t keep rising on residents.

Support for First Responders
The people who protect our communities deserve support. Justin backs:

The HOME Act to provide property tax relief for volunteer firefighters and first responders
Collective purchasing at the state level to help departments afford essential equipment without inflated costs

At its core: listen to communities, give them the tools

they need, and build solutions that last.

Strong communities require more than enforcement,

they require; support, prevention, and the right resources in the right places. Justin believes safer communities start by giving local responders the tools they actually need and addressing challenges before they escalate.

Supporting the People on the Front Lines
Our police and first responders are being asked to do more than ever. That means:

Competitive wages and time off to retain officers locally
Practical, day-to-day training that reflects the calls they respond to most
Access to the equipment they actually use, not just high-cost tools that rarely leave storage

Meeting Today’s Reality
Many calls today are tied to mental health, addiction, and economic stress—not traditional crime. Justin believes our approach should reflect that reality, with better training and resources focused on everyday community needs.

Solutions That Prevent, Not Just Respond
Programs like the co-responder partnership with CMSU are already working—pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals to step in early. Justin supports expanding these efforts to:

Prevent crises before they escalate
Reduce repeat calls and strain on police
Connect people to help instead of the justice system

Access to Care & Continuity
Too often, people fall through the cracks after receiving care. Justin will work to:

Improve access to medications and follow-up care
Address barriers like transportation and cost
Keep people stable and supported in their communities

Addressing Addiction at the Root
The only way to reduce addiction is to reduce demand. That means making sure people can access real help when they need it—through treatment, recovery support, and community-based resources.

Smarter, More Efficient Support
Justin supports:

Statewide healthcare pools to reduce costs for police and first responders
Collective purchasing of equipment like body cameras and tasers to lower costs for local departments

At its core: support the people doing the work, address challenges early, and build safer communities through care, not just response.

Strong communities deserve representation that shows up,

listens, and stays connected.

Justin believes being a State Representative isn’t just about votes in Harrisburg—it’s about being present in the community every day.

That’s why he’s already doing this work now—meeting with residents, hosting conversations, and answering questions.

Building trust shouldn’t wait until Election Day.

Showing Up & Staying Accessible
Representation starts with being available. Justin is committed to:

Holding regular office hours and drop-in opportunities across the 109th
Attending local meetings, events, and community gatherings
Making it easy for residents to reach out and be heard

Listening First
Good decisions start with understanding. Justin believes in:

Taking the time to hear concerns directly from residents
Learning from real conversations—not assumptions
Making sure people feel heard, respected, and included

Present Across the 109th
Every community matters. Justin will:

Stay active in all parts of the district—not just one town
Keep a consistent presence in smaller communities and rural areas
Make sure no part of the 109th feels overlooked

Clear Communication & Transparency
People deserve to know what’s happening and why. Justin is committed to:

Sharing updates through community meetings, online forums, and regular communication
Explaining decisions clearly—not just announcing them
Creating more opportunities for two-way conversations, not just one-way updates

Accountability That Builds Trust
Being accountable means more than checking a box. It means:

Following through on commitments
Being honest about challenges and progress
Earning trust through consistency and presence over time

At its core: show up, listen, and stay connected—because representation should feel local, accessible, and accountable.

Strong communities depend on people being able to make a living here. Justin believes we should support the industries, workers, and families that keep Columbia County running—

while creating new opportunities for the next generation.

Supporting Good-Paying Jobs
Growing our economy starts with rewarding employers who invest in their workers. That means:

Incentivizing higher wages through targeted tax breaks
Making sure state grants go to companies that create jobs and grow the local tax base
Attracting new industries while supporting the employers already here

Supporting Working Families & Caregivers
A strong workforce depends on strong families. Justin supports:

Increased support for child care services
Restoring and strengthening protections for family caregivers
Better funding for Area Agency on Aging services

Connecting People to Jobs & Care
Access matters—especially in rural communities. Justin will work to:

Expand rural transportation options like shared transit and route-based systems
Improve access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services
Support long-term solutions that better connect communities across the 109th

Lowering Costs Through Smarter Healthcare
Healthcare costs impact families, employers, and local governments alike. Justin believes we should pursue solutions that:

Lower costs for municipalities, schools, and small businesses
Make it easier for people to work, care for family, and stay in the workforce
Improve access while reducing financial strain

Protecting Farms & Strengthening Local Agriculture
Farming is a cornerstone of our local economy. Justin supports:

Accountability in farm funding and loan programs to ensure resources are used as intended
Expanding local purchasing—connecting farms with schools, hospitals, and other institutions
Reducing barriers for small-scale processing and butchering to strengthen local food systems
Prioritizing small and diverse farms, not just large operations

Building the Workforce Pipeline
We need more opportunities for young people to build careers here. Justin supports:

Expanding career and technical education (vo-tech) programs
Creating pathways to skilled trades and blue-collar careers
Investing until programs can meet demand and eliminate waitlists

At its core: support the people who live and work here, strengthen local industries, and create real opportunity across the 109th.

Strong communities depend on people being able to

afford to live, work, and stay here.

Justin believes we need to focus on the everyday costs that impact families across the 109th—and take practical steps at the state level to make life more affordable and accessible.

Housing That Works for Local Communities
Housing should be within reach for the people who live and work here. Justin supports:

Strengthening state housing programs and incentives that help build and rehabilitate homes
Supporting first-time homebuyer programs and local redevelopment efforts
Working with municipalities across places like Bloomsburg, Berwick, and our smaller communities to remove barriers to practical, community-fit housing solutions

Lowering Healthcare Costs
Healthcare is one of the biggest pressures on families and local governments. Justin will:

Support efforts to expand access and reduce costs through broader risk pools and smarter state policy
Advocate for solutions that lower costs for schools, municipalities, and small employers
Push for better access to care close to home, so residents aren’t forced to travel far outside the region

Addressing Everyday Costs
From groceries to utilities, families are feeling the pressure. Justin will focus on:

Supporting efforts to increase transparency and fairness in utility pricing
Backing policies that help reduce energy and basic service costs
Keeping the focus on real, day-to-day affordability that reflects what families here are actually experiencing

Access to Transportation & Services
Access shouldn’t depend on where you live. Justin will:

Advocate for state support of rural transportation systems like shared ride options and local transit services
Improve access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services across the 109th
Support practical investments that better connect communities throughout Columbia County

Healthy, Connected Communities
Quality of life is about more than cost—it’s about the places we live. Justin supports:

State investment in trails, parks, and walkable spaces
Expanding access to recreation and wellness opportunities
Supporting projects that make communities more livable, connected, and attractive for families and young people

At its core: make it easier to live, work, and build a life here—without the costs pushing people out.

Hummel for the 109th