Joanna Bryn Smith

Joanna is running for Pennsylvania State Representative HD-120 because she believes her diverse service experience has prepared her to be an advocate for the people. As an educator, she has made a lasting impression on hundreds of students and their parents, as a community board member volunteer she has committed her time and worked to better life in the community, and as a public defender she has worked to ensure a voice for all people while advocating in the face of adversity. Joanna grew up with principled progressive parents who taught her that all people were equal and that all people deserved the same rights. These principles have guided her life, and they will guide the way she will represent the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Joanna is an ardent fighter for investment in education, especially early childhood education. She is also committed to tackle the problem of the lack of a living wage coupled with an unbearable tax burden. These financial constraints makes it nearly impossible for the average family to make ends meet in a way that should be reachable in Pennsylvania. Finally, Joanna is devoted to ensuring accessible, dignified and affordable healthcare and prescription drug plans for her community. As a public defender, she have personally seen the disproportionately negative effect that our current healthcare system has on specific populations, namely women, people of color, and people living in poverty. Joanna will always put people before profits.