As Pennsylvania state Rep. Lou Schmitt concludes his service in Harrisburg to we the people, I believe that he deserves commendation for his wonderful tenure.

Act 99 of 2022 protected our police officers by creating new criminal offenses for assaulting law enforcement officers with bodily fluids like saliva, with penalties that increase if the fluids are from someone with a communicable disease.

In addition to new laws that protect, he also repealed antiquated laws with Act 96 of 2019.

The act repealed an act from 1929 which “authorized municipalities other than townships to acquire by gift, devise, or bequest, lands, chattels, securities and funds for the establishment and maintenance of a hospital.”

Repealing old laws eases the codes and creates transparency for those interested in studying our government.

Perhaps his crowning achievement came during redistricting.

When many in Harrisburg wanted to carve up Blair County into multiple Congressional districts, Rep. Schmitt stood firm and kept Blair County whole. While the list could extend indefinitely, Rep. Schmitt’s service will stay as a positive memory.

Matt Zupon

Altoona