The Governor is the leader of Pennsylvania’s state government. Think of the Governor as the person who is responsible for making sure the state government does its job and follows Pennsylvania’s laws.The Governor's main jobs are:1. Carry out the lawsThe Governor makes sure Pennsylvania’s laws are put into action. The Governor oversees the state agencies that provide services to people across Pennsylvania.2. Run the state governmentThe Governor leads the executive branch of state government. This includes agencies that deal with things such as schools, roads, public safety, health, the environment, agriculture, and other state services. The Governor chooses many top officials who run these agencies.3. Work on the state budgetThe Governor proposes a plan for how Pennsylvania should spend its money. The Pennsylvania Legislature—the House and Senate—must pass the budget. The Governor can sign the budget or reject certain parts of it.4. Sign or veto billsThe Pennsylvania House and Senate pass bills. The Governor can sign a bill to make it law or veto it, which means saying no to the bill. The Legislature can override a Governor's veto with enough votes.5. Appoint important state officialsThe Governor chooses many people to lead state agencies, boards, and commissions. Some of these appointments must be approved by the Pennsylvania Senate.6. Respond to emergenciesThe Governor can take action during major emergencies and issue emergency orders or proclamations. The Governor also leads Pennsylvania’s National Guard when it is serving the state.7. Help set the direction of state governmentThe Governor proposes ideas and works with lawmakers to try to pass policies. The Governor cannot simply make any law they want. The Legislature and the courts also have important powers.8. Have some power over criminal sentencesIn certain cases, the Governor can reduce or forgive a person's punishment. Some of these powers require a recommendation from the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons.

The Lieutenant Governor is the second-highest elected official in Pennsylvania's executive branch.The job has three main duties:Preside over the State Senate: The Lieutenant Governor leads Senate sessions and can cast the deciding vote when there is a tie.Lead the Board of Pardons: The Lieutenant Governor chairs the board that reviews requests for pardons and reduced sentences.Serve as Governor if needed: If the Governor dies, resigns, is removed, or cannot serve, the Lieutenant Governor takes over as Governor under the rules set by the Pennsylvania Constitution.The Lieutenant Governor also takes on other duties assigned by state law or the Governor.

The U.S. Representative's job is to represent the people of their district (Franklin County is part of the 13th District) in Congress, vote on federal laws and spending, oversee the federal government, and help constituents with federal issues.The Representative cannot make laws alone. Laws must go through Congress and, in most cases, also be approved by the President.The main duties are:Make federal laws: The Representative votes on bills that can become national laws.Represent the district: The Representative speaks for the people of the 13th District and considers their concerns when making decisions.Vote on spending: The Representative votes on how the federal government spends money.Serve on committees: Committees study bills, hold hearings, and oversee parts of the federal government.Help constituents: The Representative's office can help people deal with certain federal agencies and programs.Watch the federal government: Representatives can investigate government agencies and how federal programs are being run.

A Pennsylvania State Representative's job is to represent their local community in Harrisburg, help make state laws, vote on how state money is spent, and make sure state government is doing its job.A Representative cannot make laws alone. Bills must pass both the House and Senate and, in most cases, be approved by the Governor.The main duties are:Make state laws: The Representative proposes, debates, and votes on laws for Pennsylvania.Vote on spending: The Representative votes on how Pennsylvania spends state money.Represent the district: The Representative speaks for the people who live in their district and considers their needs when making decisions.Serve on committees: Committees study bills, hold hearings, and look closely at issues before the full House votes.Oversee state government: Representatives can review how state agencies and programs are working.Help constituents: A Representative's office can help residents with certain problems involving state government.

Housing, cost of living, healthcare, education, fair employment, public safety....how do each of the positions up for election this November 3 impact these everyday issues?Governor: Has the most direct power over how Pennsylvania's government operates and how state programs are carried out.Lieutenant Governor: Has much less direct power over these issues. The office is mainly focused on the State Senate, the Board of Pardons, and being ready to become Governor.U.S. Representative: Has the most influence over federal issues, such as Social Security, Medicare, federal taxes, immigration, and federal funding.PA State Representative: Has the most direct influence over Pennsylvania laws and state spending, including education, healthcare, public safety, housing, and labor policy.One important thing for voters:No single elected official controls most of these issues by themselves.For example, housing costs can be affected by federal interest rates and housing programs, state laws and funding, and local zoning and development rules. Education is heavily influenced by state and local government, while federal funding also plays a role.So when judging a candidate, a useful question is:"Does this office actually have the power to do what this candidate is promising?"That can help voters separate real responsibilities from campaign promises.If the candidate is currently an elected official, you can also view their legislative history (often called "scorecards") to see if their campaign promises match up with their actions. Be mindful that scorecards produced by different organizations may not be nonpartisan.