A ninth generation Hanover-area resident,
Representative Kate A. Klunk was elected to serve as the voice of the people of
the newly created 169th Legislative District of southern York County on Nov. 4,
2014. Since then, Kate has established herself as a conservative voice that
represents the people of the district in Harrisburg. Her mission as a
lawmaker is to ensure state government is efficient, fiscally responsible, and
places taxpayers first.
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Bringing to Harrisburg clear understanding of the issues important to the
families in southern York County, Kate is an advocate for policies that restore
fiscal discipline in state government; revitalize Pennsylvania’s business
climate to create good, family-sustaining jobs; provide immediate and permanent
property tax relief; fight against unnecessary tax increases on families,
seniors, and businesses; improve the quality of our children’s educational
opportunities; preserve the Commonwealth’s rich agricultural heritage; and protect
the rights of private property owners.
For the 2021-22 legislative session, Kate is a deputy whip and serves on the Ethics, Health, Judiciary, Labor and Industry and Rules committees. She is also chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Employment and Unemployment Compensation under the House Labor and Industry Committee and the Subcommittee on Family Law under the House Judiciary Committee.
Prior to her election to the state House, Kate gained experience through her
work in many facets of government and the private sector.
She worked in the White House under President George W. Bush as a member of his
National Economic Council team, where she researched and prepared national
economic policy briefings for senior staff. Kate continued her tenure at the
White House as a member of President Bush’s communications team. Prior to her
time in the White House, Kate earned insight into the issues impacting the
people of Pennsylvania as a congressional intern for Congressman Todd Platts.
Upon graduation from Hanover Senior High School as Class of 2000 valedictorian,
Kate continued her education on an academic scholarship at Dickinson College.
Staying true to her family’s hard work ethic roots, Kate worked multiple jobs
to help pay her way through school including packing potato chips at Utz
Quality Foods, LLC. Kate graduated cum laude with degrees in economics,
history, and public policy studies. She went on to earn her juris doctor from
The Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University.
As a private practice attorney, Kate has counseled
small businesses, individuals, educational institutions and corporations in
employment matters where she saw firsthand how government policies and
regulations impact taxpayers.
Kate is a 2013 graduate of the Anne B. Anstine Excellence in Public Service
Series, a program that aims to increase the number and influence of Republican
women in government, politics, and community leadership. She is also a member
of the National Rifle Association and the Federalist Society.
An active member of her community, Kate has served as a member of the Main
Street Hanover Steering Committee and the Main Street Hanover Promotions
Committee, where she worked to develop and promote the economic vitality of the
downtown Hanover business district. She is a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church
in Hanover.
Kate is married to Jared Laird and the couple resides with their daughters, Grace and Claire, in Hanover Borough.