Organization Ranks Ellis Third of All State Lawmakers
Butler - The Commonwealth Foundation has named Rep. Brian Ellis (R-Butler) the third highest among all state lawmakers in terms of how well he defended the liberties of his constituents over the past year. Ellis was one of eight lawmakers to receive an “A” grading in the organization’s 2006 Liberty Index and tied for the highest-ranking freshman honor with Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren). In its second mid-term report, 124 lawmakers, including the governor, received failing grades for their votes that “contracted” liberty rather than “expanded” it. Only 52 members of the House and Senate received an “A, B, or C” grading.
“It is a great honor to be recognized for fighting for the liberties of my constituents and residents throughout the Commonwealth. When I took office, I vowed to be a voice for the people of Butler County and vote according to what would benefit the people, businesses, school districts and law enforcement organizations throughout the 11th Legislative District. I will continue to keep that promise,” Ellis said.
Throughout his first year in the House, Ellis has represented his district’s views on the importance of capping government spending, saying “no” to the legislative pay raise and voting to repeal it, and several pieces of legislation aiming to give the power in Pennsylvania back to the people.
“When George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and our other founding fathers established this county, they founded it on liberty. This country has become the nation it is today because of the importance liberty plays within our Constitution, and it is important that we as government officials remember that above all the people in Pennsylvania deserve and need liberty,” Ellis said.
More information about The Commonwealth Foundation or the 2006 Liberty Index is available on the Web at www.CommonwealthFoundation.org.