Photo Gallery
Rep. Jerry Knowles is honored to be among 15 state lawmakers to receive the Green Legislative Torchbearers Award from Americans for Prosperity - Pennsylvania (AFP-PA) for his “A” voting record during the 2017-18 legislative session to lower the tax burden, reduce wasteful spending, give Pennsylvanians greater freedom to work, increase their standard of living, and save more of their hard-earned money. Also pictured are AFP-PA Deputy State Director Anna McCauslin and AFP-PA State Director Beth Anne Mumford. Mariana Catholic High School Seniors Mikala Moyer and Jade Ritisick recently interviewed and shadowed Rep. Jerry Knowles as part of their Senior Government class. Mariana Catholic High School Senior Alicia Morgan recently interviewed and shadowed Rep. Jerry Knowles as part of her Senior Government class. As a member of the House Professional Licensure Committee, Rep. Jerry Knowles recently joined with several of his legislative colleagues for a very informative telemedicine tour and demonstration by the Lehigh Valley Health Network. Telemedicine refers to the remote delivery of health care services and medical information using telecommunications technology. This significant and rapidly growing advancement in medical science is designed to make quality patient care more accessible and more affordable. Rep. Jerry Knowles attended a House Majority Policy Committee Hearing on July 17 in Brandywine focused on pipeline development, and the potential for it to create hundreds of jobs and give more Pennsylvanians access to affordable, home-grown natural gas. Testifiers outlined the rules and regulations currently in place to ensure safe development, addressed environmental protection measures and emergency response plans, explained pipeline construction standards and more. On Aug. 20, at the White House, President Donald J. Trump hosted a Salute to the Heroes of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to recognize the dangerous, important work of America’s border officers. Reps. Jerry Knowles and Doyle Heffley attended Trump’s recognition of these men and women who serve our nation as federal law enforcement officials. They are pictured here in the White House. Earlier this year, Rep. Jerry Knowles was at CBS 21 in Harrisburg to tape Face the State, a weekly public affairs program. He talked with Robb Hanrahan about House Bill 153, a bill he is sponsoring to allow the people of Pennsylvania to decide whether or not to reduce the size of our state House from 203 to 151 representatives. Political insiders Charlie Gerow and Mark Singel joined the conversation later in the program to give their takes on the issue and ask additional questions. A group of students from Hamburg Area High School were in Harrisburg this spring to perform in the state Capitol building. Thank you for filling the halls of the Capitol with your wonderful talent. Many thanks to Martha Bertolet for her 14 years of service on the Hamburg Borough Council. Bertolet is currently the council president. Sen. Dave Argall and I were pleased to present Martha with legislative citations to commemorate her service to Hamburg residents. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently joined several of his colleagues at a legislative hearing of the House Majority Policy Committee in Sinking Spring. The legislators were gathering testimony from Berks County small business owners to focus on ways state government can help small businesses succeed. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently attended the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum Railfest and mural dedication event. He is pictured, from left, with Congressman Charlie Dent; Sen. David Argall; Sen. Judy Schwank; Mural Artist Carrie Kingsbury, who painted the background mural; Reading Railroad Heritage Museum Building and Grounds Chair Donald Crabtree; Reading Company Technical and Historical Society President Duane Engle; Susie Woodland, portraying Beetrice the Bee-line B; and Reading Railroad Heritage Museum Community Outreach Chair Carol Adams. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently stopped by The Tamaqua Station Restaurant to visit with the 2017 Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, Paul Dodson, and the 2017 Tamaqua Area Business People of the year, Melanie and John Ross, who own the Tamaqua Station Restaurant. Congratulations! Rep. Jerry Knowles is pictured here with Olivia Morrison, who is from Tamaqua and has served as an intern with House Archives. She is attending Penn State Harrisburg, and concludes her internship in April. Great work, Olivia! Rep. Jerry Knowles was recently interviewed by Marian Catholic High School students Ian Myers and Nick Erbe. This was part of a project for their U.S. Government and Economics class. Rep. Jerry Knowles was recently interviewed by Marian Catholic High School students Nathan Litsch and Nikki O’Neill. This was part of a project for their U.S. Government and Economics class. On Tuesday, Jan. 3, members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were sworn in for the 2017-18 legislative session. Rep. Jerry Knowles, who represents the 124th District, which spans portions of Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill counties, took the oath of office for his fifth term. At the ceremony, which took place in the House Chamber, Knowles’s grandson, Patrick, held the Bible as he took the oath. Rep. Knowles attended the 250th anniversary celebration of the St. Michael's Church in August. Knowles is pictured here with John Rapp, son of former pastor David Rapp, and current pastor Paul Buzzard, State Senator Dave Argall, and U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent. Rep. Jerry Knowles joined Rep. Doyle Heffley to present a House Citation to "2016 Friend of the Fair" Leroy Wentzel at the Carbon County Fair in August. Thank you for all that you do for the fair and the community, Leroy. A group of students and teachers from Tilden Elementary School in Hamburg visited the Capitol in May. If you have a group that is interested in scheduling a tour at the Capitol, call my Harrisburg office at 717-787-9029. The Red Land Little League team, United States Little League World Series Champions, was introduced and honored in a special ceremony in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in October. We are very proud of this talented group of young athletes. In September, Rep. Jerry Knowles joined his Schuylkill County legislative colleagues at two Concealed Carry Seminars in Landingville and Mahanoy City. These were educational seminars to help responsible gun owners apply for and receive a concealed carry permit. Thanks to everyone who attended these events. Rep. Jerry Knowles joined other area state lawmakers at the Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association's annual Legislative Roundtable in Hazleton. It was a chance for legislators to meet with business people and discuss important issues, including the budget, taxes and public pension reform. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently joined Congressman Charlie Dent and Senator David Argall at Shoemakersville’s 250th anniversary. The lawmakers presented a congratulatory citation to Councilman Chris Kline to commemorate the milestone. Rep. Jerry Knowles co-hosted a Concealed Carry Seminar with Sen. David Argall on May 14 in Hamburg to educate gun owners about state laws regarding firearms with Berks County Sheriff Eric Weaknecht. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently joined several of his House colleagues and local business leaders in Lower Macungie to discuss challenges facing Pennsylvania's economy and business climate. Much of the testimony focused on concerns with Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal, which includes a record 16 percent increase in state government spending and $4.7 billion in new taxes and spending, as well as excessive government regulations and mandates on small businesses. On April 27, Rep. Jerry Knowles joined Sen. Dave Argall, and Reps. Neal Goodman and Mike Tobash for identity theft prevention presentations by the Office of Attorney General and shredding events around the area. More than 6,000 lbs. of paper was shredded. On March 13, Rep. Jerry Knowles joined Sen. Dave Argall and toured Joe Jurgielewicz & Son Ltd. This is one of the largest duck farms in the nation, and it is located in Tilden Township, Berks County. On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill) welcomed Larry Wittig to the state House. Wittig serves as chairman of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education and president of the Tamaqua Area School Board. He is a resident of the 124th District, which Knowles represents, and was in Harrisburg meeting with the House and Senate Education Committee chairmen. Knowles (left) is pictured with Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (center) and Wittig (right). The 199th Session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly began on Tuesday, Jan. 6, when members of the state House and Senate were sworn in to office. Pictured, from left, are area lawmakers, Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), Rep. Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill), Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin), and Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill). The 2015-16 legislative session is Knowles’ fourth term, Tobash’s third term, Goodman’s seventh term, and Argall is in the middle of his second Senate term, serving the people in the region. On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Rep. Jerry Knowles was proud to take the oath of office, and officially begin another term as State Representative from the 124th Legislative District. Knowles is honored and humbled to serve the people of Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill counties throughout the 2015-16 legislative session in the PA House of Representatives. Knowles was joined by his wife at the ceremony in Harrisburg. Rep. Jerry Knowles joined Reps. Mike Tobash, Doyle Heffley and Tarah Toohil to discuss increases in family-sustaining jobs across Pennsylvania, with a focus on jobs in our area on Oct. 24. The event was held at Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corporation, a global leader in the manufacturing of customized specialty trucks and vehicles located in Nesquehoning. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently attended Kyle Gladwell's Eagle Scout ceremony in Berks County. He is pictured here with Kyle and his parents, Suzanne and Keith. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently attended the grand opening event at the McDonalds in Pottsville. Pictured with Knowles (from left) are: Sen. Dave Argall, Pottsville McDonald's Owner and Operator Wayne Pace, and Jana Pace. In an effort to gather information about the newest drug concerns and prevention methods in Schuylkill County, the Schuylkill County delegation hosted an informational hearing about heroin and opioid addiction earlier this week at Penn State Schuylkill. Eight individuals from related agencies and groups testified at this hearing and shared their knowledge on the issue. Rep. Jerry Knowles is pictured here with Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Berks) at Tuesday’s hearing. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently joined Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley at Hawk Mountain for the launch of a fully-accessible connector trail that links the Outdoor Amphitheater, Visitor Center, parking areas, Native Plant Garden and trail entrance. The project is made possible thanks to a kick-off grant of $250,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), one of three grants the Sanctuary was awarded this year. Rep. Jerry Knowles had a great time participating in the Celebrity Tractor Pull at the Schuylkill County Fair in July. Rep. Jerry Knowles had the opportunity to wish Betty Dolan a happy 95th birthday during a celebration held in her honor on June 21. Rep. Jerry Knowles visited the Kempton Fair, which ran from June 11 through June 14. While at the fair, Sen. Dave Argall and Rep. Knowles met up with the 2013 Junior Miss Kempton Fair, Miss Kempton Fair, and Little Miss Kempton Fair. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently joined in conversation with Bishop of Harrisburg Ronald W. Gainer while visiting the Capitol. Bishop Gainer is originally from Pottsville, and is a Nativity BVM graduate. Knowles spoke to the bishop about current legislative affairs and a few flashbacks to the old days, as Knowles is a graduate of Marian Catholic in Tamaqua. On March 10, Rep. Jerry Knowles joined Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) in welcoming Marian Catholic’s volleyball team to the Capitol. The team won its second Class A PIAA State Championship in November 2013. Congratulations to this great team! Rep. Knowles recently met with students from Marian Catholic High School as part of their Economics and Government Class. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Schuylkill) was recently named one of the American Conservative Union’s (ACU) “true conservatives” in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The honor is based on his legislative voting record on key issues. Knowles is pictured (from left) with Larry Hart, ACU’s government relations director, and Charlie Gerow, ACU board member. At a ceremony in Harrisburg on Wednesday, Gov. Tom Corbett signed this year’s Welfare Code, which expands the current Human Services Development Block Grant pilot program to include 30 counties. After 10 counties, including Schuylkill, were excluded from participating in the initial pilot program last year, Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Schuylkill) fought for them to be included in the statewide initiative. The block grant concept allows counties greater flexibility in using state funds to meet the human services needs of the particular county. Pictured with Corbett and Knowles are (front row, from left) Rep. Matt Baker (R-Bradford/Tioga); Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams/Franklin); and (back row, from left) Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and reopening of the Owl Creek Dams in Tamaqua. Knowles enjoyed spending time with some of the folks who have worked hard to see this project complete. Rep. Knowles spent some time at the 2013 Reading Fair. He’s pictured here with a group of folks at the fair, including Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig. On July 9, Sen. David Argall (R-29) and I visited Lehigh Anthracite. We met with Rusty Taylor, president and CEO of Lehigh Anthracite Coal, to tour the anthracite mining operation in Tamaqua. Rep. Jerry Knowles was happy to participate in the opening ceremonies at the 2013 Kempton Country Fair on June 13. Pictured with Knowles (from left) are: Jacqueline Rice, 2012 Kempton Country Fair Queen; Don Bercaw, Kempton Country Fair board member, former fair president, and the 2013 recipient of the Outstanding Fair Ambassador Award for the Kempton Country Fair; Sen. Dave Argall; and Rhonda Carl, 2013 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen. The Kempton Country Fair received $16,394.05 in state support from the PA Fair Fund in 2012. On Monday, April 15, Rep. Jerry Knowles held a press conference at the Capitol on House Bill 220 – his proposal to use the money from privatizing the state's liquor store system on Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges. I recently testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee and spoke in support House Bill 220, a bill I have sponsored to use the proceeds from the sale of Pennsylvania's state-owned liquor monopoly to address the state's unfunded transportation needs. Rep. Jerry Knowles was recently named a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Pictured with Knowles is Kevin Shivers, state director of NFIB Pennsylvania. On Tuesday, Oct. 16, Rep. Jerry Knowles met with Nicholas Kweder (left) and Eric Swankoski (right), as they were in Harrisburg visiting the Capitol. They stopped for a photo on the House floor with Speaker of the House Sam Smith (far left). Nick and Eric are both students at Marion Catholic High School. Rep. Jerry Knowles attended this year’s kickoff to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, and also the 20th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, on Oct. 1, at the Capitol. The water in the Capitol fountain is dyed pink each October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pictured from left are: Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon); Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland/Snyder); Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Cumberland/Franklin); Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Northampton); Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wyoming/Wayne); Rep. Kurt Masser (R-Columbia/Montour/Northumberland); Rep. Seth Grove (R-York); and Knowles. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently attended a House Majority Policy Committee hearing in Allentown that was focused on job creation in the Lehigh Valley. Rep. Jerry Knowles recently attended a public hearing on job creation that was held by the House Majority Policy Committee at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort in East Stroudsburg. The hearing included testimony from local business owners and leaders who discussed the issues they face, such as high state and local taxes, lack of infrastructure, and the permitting process. On Tuesday, May 22, Rep. Jerry Knowles was happy to welcome Victoria Buchtan, Pennsylvania's 2011 Bituminous Coal Queen to the Capitol, where she was recognized on the House floor. Knowles (far right) is pictured here with Buchtan (middle), and (from left) Reps. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), Mike Tobash (R-Berks/Schuylkill), and Neil Goodman (D-Schuylkill). Rep. Jerry Knowles got a picture with local staff and clients from Access Services during their recent visit to his Tamaqua office. Rep. Jerry Knowles and Sen. Dave Argall presented Certificates of Recognition to business owners who participated in the Upper Schuylkill Main Street Fascade program. Pictured to the right of Knowles is Julian Milewski, Sen. Argall, and John Guers. On Wednesday, Feb. 22, Rep. Jerry Knowles held a Business Roundtable Discussion in West Penn Township. Knowles is pictured next to Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley at the center table. While visiting the 95th Pennsylvania Farm Show last week, Rep. Jerry Knowles got the chance to talk to Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig about farming across the Commonwealth. Rep. Knowles introduced House Bill 2020 at a press conference held on Thursday, Oct. 13, in downtown Jim Thorpe. House Bill 2020, also known as the Infrastructure Future Fund Act (I.F.F. Act), would designate all money generated from the sale of the state liquor stores to the improvement of Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges. Pictured with Rep. Knowles is Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon). The House Republican Policy Committee recently held a hearing in Lancaster County on job creation in Pennsylvania. Rep. Jerry Knowles questions a witness during the hearing. To the left of Rep. Knowles is Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery). Rep. Jerry Knowles makes a point during a public hearing on Property Tax Reform in Lehighton. The hearing was co-hosted by Sen. Dave Argall (R-Berks/Carbon/Lehigh/Monroe/Northampton/Schuylkill) left, and Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) right. Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) delivered a presentation during the hearing. Rep. Knowles and Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Berks) recently hosted a Fire Company and Emergency Responder Grant Seminar at the Penn State Schuylkill Campus. Pictured are (from left): Knowles, State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann, and Tobash. The House adopted a condolence resolution sponsored by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) and co-sponsored by Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Schuylkill) on Tuesday, April 12 to honor John J. “Sonny” Kovatch Jr., formerly of Nesquehoning, who passed away on Jan. 29. House Resolution 151 passed the House unanimously.  Pictured from left are: John Kovatch III holding John Kovatch V, John’s mother, Ashley Kovatch, Heffley and Knowles. Rep. Knowles recently spoke to the Coaldale Lions Club. Pictured are (from left): Bob Ames, president, Coaldale Lions Club; Mary Labert of the McAdoo Lions Club, regional chairman of the Lions Feed the Hungry Program; and Knowles. Students and teachers from the Tamaqua Head Start program present Rep. Knowles with shamrocks made by the students. Rep. Knowles congratulates Tyler J. Wolf on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout during the Tamaqua Boy Scouts Eagle Court of Honor. Rep. Knowles recently attended a meeting at Philip C. Melley FOP Lodge #65. Pictured are (from left): Tom Maley, president of the lodge, Knowles, Rep. Mike Tobash, and State Troopers Association President Bruce Edwards. Rep. Knowles recently attended a meeting at Philip C. Melley FOP Lodge #65. Pictured are (from left): Knowles, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan, and Rep. Mike Tobash. Rep. Knowles recently attended the opening of a Civil War exhibit at the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum. Pictured are (from left): Paul Troutman, curator of The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum; Charlie Adams from station WEEU; Duane Engle, president, Reading Company Technical and Historical Society; and Knowles. On Jan. 4, Rep. Knowles was sworn into his first full term as state representative for the 124th Legislative District. Rep. Knowles and wife, Lorraine, are pictured with House Speaker Sam Smith following the swearing-in ceremony. Rep. Knowles speaks at a ceremony renaming the State Street Bridge in Hamburg as the Sen. Jim Rhoades Memorial Bridge. Rep. Knowles recently participated in the Lehigh Valley Hunting and Fishing Extravaganza. Pictured are (from left): Rep. Gary Day (R-Berks/Lehigh), Berks County Sheriff Eric Weaknecht, and Knowles. Sen. Dave Argall and Rep. Jerry at the Tamaqua Train Station. Knowles presented a House Citation, a Tamaqua hat, and donations from his wife, himself and each member of his Tamaqua office staff to Joe Snedeker, of Newswatch 16, during his noon stop in Tamaqua as part of his “Go Joe XIII” bike ride to raise money for St. Joseph’s Center. Rep. Jerry Knowles (left) and Sen. Dave Argall listen to local businesswomen during his economic forum. Rep. Jerry Knowles (left) and Sen. Dave Argall listen to local businesswomen during his economic forum. Rep. Knowles presents a citation from the House of Representatives to the Reading, Blue Mountain, and Northern Railroad Company congratulating them for receiving a 2010 marketing award from the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. Rep. Knowles visits with fourth graders at Greenwich Elementary School. Rep. Knowles recently joined members of Tamaqua Middle School’s Teens Against Tobacco program to record 2010 Kick Butts Day radio announcements at WMGH radio station. Kick Butts Day is a national initiative that makes kids leaders in the effort to combat youth tobacco use. Pictured are (from left): Knowles, Carly Fenstermacher, Gabby Freed, and Nikole Klatka. Rep. Knowles speaks during a press conference announcing the start of the Coaldale Streetscape project. Rep. Knowles recently attended a groundbreaking ceremony at the McCann School of Business and Technology's Pottsville campus. Rep. Knowles congratulates Tamaqua Girl Scouts Bronze and Silver Medal Award Winners. Pictured are (from left): Nancy Paisley, Service Unit 310 Manager; Allison Pederson; Bailey Pederson; Emma Osenbach; Knowles; Rachael Paisley; Victoria Carrell; and Tiffany Cramer. Rep. Knowles attended a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the reopening of The Broad Street Deli, 209 West Broad Street. Participating in the ribbon cutting were, from left, Linda Yulanavage, executive director, Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce; Kay Rottet, board member, Downtown Tamaqua, Inc.; Karen Kunkel; Kim Davis; Helen Fulmer (with Serena Jones in front); Morgan Jones III; Jim Fulmer; Morgan Jones, Jr.; Knowles; and Todd Jones. Photo courtesy of Joe Plasko. Rep. Knowles recently joined several lawmakers to present checks to Nativity B.V.M. High School in Pottsville and to St. Jerome's School in Tamaqua. The funds were provided under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which gives tax incentives to businesses to make thousands of dollars in scholarships available to families across Pennsylvania. Rep. Knowles and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) recently hosted a legislative breakfast at the Blandon Fire Company. Rep. Knowles and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) recently hosted a legislative breakfast at the Blandon Fire Company. Rep. Knowles is now holding satellite office hours at the Maidencreek Township Building, 1 Quarry Road in Blandon from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Pictured are (from left to right): Diane Hollenbach, Rita Agnetti, and Rep. Knowles. Rep. Knowles presents citations from the House of Representatives to Bruce Kropf, honoring him for his 20-year safe driving career, driving more than 250,000 miles with no accidents, and Arlene M. Felty, honoring her for her 40-year safe driving career, driving more than 600,000 miles with no accidents. Pictured are: Knowles, Felty Transportation owner Charles Felty, Kropf, Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), Arlene Felty. Rep. Knowles recently attended the 19th Annual Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Dinner. Pictured are (from left to right): John J. Kovatch III of KME Fire Apparatus; State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann; Rep. Knowles; Brian Connely of KME Fire Apparatus. Rep. Knowles recently joined other members of the House Republican Policy Committee on a tour of Procter & Gamble's Mehoopany plant and examined several natural gas wells on Procter & Gamble's property. Rep. Knowles joins other local officials and representatives of Alvernia College at the opening of the school's new Schuylkill campus. Rep. Knowles addresses the annual meeting of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. Rep. Knowles recently welcomed residents to an open house in his Hamburg district office.
 
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