Meet Kate

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.

About Kate Klunk

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.

Kate is married to Jared Laird and the couple resides with their daughters, Grace and Claire, in Hanover Borough.

Kate A. Klunk is a Hanover-area resident. She earned degrees in economics, history, and public policy studies, followed by a law degree from the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University. She is married to Jared Laird and lives with him and their two daughters in Hanover Borough.

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.

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 previously worked as an attorney in private practice. She also worked with President George W. Bush's National Economic Council and communications teams, and as a congressional intern for U.S. Rep. Todd Platts.

KLUNK, Kate Anne, a Representative from York County; born in Hanover, York County, Pa., June 4, 1982; graduated, valedictorian, Hanover High School, 2000; B.A., economics, history, and public policy studies, Dickinson College, 2004; J.D., The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, 2010; intern, United States Congressman Todd Platts; team member, National Economic Council, Office of the President, George W. Bush administration; team member, Communications, Office of the President, George W. Bush administration; attorney; elected as a Republican to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2014; reelected to the House to serve 5 more consecutive terms; appointed, Deputy Whip (2019-2022).

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

Kate was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2014 and reelected for five consecutive terms.

2026 Pennsylvania General Election 

For the 2025-26 Legislative Session, Kate’s priorities include reigning in regulations that are unfriendly to businesses and job creators, fighting against unnecessary tax increases, and improving the quality of life for children and families across the Commonwealth. Her mission as a lawmaker is to ensure state government is efficient, fiscally responsible, and places the needs of its citizens first.

PA State Rep. Kate Klunk

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.

## We Need to Suspend the Gas Tax

June 02, 2026[Button: Embed]

In southern York County, we are constantly reminded of the lower gas prices just across the border in Maryland. To help families manage the rising cost of living, I support a bill that would institute a six-month gas tax holiday, helping Pennsylvanians save at the pump.

Latest Videos | PA State Rep. Kate Klunk

“Families and businesses must live within their means and spend only what they have when they budget, but once again we’ve not adopted this principle in Harrisburg. We voted “no” on this year’s budget because rather than scale back irresponsible spending, we’ve burdened tomorrow’s taxpayers with a steep bill.

At the current trajectory, save some drastic cuts that would be uncharacteristic of the Legislature, this budget sets Pennsylvanians up for future tax hikes. We look forward to contributing to a budget that puts taxpayers first and grows the economy, not state government.” The lawmakers include Reps. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Mike Jones (R-York Township), Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester), Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion), Marc Anderson (R-Dillsburg), and George H. Margetas (R-West Manchester).

York County House Republicans: State Budget Overspends Again

Latest Videos
We Could Have Helped Every Nonprofit Holding a Small Games License

OCTOBER 06, 2026
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My amendment to Senate Bill 398 would have modernized and expanded small games of chance as an interim lifeline: allowing secure mobile and electronic payments, raising prize limits, enabling all eligible licensed groups to conduct online raffles, updating how proceeds are distributed, and more. Unfortunately, the amendment was voted down. As the skill games issue remains unresolved, we must keep fighting to ensure our community organizations, clubs, and volunteer fire companies aren’t left behind.

Advocates property tax relief, opposes unnecessary tax increases, and prioritizes reducing regulations affecting businesses and job creators.

Supports a six-month state gas-tax holiday to reduce fuel costs.

Voted against the 2026–27 state budget, citing spending levels and possible future tax increases.

Proposed expanding rules for small games of chance to allow electronic payments, higher prize limits, and online raffles for eligible licensed groups.

- Advocates property tax relief, opposes unnecessary tax increases, and prioritizes reducing regulations affecting businesses and job creators.
- Supports a six-month state gas-tax holiday to reduce fuel costs.
- Voted against the 2026–27 state budget, citing spending levels and possible future tax increases.
- Proposed expanding rules for small games of chance to allow electronic payments, higher prize limits, and online raffles for eligible licensed groups.

Economy

As of October 16, 2026, Kate A Klunk’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Healthcare

“Ensuring parents and providers have a meaningful role in shaping childcare oversight is essential to building a system that truly works for families,” said Klunk. “Strengthening transparency and inviting those closest to the challenges into the decision making process will lead to smarter policies and better outcomes for children across Pennsylvania. I am hopeful our colleagues will see the value of this proposal, so we can create transformative change within this essential industry, which supports our children and families.”

This robust initiative, which is part of the House Republican Caucus’ Childcare Affordability Legislative Package, would create a public board for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This group would be made up of providers and parents from each Early Learning Resource Center region across the state to ensure transparency within OCDEL, provide oversight, review licensing procedures and policies, and help shape agency policy within OCDEL.

Commonsense Proposal Would Elevate Representation of Parents, Providers

HARRISBURG – In order to put families in the driver’s seat to make critical decisions, Reps. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) and Kate Klunk (R-York) are teaming up to introduce legislation that would give parents and providers more power in improving the state of childcare in the Commonwealth.

This robust initiative, which is part of the House Republican Caucus’ Childcare Affordability Legislative Package, would create a public board for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This group would be made up of providers and parents from each Early Learning Resource Center region across the state to ensure transparency within OCDEL, provide oversight, review licensing procedures and policies, and help shape agency policy within OCDEL.

HARRISBURG – Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) today announced the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) approved grants to bolster school safety and mental health. Several public schools in the 169th District will benefit from the funding.

“School safety is essential because students learn best in environments where they feel protected, supported, and safe,” said Klunk. “Prioritizing mental health helps ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed academically, build healthy relationships, and navigate challenges with resilience. I am glad to see these dollars invested in our students.”

Klunk Announces School Safety Grants

Proposes a public Office of Child Development and Early Learning board including parents and providers to oversee licensing procedures and agency policy.

Supports school-safety and student mental-health funding.

- Proposes a public Office of Child Development and Early Learning board including parents and providers to oversee licensing procedures and agency policy.
- Supports school-safety and student mental-health funding.

Education

## Lights On, Costs Down

June 30, 2026[Button: Embed]

On June 30, I stood alongside House Republican colleagues to announce a 10-bill package aimed at expanding Pennsylvania's energy generation and bringing down costs for you. This is about ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable energy right here in the Commonwealth, so residents and businesses can benefit from our incredible energy potential.

Announced a 10-bill package aimed at expanding Pennsylvania energy generation and reducing energy costs.

- Announced a 10-bill package aimed at expanding Pennsylvania energy generation and reducing energy costs.

Energy & the Environment

Latest Videos
Klunk Amendments Would Help Prevent Animal Cruelty

OCTOBER 06, 2026
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In January 2025, a Georgia couple faced over 200 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after dozens of animals were rescued from a disabled school bus in Adams County. This is why I continue to push for stronger penalties for animal abuse.

Advocates stronger penalties for animal abuse.

- Advocates stronger penalties for animal abuse.

Public Safety

Voting & Elections

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Kate A Klunk

- Supports a six-month state gas-tax holiday to reduce fuel costs.
- Voted against the 2026–27 state budget, citing spending levels and possible future tax increases.
- Proposed expanding rules for small games of chance to allow electronic payments, higher prize limits, and online raffles for eligible licensed groups.

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Austin Graham

- Your state representative represents the interests of your local district in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. The State House of Representatives, along with the State Senate, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
- Your state representative can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws, including introducing tax bills. 
- State representatives and their staff respond to constituent concerns and questions through emails, phone calls, and website announcements. 
- State representatives oversee the executive branch and can vote to overrule a veto by the Governor.  
- They are elected to two-year terms and have a salary of $106,000, with a 1-3% annual increase

Your representative and state lawmaker in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives