Jerry Stern is the Republican Caucus Secretary in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the people of the 80th legislative district. This is one of seven designated leadership positions within each House caucus and gives Jerry a greater voice for the people of his district and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Jerry is currently serving his eighth term representing most of Blair County.

Humble Beginnings

A lifelong member of the beautiful Morrisons Cove community of Blair County, Jerry Stern’s journey has been filled with hard work, commitment, and perseverance.

Growing up on a farm, Jerry knew the meaning of work and responsibility early in life. He began his first paid job at a local gas station near his home while in high school. He then worked his way from produce manager to supermarket manager. This is where his hometown loyalty and hard work ethic were instilled. He began working in the Blair County Prothonotary’s Office as a first deputy and was named acting Prothonotary in 1989 by Governor Casey. He was elected Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts in 1989.

With the retirement of a longtime state representative in 1992, residents of the 80th legislative district encouraged Jerry to seek the post. In the 1992 Republican primary, Jerry ran against ten other opponents where he was eighth on the ballot. He garnered over 40% of the vote in the ten-way primary to decisively secure the Republican nomination. As a strong and qualified candidate, Jerry was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in November 1992. Jerry Stern’s responsiveness to residents’ concerns as well as his dedicated community involvement helped him to be reelected seven more times.

Common Roots, Uncommon Leadership

In Harrisburg, Representative Stern has distinguished himself as an independent, conservative voice for the people of the 80th district and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Recognizing this, his Republican colleagues elected him to the position of Republican Caucus Secretary in November 2006, a position he continues to serve in and advocate from today. This position affords Jerry the opportunity to contribute toward the legislative agenda in the General Assembly and serve as a greater voice for Blair County.

Jerry Stern has in the past served as a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which oversees the state’s annual operating budget. Additionally, he has chaired the Subcommittee on Military and Veterans Facilities which has jurisdiction over the Commonwealth’s 98 National Guard armories. Stern has also served on the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee and the Children and Youth Committee. He also served ten years on the Environmental Resources Committee.

A Community Commitment

A faithful public servant to his diverse district since 1993, Jerry constantly keeps his constituents in mind when faced with a tough decision. He has been influential in directing millions of dollars back into the area in water, sewer, and community projects. Making economic development a top priority, Representative Stern has supported development projects that have created countless job opportunities. Along with his legislative work for the community, Jerry continues to donate his time as a member of the Martinsburg Sportsmen’s Association, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, Tyrone Chamber of Commerce, Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Hollidaysburg Community Partnership. Jerry continues to support and volunteer for the American Cancer Society and their annual Relay for Life event.

He is a member of the Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church where he serves as a Sunday school teacher. Jerry belonged to the Martinsburg Rotary Club for twenty five-years. He held the position of president twice and was the assistant governor of District 7350. Advocating for the farming community that he was born into, Representative Stern continues to be involved in community agricultural affairs by serving as a member of the Blair County Farm Bureau.

Jerry was recently presented with an award from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission for his contribution and support for watershed management. He was commended for dealing with issues in and beyond his own jurisdiction. The commission stated that Jerry has a “broader vision” for issues concerning the environment. He has received statewide recognition from the Pennsylvania Association of the Blind and the Pennsylvania’s Sheriff’s Association for his legislative leadership supporting interests of both groups. His greatest reward is giving back to the community, where his passion and interests lie.

Family Values

Jerry is the father of a son and daughter, Jason and Gretchen. He and his wife Susan reside in the Martinsburg area where they are able to enjoy the beauty of the district he serves. Jerry places a strong emphasis on family values and the supporting role husbands and wives, along with their children, play in keeping our society stable and strong. Being born and raised in this rural community has given Jerry a deep appreciation for his hometown roots. He relies on these values to serve his district with integrity and loyalty.