Meet Lisa Baker: A Leader We Rely On For Productive and Practical Results

State Senator Lisa Baker is proud to serve our area. She has earned respect from constituents and colleagues for her responsible and reasonable approach to legislating and problem-solving. One of her defining qualities is accessibility. Her Senate district is one of the largest in size, and she travels across it constantly to meet with individuals and groups and to participate in community meetings and events. Lisa learns by listening to people and getting their perspectives on policies, problems, and projects, and this constructive interaction includes engaging in discussion with those who disagree with her views and votes.

When problems arise, Lisa is on the scene getting firsthand information about solutions and assistance needed from residents and local officials. She is a strong advocate for cornerstone institutions that healthy communities depend on, such as hospitals and health care clinics, colleges and universities, and public schools. She is noted for her ability to deliver essential state funding for a wide variety of priority community projects. Her significant role in helping create the first state park in Wyoming County is emblematic.

Emphasizing the needs and priorities of taxpayers and families by working to boost the state’s economy and prioritizing fiscal responsibility, Lisa’s efforts have contributed to success in cutting permitting red tape to help spur job creation and the elimination of a multi-state electricity tax that would have increased rates and threatened reliability. She believes our commonwealth is blessed with a host of resources which can be safely harnessed to power Pennsylvania’s future and supports increasing energy production to provide consumers with affordable, reliable energy to meet growing demands.

Lisa is independent in her judgements and actions, putting the public interest first when casting votes. She is able to find a reasonable balance on difficult issues. With the rise of AI, she is looking at ways to ensure transparency and accountability while protecting her constituents who may be impacted by data center development. One of the critical elements to this issue is preserving local control of land use decisions.

As a lawmaker, Lisa consistently works around the partisan differences that so often deadlock legislation in Harrisburg. Her ability to work collaboratively with Republicans and Democrats contributes to the strong record of accomplishment she has assembled. The Center for Effective Lawmaking cited Lisa as one of the most successful state legislators in turning bills into state law. Many of her efforts require concentrated work in putting together proposals, making a case for action, and pulling together votes needed for passage.

Lisa is a voice for reform. She has advanced initiatives, such a gift ban for state officials and legislators, that are strongly resisted by political insiders. The best example of her determination came in response to the notorious Kids-for-Cash scandal in Luzerne County, where she pushed through multiple bills despite substantial opposition.  She was instrumental in ensuring victims and families have the opportunity to provide in-person testimony at parole hearings.

As chair of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, Lisa has continued to focus on protecting the rights of victims of all ages and creating a strong network of support and assistance. In committees she previously led, she was a champion for workers, veterans, emergency responders, and child protectors. In line with the sporting heritage of the region, she is a staunch defender of Second Amendment rights.

Lisa is a resident of Lehman Township, Luzerne County and has been blessed with over 40 years of marriage to her husband, Gary. They derive great joy from spending time with their son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.