ISSUES:
Lower Taxes: Ethan Nicholas believes in fiscal discipline and responsible budgeting that respects every taxpayer dollar, including passing on-time budgets and supporting legislation that withholds legislator pay when budget deadlines are missed. He also supports eliminating the inheritance tax because families shouldn’t be taxed simply for passing down what they’ve already earned. Too many Pennsylvanians feel taxed at every stage of life, and that burden should be reduced, not expanded. In Harrisburg, Ethan will fight to lower taxes, rein in spending, and put more money back in the pockets of the people who earned it.
Cost of Living: Rising costs are making it harder for families across our district to make ends meet, and Ethan Nicholas knows that government policies are a big part of the problem. He will push for commonsense solutions that reduce the financial pressure on households, from cutting wasteful spending to eliminating the red tape that drives up the cost of everyday goods and services. Ethan is committed to making our region a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.
Growing the Economy: District 12 is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of economic growth, from expanding our energy industry and attracting data center and AI investment to protecting the small businesses that are the backbone of our local communities. Ethan Nicholas will champion policies that create high-quality jobs, bring new investment into the region, and keep our commonwealth competitive. He believes the state's role is to clear the path for opportunity, not stand in the way of it.
School Choice: Ethan is a husband and father of two children - one with special needs and one in public school - and he understands firsthand the need for school choice. Ethan Nicholas believes every child deserves access to an education that fits their needs, regardless of zip code. He supports expanding school choice through vouchers and tax credits so that funding follows the student, not the system. Ethan fully supports public schools and the educators who serve them, but believes parents - not bureaucrats - should have the final say in their child’s education.
Public Safety: Safe communities are the foundation of a thriving district, and Ethan Nicholas is committed to fully funding law enforcement and first responders. He believes our officers and emergency personnel deserve the resources and support they need to protect and serve. Ethan is proud to be endorsed by Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe, a testament to his unwavering commitment to public safety.
Cutting Regulation: Burdensome regulations are holding back families, small businesses, and job creators across our district. Ethan Nicholas will work to eliminate unnecessary red tape and replace heavy-handed mandates with clear, predictable guidelines that allow communities and businesses to thrive. He believes that local leaders, not Harrisburg insiders, are best positioned to make decisions for their own communities.
Restoring Transparency: Harrisburg has a transparency problem, and Ethan Nicholas intends to be part of the solution. He will push for open records, accessible town halls, and clear public reporting on how taxpayer dollars are being spent so constituents are never left guessing. Ethan believes that an informed community is an empowered one, and he will make accountability a cornerstone of how he serves.