Barrar enters final year in office

Posted by Press Release on November 19, 2019

As anticipated, state Rep. Stephen Barrar has announced his intention to retire at the end of 2020. He made the decision public in the following press release.

“It is bittersweet to announce my intentions to retire from the General Assembly at the end of my term in November of 2020 and I will not run for another term as a member in the General Assembly.

State Rep. Stephen Barrar is entering his final year in the state legislature.

“On Dec. 1, 2019, I will begin my 24th year in the legislature, a job I have loved since being elected in 1996. This has been the opportunity of a lifetime, and I hope I have represented you well and to the best of my ability.

“It is not easy to leave, I have always loved this job, but after 24 years I feel it is time to step down. Over the years I have spent a lot of time away from my family. I want to spend more time together, also I have been dealing with some serious health issues which have led to my decision to retire.

“As the representative for the 160th District, I have tried to always be there for my constituents. I am proud to say that in 24 years in office, I have only missed four session days. You elected me to do this job for you, and I have tirelessly been on the job representing you.

“I will truly miss the people I have been serving for all these years. The people of this district will always remain in my heart and I have made so many lifelong friends. I hope I have made you proud.

“Over the years, I have worked on dozens of important pieces of legislation while serving as the House Chairman of the Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee for the past 10 years. I have also served on the House Appropriations Committee for 10 years. As many of you know, veterans and first responders have been my passion and in this upcoming year, I hope to get many of the bills they need over the finish line.

“Since my first day in office, I have worked with so many incredible people in my district office and in my capitol office in Harrisburg. My staff is not only the best of the best, but they are also like family and a huge part of my success. I will miss them more than I can say. I know the people in this district will also miss their hard work and dedication. As a team, we have tried to help every person who walked through our door, helping them navigate through the government’s red tape and various other issues.

“I thank you all for standing by me for so many years and allowing me to be your representative in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. It has been a dream come true.”