WTAJ – nxs-staging.go-vip.net/wtaj

Local reps weigh in on President Trump’s first year in office

This week will mark one year that President Donald Trump has been in office and two state representatives in Central PA give their annual progress report on how he’s done so far.

State Senator Jake Corman, a Republican who represents the 34th Senatorial District, said in many ways President Donald Trump’s approach to the role is unprecedented.

“Certainly the President has a different style, a unique style than any president before him,” Corman said.

Noting the use of social media, Corman said the President represents the modern era of communication.

Tor Michaels, Chief of Staff for Rep. Scott Conklin, a Democrat representing the 77th District, said  “No, it’s archaic. In fact it’s a step backwards in my opinion…How are we ever going to really see or hold anybody acceptable if that’s the track we’re going on.”

But Corman said President Trump’s actions speak much louder than a tweet.

“The tax cut plan I think was a good success for him,” Corman said.

Already companies like Apple have announced it will create new investments in the American economy.

“You see these national companies being able to invest more in the United States because of that proposal, that’s fantastic,” Corman said.

Michaels said its a boost in the wrong direction, considering expemptions that no longer exists.

“I think if you are a working family, you are going to see that in the long run this tax bill is not something that is going to benefit you,” Michael’s said.

Each office said these issues are creating more of a divide in Washington D.C., but both agreed that division has been around long before the 45th President.

And on a state level, the environment in Harrisburg is much more united.

“I believe that there has been a spirit of bipartisanship here in Centre County, yes,” Michaels said.

“The Democrats  are my opponents but they’re not my enemies. We work together,” Corman said.