Hardworking, dedicated and effective are three words to describe Rep. Seth’s Grove’s approach to legislating. Seth has tirelessly served the 196th District since 2008, and during his three terms in office, he has consistently advocated for property tax reform, streamlined government and conservative principles.
Seth’s path to public service began in high school when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was selected for its nuclear engineering program and submarine school. Due to a heart condition, he was unable fulfill the enlistment. Undeterred, Seth opted for a major in public administration at York College to find another way to serve. He attributes this deep sense of civic responsibility to his grandfather’s WWII stories and his father’s service in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
Seth honed his knowledge of state government while serving as a legislative assistant for Congressman Todd Platts (R-York) and Rep. Stan Saylor (R-Windsor), and as chief of staff for Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam). In these capacities Seth was a dedicated advocate for residents in resolving conflicts with state and federal agencies. He continues to use this expertise to benefit the residents of the 196th District.
Along with advancing fiscally conservative policies, Seth’s main priorities include encouraging private-sector job creation, promoting legislation to support small business growth, stamping out welfare fraud, reducing government red tape and increasing efficiencies, protecting law-abiding citizens with tough-on-crime policies, and defending our right to keep and bear arms.
During his three terms in office, Seth has successfully advocated for commonsense policies and fiscally conservative legislation. He authored a law to reduce bureaucracy and save school districts money by exempting them from the PLANCON approval process if they are not seeking state funding for a construction project. He also led the charge in limiting the Act 1 exceptions which allow school districts to bypass the voter referendum requirement for property tax increases above the inflation index. His efforts reduced these exceptions by 70 percent and have made school districts more accountable to the taxpayers.
A fiscal watchdog, Seth authored the provision in the Unemployment Compensation (UC) reform law (Act 60 of 2012) which holds individuals responsible for making fraudulent unemployment claims. The law allows the Department of Labor and Industry a 10-year look-back window to collect on fault overpayments and will save a significant amount of money for the UC system.
Protecting Pennsylvania’s children is another priority for Seth. He authored the Commonwealth’s groundbreaking sexting law to reduce child sexual exploitation and child pornography. Under this new law, teens who are caught sexting will no longer be subject to felony prosecution, but will now have the opportunity to participate in educational diversionary programs and have their records expunged. Seth also authored a law to require minors seeking a motorcycle license to complete a free motorcycle safety course.
Seth is dedicated to furthering the interests of the 196th District, York County and Pennsylvania, and he employs this passion outside of his legislative endeavors. He has served as an Apprise counselor for the York County Area on Aging. He is a member of the Dover Lions Club, the Dover Fish and Game Association, the National Rifle Association, the Dover York YMCA, and the Eastern York YMCA. These associations illustrate his commitment to providing healthy and wholesome activities for York County residents, his conviction to uphold Second Amendment rights and his concern for senior citizens.
Seth has been recognized by several groups during his tenure in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. His accolades include:
- York County Conservation Public Servant of the Year Award” by the York County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs for 2013.
- The “Guardian of Small Business” award from the National Federation of Independent Business in 2010 and 2012.
- 2012 Sophomore Class Statesman of the Year from Pennsylvanians for Right to Work, Inc.
- “Distinguished Recent Graduate Award” from York College of Pennsylvania Alumni Association in 2012.
- “Defender of Liberty” from the American Conservative Union Federation in 2012.
- “Patriot Employer” from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in 2011.
- “Legislative Champion Award” from the Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs in 2011.
- “Legislator of the Year” from the National Association of Social Workers – PA Chapter in 2011.
- “Statesman of the Year” from York County ACTION in 2010.
Remaining accessible to the people and involving citizens in government is one of Seth’s core beliefs. He maintains an active Twitter and Facebook presence and reaches out to constituents using multi-media formats, like email and video because an open dialogue with citizens fosters a more effective state government.
Seth resides in Dover with his wife, Kacey, and their sons, Andrew and Connor.
The 196th District is comprised of the townships of Dover, Heidelberg, Jackson, North Codorus, Paradise, Warrington and West Manchester, and the boroughs of Dover, New Salem, Spring Grove and Wellsville.
Learn more on his Facebook page.
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