Sen. Michele Brooks has built a reputation as a compassionate supporter of children, senior citizens, veterans and those in need. She has also emerged as an outspoken, results-driven advocate for job growth, regulatory reform and a commonsense approach to budgeting.
Brooks serves as chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and vice chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, as well as a member of the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Communications and Technology, Institutional Sustainability and Innovation, Rules and Executive Nominations, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees for the 2025-26 legislative session.
Brooks made history as the first woman elected to represent the area in the state House of Representatives and then again in the state Senate. Before her service in the Senate, she served eight years in the House of Representatives after gaining valuable experience as a Mercer County commissioner and a Jamestown Borough councilmember.
Her work to expand and improve services for older citizens and children earned her a prestigious, statewide 50 Over 50 Award from City and State PA as one of the Keystone State’s most influential leaders. In 2018, she also earned a Capitol Caregiver Award from AARP, was awarded 2024 Guardian of Small Business, in addition to numerous “Friend of Business” Awards from the National Federation of Independent Business and a No Place Like Home Legislative Champion Award from the Pennsylvania Home Care Association. In 2022, she was honored as Legislator of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs.
Brooks has worked on a range of important state issues, including reducing regulations on farmers and businesses, phasing out the inheritance tax, lowering the Corporate Net Income Tax and promoting tax depreciation strategies to encourage investment. She has also focused on expanding fundraisers to benefit nonprofits, fire departments, veterans’ organizations and families facing tragedies. Additionally, Brooks created an HVAC grant program to improve air quality in long-term care facilities and protect patients, combated drug abuse and diversion, and maintained efforts to hold the line on sales, personal income, gas and other taxes.
In her home area, Brooks has succeeded in reviving the McKeever Environmental Learning Center and Tuttle Point Campground, which are part of beloved childhood memories for many local families to keep them operating for generations to come.
She also places a high priority on working personally with her constituents, helping them cut through red tape, celebrating their achievements, and ensuring that state programs and services fulfill their needs. She has worked hard to build coalitions and partnerships, achieving success through shared goals and an uncompromising work ethic.