The Gist
State Representative, 107th District
Photo of Joanne Stehr
Joanne StehrOfficial portrait — PA House Republican Caucus

Joanne Stehr

Candidate for State Representative, 107th District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; nurse
Lives in
Hegins Township, Schuylkill County
Campaign website
repstehr.com

Republican state representative for the 107th District since 2023, now seeking a third term. A licensed practical nurse, she was a longtime home health care and hospice nurse.

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Photo: Official portrait — PA House Republican Caucus

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Proposes letting every county keep a flat 4.25% commission on the inheritance tax it collects.In office

    Her 2025 co-sponsorship memo would replace the tiered commission counties keep on Transfer Inheritance Tax collections; she says it is not a tax increase. Not yet introduced as a bill as of September 2026.

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Keeping More Inheritance Tax Proceeds Local

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Mar 25, 2025 · palegis.us

    “This legislation corrects that imbalance by establishing a flat 4.25 percent commission rate, ensuring all counties are treated fairly.”
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Public safety

  • Opposes red flag gun laws and calls for enforcing existing laws against illegally carried guns.

    Statements from a May 2023 WKOK interview, early in her first term.

    UPDATE: Stehr Will Vote 'No' on Most Gun Reform Bills

    Interview · Newsradio 1070 WKOK · May 4, 2023 · wkok.com

    “Red flag laws are for the most part, unconstitutional in my opinion. … We need to start arresting people who are carrying guns illegally.”
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Education

Economy & jobs

  • Says the planned ICE detention facility in Tremont Township would bring money to the area; notes water, sewer concerns.

    She said three-quarters of her constituents favor the facility and that it would bring more than $200 million to the area.

    Rep. Stehr: Majority of Schuylkill County residents in favor of ICE facility in backyard

    News coverage · The Daily Item · Feb 13, 2026 · dailyitem.com

    “Dollars pouring into my poor community, yes, it’s a very good thing … We do have concerns with sewer and water and all that good stuff, but I think we could be OK with all that”
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Environment & parks

Health & human services

  • Supports regulating natural and synthetic kratom products; co-sponsors House Bill 2657.

    She cited youth access and synthetic kratom as her main concerns.

    Lawmakers seek oversight of kratom products

    News coverage · The News-Item · Jul 24, 2026 · newsitem.com

    “She said she supports regulating both natural and synthetic kratom products, but is particularly concerned about synthetic versions and youth access.”
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Courts & justice

  • Proposes increasing criminal grading for knowingly making false hate-crime reports or fabricating evidence.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Holding Individuals Accountable Who Stage Hate Crimes

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Mar 27, 2025 · palegis.us

    “increase the grading for perpetrators who knowingly make false reports or fabricate physical evidence to mislead investigators or falsely implicate another of a hate crime”
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All sources (15)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.