Biography

Senator Jake Corman, the Senate's Majority Policy Chairman, was first elected to the state Senate in 1998.  He represents the 34th Senatorial District, which includes Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Perry and parts of Union Counties.

During his time in the Senate, Jake has gained a reputation for tackling tough issues and forging compromise to get results.

Jake authored bills to speed up Pennsylvania's deployment of broadband technologies and has been the leader in the Senate on this issue. House Bill 30, which Corman crafted, was enacted into law and made significant changes to Pennsylvania's telecommunications law and for the first time in over 10 years addressed broadband deployment and delivers consumer benefits such as faster and affordable broadband connections to schools and includes over $100 million in contributions to the community with approximately $60 million going directly to schools for accelerating broadband deployment.

He has led efforts to enact tougher laws to protect the privacy of state residents. His thirteen bill Privacy and Security Legislative Package gained national attention and he was able to have a majority of the proposals enacted into law such as measures to toughen laws on identity theft and strengthen our crimes code to include computer crimes.

Jake is the author of a constitutional amendment to allow Pennsylvania to enact caps on non-economic damages in all civil suits and his leadership on this issue ensured that for the first time, the state Senate passed a bill to amend the constitution and allow for caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases.

Jake helped write the landmark Teen Driving Bill that strengthened Pennsylvania's driving laws for teenage drivers and placed importance on driving experience. This law has helped reduce accidents and save lives of our 16 and 17 year old drivers.

Corman also authored the Mandate Waiver Program to allow school districts to apply to the Department of Education for waivers on existing state mandates and is a champion of reducing the state's Inheritance Taxes.

Prior to being named Majority Policy Chairman, a leadership position within the Senate Republican Caucus, Jake served four years as the Chairman of the Senate Communications & Technology Committee and two years as Chairman of the Senate Public Health & Welfare Committee, where he used his passion for mental health and mental retardation issues to improve the quality and efficiency of public and private services.  For his advocacy and leadership on issues facing mental health, mental retardation and drug and alcohol issues, the Pennsylvania Community Providers Association (PCPA) awarded Senator Corman the Raymond R. Webb, Jr. Government Relations Award for 2006.

He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, and on the Appropriations, Banking & Insurance, Finance, Labor & Industry, and State Government Committees.

In 2000, Corman was honored with the "Champion of Transportation Award" by the PA Truck Transportation Alliance for his dedicated service as a champion of the truck transportation industry.

In 2001, Corman was awarded the "Guiding Star Award" from Drug Free Pennsylvania for his efforts to reduce the amount of drug and alcohol abuse cases in Pennsylvania.

In 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, Corman was named a "Guardian of Small Business" by the National Federation of Independent Business.

In 2004, Corman was honored with the "Public Service Award" from the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. The award is given annually to a Pennsylvanian who has made a significant contribution to the public welfare consistent with the aims of the association.

Also in 2004, Senator Corman received the Rehabilitation Leadership Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (PARF). Senator Corman was recognized by PARF for his tireless efforts in advocating for people with disabilities.

In 2006, Senator Corman received the inaugural "Friend of Penn State" legislative award from the Penn State Alumni Association for the significant role he has played in the continued improvement of Penn State.

Also in 2006, The Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania honored Senator Corman with its "Outstanding Leadership in Technology" award for having made a major personal contribution toward advancing policies and legislation supporting growth of the technology industry in the state.

Corman also serves on the Legislative Data Processing Committee, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), Board of Directors, the Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania Board of Directors, and the Drug Free Pennsylvania Board of Directors.

He is a graduate of Bellefonte Area High School, the Pennsylvania College of Technology where he earned an associates degree in Communications and The Pennsylvania State University where he received a BA degree in Journalism.

Prior to being elected as the Pennsylvania State Senator from the 34th District in November 1998, Senator Corman was State Director for former United States Senator Rick Santorum.

Senator Corman, his wife Kelli, their daughter Isabella and sons Davis and Jacob live in Benner Township, Centre County.