John DiSanto
John DiSanto | |
---|---|
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 15th district | |
Assumed office January 3, 2017 | |
Preceded by | Rob Teplitz |
Personal details | |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Maria DiSanto |
Children | 2 |
Alma mater | American University |
Giovanni M. "John" DiSanto is an American politician from Pennsylvania currently serving as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senator for the 15th district since 2017. His district is based in the state capital of Harrisburg.
Early life and education
[edit]DiSanto was born in Harrisburg area and graduated from Central Dauphin High School. He received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Urban Planning from American University.[1]
Career
[edit]Before his election to the State Senate in 2016, DiSanto was president of a construction and development company.[2][3] He defeated Rob Teplitz in a heated contest for the 15th district.[4]
Committee assignments
[edit]- Banking & Insurance, Chair[5]
- Urban Affairs & Housing, Vice Chair[5]
- Education[5]
- Labor & Industry[5]
- Transportation[5]
Position on Medical Cannabis
[edit]In the 2020–2021 session, DiSanto opposed an amendment to House Bill 1024 that would have allowed medical patients to grow six cannabis plants at home.[6][7] However, DiSanto did vote for House Bill 1024 without the home grow amendment, which allowed medical marijuana growers in Pennsylvania to remediate moldy product and use additional pesticides.[8]
In 2022, DiSanto sponsored and introduced Senate Bill 1167, a bill to permit marijuana companies and associated insurance companies to access banking services without criminal liability.[9][10] Senate Bill 1167 did not include any protections or additional rights for medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania.[11]
After voting against homegrow rights for medical cannabis patients and sponsoring Senate Bill 1167, on June 26, 2023 Disanto taunted two cannabis activists on Twitter, posting a picture of himself wearing a shirt stating "I Just Had a Joint (Replacement Surgery)".[12]
Controversies
[edit]On October 8, 2023, Disanto tweeted about an Apple iPhone commercial starring Olivia Rodrigo: "Young girl, filming with phone, dressed suggestively, keying a car, trashing a room and so on. Pathetic promoting this is how a young women should act."[13] Disanto faced backlash for this statement by the public, with some calling him a "pathetic creep.".[14] Disanto was also called "cringe" and a "weirdo" for his post, which he did not comment on further.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ "Pennsylvania State Senate - John DiSanto Biography". www.legis.state.pa.us. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- ^ Mattera, Julianne (April 27, 2016). "Central Pa. developer wins close race for GOP state Senate nomination". Harrisburg Patriot-News. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ "State Legislative Races Open Thread". PoliticsPA. November 9, 2016. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ Murphy, Jan (November 9, 2016). "Challenger John DiSanto upsets incumbent Rob Teplitz to claim senate seat". www.pennlive.com. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e "Senator John DiSanto". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- ^ "Sen. Ward's motion to table Amendment No. A-2029".
- ^ "Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Home Grow Amendment Fails". CBS News. June 29, 2021.
- ^ "Roll Call: PA HB1024".
- ^ "DiSanto Cannabis Banking Bill Receives Bipartisan Committee Vote". March 30, 2022.
- ^ "Senate Bill 1167 - 2021-2022 Session".
- ^ "Senate Bill 1167 - 2021-2022 Session".
- ^ "John Disanto Twitter". June 26, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ "John Disanto Twitter". October 8, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ "Olivia Rodrigo Fans Slam Critical Senator". MSN. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
- ^ "GOP State Senator Unwittingly Unleashes The Wrath Of Olivia Rodrigo Fans". Huffpost. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
External links
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