Representative Melissa Shusterman

Party: Democratic

District: Pennsylvania's 157th Legislative District

Melissa L. Shusterman was born on September 8, 1967. Before entering public service, she pursued a successful career in television and digital media, creating content for networks including VH1, MTV, and HGTV. She later launched her own video production company, Fedora Media. Motivated by a desire to influence positive change and build a state government that truly worked for the people, Shusterman transitioned to politics.

Education

Shusterman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Russian Studies from Lafayette College and a Master of Arts degree in Film & Television from American University.

Political Experience

Shusterman was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2018 and is currently serving her fourth term representing the 157th district. She quickly established herself within House leadership, serving first as Minority Deputy Whip and currently as Deputy Vice Chair of the Policy Committee.

She serves as Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Family Law and is a member of the Transportation, Health, Rules, and State Government Committees.

Notable Achievements

Shusterman has focused her legislative efforts on protecting women's reproductive rights and access to healthcare, promoting government transparency and accountability, advocating for education equity, improving environmental sustainability, pushing for gun control reform, and promoting the humane treatment of animals.

In the 2023-2024 session alone, she authored 42 pieces of legislation and co-authored 29 bills. Notable legislative successes include:

• HB917 : received unanimous House passage with a 201-0 vote
• HB1259: expanded the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and was folded into the 2023-2024 state budget
• HB1118: successfully ended taxpayer funding of crisis pregnancy centers when the state contract with Real Alternatives was not renewed
• HB922 and HB1786: both passed out of the House with bipartisan backing, supporting economic development and abortion protections respectively