Tim Hennessey
American politician (born 1947)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Timothy F. Hennessey (born November 4, 1947) is an American attorney and politician who was a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 26th District from 1993 to 2022.
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Tim Hennessey | |
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| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 26th district | |
| In office January 5, 1993[1] – November 30, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Eugene G. Saloom |
| Succeeded by | Paul Friel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 4, 1947 |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Carol Hennessey |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Saint Joseph's University (BS) Villanova University (JD) |
| Website | Pennsylvania State Representative Tim Hennessey |
Early life and education
Hennessey was born on November 4, 1947, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from St. Pius X High School in 1965. In 1969, Hennessey earned a bachelor of science degree from St. Joseph’s University. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law in 1972.[2]
Law career
Hennessey was a trial attorney for the Public Defenders’ Office in Chester County, Pennsylvania from 1973 to 1992.[3] He was also the solicitor of North Coventry Township for 15 years.[4]
Political career
In 1992, Hennessey was elected as a Republican to represent the 26th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was reelected 14 times.[2] Following redistricting in advance of the 2022 elections, Hennessey's now-redrawn district had a slight Democratic lean.[5] He would later lose to Democrat Paul Friel in that year's general election.[6]
In 2019, Hennessey was made chairman of the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee.[7] He previously chaired the Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, starting in 2007.[8]
Political positions
2020 presidential election
Following the 2020 United States presidential election, Hennessey was one of 64 Pennsylvania Republican state legislators to sign a letter asking the state's Congressmen to reject the certification of Pennsylvania's electoral votes.[9] According to Hennessey, he signed the letter after objecting to changes made to state election procedures with respect to mail-in ballots. During the certification of the electoral votes, supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol Building in a bid to prevent the certification of Trump's loss to Joe Biden. Hennessey condemned the violence at the Capitol that day,[10] but denied any connection between the calls to reject certification and the storming. He also said he did not regret signing the letter,[8] but still affirmed Biden's victory in the election.[10]
Abortion
With regard to abortion bans, Hennessey supports exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.[11]
Immigration
In 2021, Hennessey expressed support for allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license or similar equivalent.[12]
Minimum wage
Despite supporting a minimum wage increase, in 2020, Hennessey came out against Governor Tom Wolf's minimum wage plan that according to Hennessey would "essentially double it in a few years."[13]
Taxation
Hennessey supports amending the Pennsylvania Constitution to exempt seniors from paying school taxes.[4]
Personal life
Hennessey resides in North Coventry Township, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Carol, have three children.[3]