John DiSanto

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.

John DiSanto
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate
from the 15th district
Assumed office
January 3, 2017
Preceded byRob Teplitz
Personal details
Political partyRepublican
SpouseMaria DiSanto
Children2
Alma materAmerican University

Early life and education

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

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
  • Banking & Insurance, Chair[5]
  • Urban Affairs & Housing, Vice Chair[5]
  • Education[5]
  • Labor & Industry[5]
  • Transportation[5]

Position on Medical Cannabis

In the 2020–2021 session, DiSanto opposed an amendment to House Bill 1024 that would have allowed medical patients to grow six cannais 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

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
  1. "Pennsylvania State Senate - John DiSanto Biography". www.legis.state.pa.us. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
  2. Mattera, Julianne (April 27, 2016). "Central Pa. developer wins close race for GOP state Senate nomination". Harrisburg Patriot-News. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  3. "State Legislative Races Open Thread". PoliticsPA. November 9, 2016. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  4. Murphy, Jan. "Challenger John DiSanto upsets incumbent Rob Teplitz to claim senate seat". www.pennlive.com. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
  5. "Senator John DiSanto". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  6. "Sen. Ward's motion to table Amendment No. A-2029".
  7. "Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Home Grow Amendment Fails". CBS News. June 29, 2021.
  8. "Roll Call: PA HB1024".
  9. "DiSanto Cannabis Banking Bill Receives Bipartisan Committee Vote".
  10. "Senate Bill 1167 - 2021-2022 Session".
  11. "Senate Bill 1167 - 2021-2022 Session".
  12. "John Disanto Twitter". June 26, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  13. "John Disanto Twitter". October 8, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  14. "Olivia Rodrigo Fans Slam Critical Senator". MSN. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
  15. "GOP State Senator Unwittingly Unleashes The Wrath Of Olivia Rodrigo Fans". Huffpost. Retrieved October 20, 2023.


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