Lou Barletta

Representative Lou Barletta represents the people of Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District. A position he has held since being sworn in on January 5th, 2011.

Rep. Barletta currently serves on three important committees to Central, Northeastern, and South Central Pennsylvania: the Education and Workforce Committee, which focuses on improving our education system to produce competitive, qualified future workers; the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which plays a critical role in economic development and job growth; and the Small Business Committee, which helps businesses navigate federal small business aid and regulations.

Rep. Barletta also formed and Chairs the 112th Class Immigration Reform Caucus, which focuses on bringing other new members of congress elected with Mr. Barletta together to examine solutions to the problems surrounding illegal immigration in the United States.

Born and raised in Hazleton, he left his family businesses to create his own company with his wife, Mary Grace, building one of the largest companies of its kind in the country.

Barletta’s political carrier began with his election to Hazleton City Council in 1998.  He went on to win the race for Mayor in 2000 and was re-elected with over 90% of the vote.  As Mayor, Lou Barletta inherited a massive budget shortfall.  Through tough, fiscally responsible decisions, Barletta was able to turn his city around.

In addition to the financial crisis, he was faced with a very serious illegal immigration problem in Hazleton. His leadership on this issue earned him national attention for his first-of-its-kind Illegal Immigration Relief Act which has served as a blueprint for many other communities across the United States facing similar problems.

Lou Barletta served as Mayor of the City of Hazleton until his election to Congress in 2010 with 55% of the vote.

Lou and Mary Grace are the parents of four daughters, Kelly, April, Lindsey, and Grace, and have one grandson, Gabriel Louis.