Tim Hennessey
Timothy F. Hennessey is an American attorney and politician who was a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the Pennsylvania [House of Representatives, District 26|26th District] from 1993 to 2022.
Hennessey was born on November 4, 1947, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Saint [Pius X High School (Lower Pottsgrove Township, Pennsylvania)|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.
Law career
Hennessey was a trial attorney for the Public Defenders’ Office in Chester County, Pennsylvania from 1973 to 1992. He was also the solicitor of North [Coventry Township, Pennsylvania|North Coventry Township] for 15 years.
Political career
In 1992 [Pennsylvania House of Representatives election|1992], Hennessey was elected as a Republican to represent the 26th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was reelected 14 times. Following redistricting in advance of the 2022 elections, Hennessey's now-redrawn district had a slight Democratic lean. He would later lose to Democrat Paul Friel in that year's general election.
In 2019, Hennessey was made chairman of the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee. He previously chaired the Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, starting in 2007.
Political positions
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 2021 [United States Electoral College vote count|certification] of Pennsylvania's electoral votes. 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, but denied any connection between the calls to reject certification and the storming. He also said he did not regret signing the letter, but still affirmed Biden's victory in the election.
Abortion
With regard to abortion bans, Hennessey supports exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
Immigration
In 2021, Hennessey expressed support for allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license or similar equivalent.
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."
Taxation
Hennessey supports amending the Pennsylvania Constitution to exempt seniors from paying school taxes.
Personal life
Hennessey resides in North Coventry Township, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Carol, have three children.