A champion of those who risk their lives to preserve our way of life and protect our communities, Steve advocates for policies to aid community first responders, veterans, and active military personnel. Having served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, Steve understands the sacrifice and reward that comes with taking the ultimate risk to safeguard our communities and our country.

His close ties with the veterans and first responders of his district led to his appointment as majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Steve has vowed to use this post to improve the everyday lives of veterans and to assist the Commonwealth’s struggling volunteer emergency service providers. He also is looking forward to advancing legislation to guarantee that overseas military personnel have their absentee ballots counted while they are actively defending our nation. While military personnel are fighting for our rights and protection, Steve is fighting to ensure that their rights are not overlooked.

Along with his efforts to aid veterans, military personnel and first responders, Steve also has gained a reputation as an outspoken opponent of government corruption, taking on unethical judges, individuals and groups allegedly involved in voter intimidation, and organizations that use state money for political purposes. He gained statewide notoriety for his outspoken opposition to the questionable activities of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and ultimately helped bring about the demise of the organization.

His legislative priorities for the 2011-12 session include: 

        • Adopting voter identification legislation, which would require voters to show photo 
          identification at the polls to reduce instances of voter fraud. 
        • Privatizing Pennsylvania’s liquor stores. 
        • Reforming public education funding. 
        • Leveling the playing field for medical providers and pharmacies, which are often subjected 
          to retroactive review and other unfair terms by insurance companies. 
        • Protecting the identities of 9-1-1 callers. 
        • Enacting legislation to designate cancer as an occupational disease under our state 
          workers’ compensation law for firefighters – the legislation was signed into law in June 
          2011. 
        • Establishing uniform standards for towing vehicles in an emergency situation. 
        • Reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Commonwealth’s Volunteer Fire/EMS 
          Department Grant Program, which expires June 2012. 
        • Reforming the State Civil Service System to safeguard the rights and benefits of our 
          veterans.

Prior to his election to the state House, Steve served as an Upper Chichester Township commissioner from 1992 to 1996, and was board president from 1994 to 1996. During this time, he also was busy running the business he purchased in 1984, Twin Oaks Garden Mart. He ran this retail garden center until 1997, when he closed the business to dedicate himself to public service as a full-time state legislator.

Steve is a graduate of Interboro High School. He is an active member of his community and is involved in several local groups, including the Chichester Business Association, Chadds Ford Business Association, Aston Business Association, Bethel VFW Post and the Concord Lodge No. 625. He also has been named an honorary member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for his support of disabled veterans.

Steve has received honors from many groups and associations, and his most recent awards include: 

        • The President’s Award for Public Service from the Burn Foundation. 
        • Recognition of Appreciation from the Delaware County Community College. 
        • Legislator of the Year from the Pennsylvania Transportation Management Association for 
          his effort to promote cycling to work and bicycle safety. 
        • Four-time recipient of the American Enterprise Award from the 
          Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. 
        • The Legion of Honor from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains. 
        • A Humanitarian Award from the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. 
        • The Kay F. Thompson Outstanding Legislator Award from the Pennsylvania Dental 
          Association. 
        • The William Wikoff Smith Award from the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. 

Steve and his wife, Elana, have two daughters, Stephanie Toth and Elizabeth Barnett. He is the proud grandfather of Ethan Francis Toth and Caden Stephen Toth.