Statewide issues

If elected as a Pittsburgh area state senator, you have to keep the interests of the folks back home in mind, but there is another aspect to the position. Your actions will affect the entire state. Let's put aside local Pittsburgh matters for a moment and tell us what are your thoughts on the following statewide issues:
===What would be your top (two or three) legislative priorities as a state senator?===
===Spending and growth of PA's state government.===
===Legislative actions to improve education in PA.===
===Lower taxes vs. government subsidies as way to facilitate economic growth in PA.===
=== The status of self-defense rights in PA.===