Maria Collett

Maria Collett is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the 12th District. Born on July 21, 1974, Collett is notable for being the first Greek American woman to hold a seat in the Pennsylvania State Senate. Her district encompasses areas in eastern Montgomery County and southern Bucks County, where she has been active in addressing various legislative issues since her election.

Early life and career

Maria Collett was born in Greece and later moved to the United States, where she pursued her education and professional career. She attended the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. Following her undergraduate studies, Collett attended Rutgers Law School, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree. Her educational journey continued at Drexel University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This diverse academic background laid the foundation for her multifaceted career.

Collett began her professional journey as an attorney, specifically focusing on child advocacy. She served as a deputy attorney general in Camden County, New Jersey, where she represented the interests of children who had been victims of abuse and neglect. This role highlighted her commitment to social justice and child welfare. After her tenure in law, Collett transitioned into nursing, working as a Level I trauma nurse. Her nursing career included roles in pediatric home health and long-term care, where she focused on providing care for aging adults. In addition to her clinical work, she also took on the role of nurse educator, where she trained other nursing professionals on administering Medicaid programs, further demonstrating her dedication to healthcare and education.

Collett's diverse experiences in law and nursing have informed her legislative priorities and approach to public service. Her background in advocacy and healthcare has positioned her to address complex issues affecting her constituents effectively.

Legislative service

Maria Collett entered the political arena with her election to the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2018. She ran unopposed in the Democratic primary to succeed retiring state senator Stewart Greenleaf, who had held the position since 1979. In the general election, Collett faced Stewart Greenleaf Jr., the son of her predecessor and a former controller for Montgomery County. Her victory was part of a broader trend known as the "blue wave," which saw an increase in Democratic representation and female lawmakers in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Congressional delegation.

Since taking office, Collett has been actively involved in various legislative committees. During the 2021-2022 legislative session, she served on several committees, including Aging and Youth, where she held the position of Minority Chair, as well as Judiciary, Local Government, and Rules & Executive Nominations. For the subsequent 2025-2026 session, she continues to serve as the Minority Chair of the Aging & Youth Committee and is a member of the Health & Human Services, Institutional Sustainability & Innovation, Judiciary, and Rules & Executive Nominations committees. Her committee assignments reflect her commitment to addressing issues related to aging, health, and governance.

In addition to her committee work, Collett is a member of several caucuses that focus on specific issues, including the Senate Arts & Culture Caucus, Autism & Intellectual Disabilities Caucus, Senate Brain Injury Caucus, Climate Caucus, Film Industry Caucus, LGBT Equality Caucus, PA Safe Caucus, Rare Disease Caucus, and Senate Women's Health Caucus. These affiliations demonstrate her engagement with a wide range of topics and her commitment to representing diverse interests within her district.

Collett also participates in various councils and task forces, including the Asian American Coalition for Healthcare Services Advisory Board, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee, Legislative Audit Advisory Commission, Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services Council, Pennsylvania Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts, Pennsylvania Children's Health Advisory Council, Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council, Special Education Funding Commission, and the Suicide Prevention Task Force. Her involvement in these groups indicates her dedication to addressing critical issues affecting her constituents and the broader Pennsylvania community.

Policy focus and district

As a state senator, Maria Collett has prioritized several key issues that resonate with her constituents in the 12th District. One of her primary focuses has been on addressing PFAS contamination, a significant environmental concern affecting many communities. She has advocated for policies aimed at mitigating the impact of these harmful substances on public health and the environment.

Collett has also emphasized the importance of nurse staffing ratios, recognizing the critical role that healthcare professionals play in ensuring quality patient care. Her background in nursing informs her perspective on this issue, as she understands the challenges faced by healthcare workers and the implications for patient outcomes.

Another area of legislative focus for Collett is the statute of limitations for sexual crimes. She has worked to reform laws to better protect victims and ensure that justice is served. Additionally, she has championed issues related to gender equity, advocating for policies that promote fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals.

Firearm regulation is another significant aspect of Collett's policy agenda. She has engaged in discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety through responsible gun laws, reflecting her commitment to addressing gun violence and its impact on communities.

Collett's legislative priorities are shaped by her experiences and the needs of her constituents in the 12th District. Her work in the Pennsylvania State Senate reflects her dedication to public service and her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the residents she represents. Through her various roles and responsibilities, Collett continues to contribute to the legislative process in Pennsylvania, advocating for policies that aim to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in her district.