Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus (D-113, Lackawanna) was born in 1952 and grew up in Scranton’s High Works neighborhood as the eldest of three children. Shimkus was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from the University of Scranton in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in English.

Shimkus grew up across the street from WSCR radio in Scranton, and became intrigued by the broadcasting industry. At 16, he obtained a job at WCDL radio in Carbondale and wrote scripts for commercials and played polka music on the air. After college, he moved on to WEJL, where he hosted a talk show, and then was invited to work for WNEP. While working at WNEP from 1980 to 1998, he was co-anchor of its top-rated newscast and served as news director. Before his election, he served in the same capacity for WYOU-TV from 2000-2006.

While Shimkus never served in public office before his election to the Pa. House of Representatives in 2006, he did deal with a number of government officials at all levels as a reporter and news anchor, which provided him with a wealth of experience about government and how it works. His legislative priorities include making health insurance more affordable for Pennsylvania residents, school property tax reform, and making reforms in the General Assembly.

In addition to his bachelor’s degree from Scranton University, Shimkus also has earned a master’s degree in Theology and a doctorate in Biblical Studies from Antietam Bible College and Seminary in Hagerstown, Md. He serves as part-time pastor of Trinity Congregational Church in Scranton and as an adjunct professor of mass communications at Scranton University.

Shimkus has five children and nine grandchildren, and lives in South Abington Township.