Born in Lock Haven, state Rep. Mike Hanna has served the people of the 76th Legislative District, which consists of Clinton County and parts of Centre County, since 1991. He resides there with his wife Susan and their two sons, Michael Jr. and Kevin.

He graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1971 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University. Hanna went on to earn his juris doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1980.

Hanna practiced law for 10 years before being elected to represent the 76th Legislative District. His full-time law practice focused on family law and civil and criminal trial work. Hanna maintains a small business, estate and real estate practice.

His interest in government began with his involvement in student government in high school and continued during college and law school. During his time as a state representative, Hanna has focused on economic opportunity, improving education and government reform.

As chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Hanna adopted the agriculture community's priorities in a bipartisan fashion. He shepherded the passage of three critical bills: an updated dog law, a comprehensive food safety overhaul bill, and a clean and green law to encourage clean energy development.

Hanna has brought important funding back to the district for projects benefitting the area. He has obtained funding for such local initiatives as the Benner and Lamar township business parks, Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, the Pedestrian Mall, and First Quality through the Capital Budget.

Hanna also serves on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's (SSHE) Board of Governors. He also serves on the PA Parks and Forest Foundation Board of Directors, and is a past member of the board of directors for the Center for Rural PA and a past member of the LHU Alumni Board and Foundation. Hanna also served on the Lock Haven University Council of Trustees.

He has received the following awards and honors throughout his career:

• Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Lock Haven University, 2009
• Acid Mine Drainage Restoration Advocate Award from Kettle Creek Watershed Association & Trout Unlimited, 2009
• Jefferson Award from Penn Ag Democrats, 2009
• PSU Friend of Extension, 2009
• Friends of Penn State Legislative Award for his service to the university, 2008
• Frank D. O'Reilly Memorial Award from the Clinton County Economic Partnership, 2004
• Lock Haven University Distinguished Alumni Award, 1992

Community involvement is important to Hanna. He is active with the Lions Club, served as past chairman of the Clinton County Sesquicentennial and the Board of Directors for the Lock Haven Sesquicentennial. He is also past president of the Jaycees.