50 Facts About Bob Casey

Early Life and Education

Bob Casey Jr. has deep roots in Pennsylvania, and his early life and education set the stage for his future in public service.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on April 13, 1960, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Bob Casey Jr. grew up in a family dedicated to public service.
2. Family Background: His father, Bob Casey Sr., served as the Governor of Pennsylvania from 1987 to 1995, instilling a sense of civic duty in his son.
3. Education: Casey graduated from The College of the Holy Cross in 1982, where he developed a passion for helping others.
4. Teaching Experience: He spent a year teaching fifth grade in Philadelphia as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, gaining firsthand experience in education.
5. Law Degree: In 1988, Casey earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Catholic University of America, preparing him for a career in law and politics.

Political Beginnings

Casey’s entry into politics was marked by a series of roles that built his reputation as a dedicated public servant.

6. Private Practice: After law school, Casey entered private practice in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he also married Terese Foppiano in 1985.
7. State Auditor General: In 1996, Casey ran for and won the position of Pennsylvania State Auditor General, serving two terms from 1997 to 2005.
8. Governor Run: In 2002, Casey attempted to follow in his father's footsteps by running for Governor of Pennsylvania but lost the Democratic primary to Ed Rendell.
9. State Treasurer: After being term-limited as Auditor General, Casey ran for and won the position of State Treasurer in 2004, serving until 2006.

U.S. Senate Career

Casey’s tenure in the U.S. Senate has been marked by significant legislative achievements and a commitment to bipartisanship.

10. U.S. Senate Election: In 2006, Casey defeated Republican incumbent Rick Santorum to become a U.S. Senator. He has since been reelected in 2012 and 2018.
11. Current Term: Casey is currently serving his third term in the U.S. Senate, with his term ending on January 3, 2025.
12. Party Affiliation: A member of the Democratic Party, Casey advocates for moderate to conservative Democratic policies.
13. Committee Assignments: Casey serves on key committees, including the Finance Committee, the HELP Committee, and the Select Committee on Intelligence. He chairs the Special Committee on Aging.
14. Bipartisan Work: Known for his ability to work across party lines, Casey has introduced and passed numerous bipartisan bills.

Advocacy and Legislative Achievements

Casey has championed various causes, focusing on the needs of children, families, and workers.

15. Family Values: Casey brings Pennsylvania values of hard work and perseverance to his service in the U.S. Senate.
16. Personal Life: Casey and his wife, Terese, live in Scranton and have four adult daughters. He is also a grandfather to two grandsons.
17. Community Engagement: Casey regularly visits each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties to talk to people about the issues that matter most to them.
18. Public Service Motto: The words "all public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor” guide Casey’s actions in public service.
19. Champion for Children: Casey has dedicated his career to fighting for the needs of children, championing programs to improve child health and education.
20. ABLE Act: One of Casey’s most significant legislative achievements is the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE), allowing people with disabilities to save for their future using tax-advantaged savings accounts.
21. Disability Rights: Casey has been a leader on disability rights, introducing and leading 19 disability policy bills in 2019 alone.
22. Veterans’ Support: Casey has worked to provide care to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, helping pass the PACT Act.
23. Insulin Costs: Casey has worked to cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors, making this essential medication more affordable.

Gun Control and Safety

Casey’s stance on gun control has evolved significantly, reflecting his commitment to public safety.

24. Gun Control Advocacy: Initially pro-gun, Casey became an advocate for gun control laws after the Sandy Hook school massacre in 2012.
25. Hate Crimes Prevention Act: In the wake of the Orlando Pulse massacre, Casey unveiled the Hate Crimes Prevention Act to prevent people convicted of hate crimes from buying guns.

Economic and Trade Policies

Casey has fought for fair economic policies that protect American workers and industries.

26. Trade Policies: Casey has continuously fought against unfair trade policies that force American workers to compete on an uneven playing field.
27. Tax Policies: Casey has voted for legislation to eliminate tax policies that make it easier for companies to send U.S. jobs overseas.
28. Coal Miners’ Support: Casey is leading the fight in Washington to extend the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund for Pennsylvania’s coal miners.
29. Fentanyl Prevention: Casey is fighting to stop the flow of fentanyl into communities across Pennsylvania.
30. China’s Practices: Casey has been vocal about China’s cheating practices that hurt Pennsylvania workers.

Community and Bipartisan Leadership

Casey’s commitment to his constituents and ability to work across party lines have made him an effective leader.

31. Community Visits: Regularly visiting each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, Casey engages with local communities to understand their needs and concerns.
32. Bipartisan Leadership: Despite being a Democrat, Casey has demonstrated bipartisan leadership by working with Republicans to pass legislation.

Children’s Rights and Education

Casey has championed policies that improve the lives of children and ensure their well-being.

33. Five Freedoms for America’s Children: Casey has championed the Five Freedoms for America’s Children, a detailed plan to secure the blessings of freedom for the children of today and tomorrow.
34. Early Learning Opportunities: Casey is a strong advocate for policies that improve early learning opportunities.
35. Healthcare Advocacy: Casey has worked tirelessly to improve healthcare for children, introducing legislation to increase funding for access to early childhood education.

Social Issues and Equality

Casey has taken strong stances on social issues, advocating for equality and justice.

36. Gun Ownership Rights: Although Casey has become an advocate for gun control, he still supports gun ownership rights with background checks and efforts to control the sale of assault weapons.
37. Marriage Equality: Casey has been a vocal supporter of marriage equality, believing in equal rights for all individuals.
38. Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: Casey played a significant role in repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” allowing openly gay men and women to serve in the U.S. military.

Support for Barack Obama and Opposition to Donald Trump

Casey’s political alliances and opposition have shaped his career and public image.

39. Support for Barack Obama: In 2008, Casey endorsed Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential primaries, gaining “inside access to the halls of the White House.”
40. Opposition to Donald Trump: After Donald Trump became president in 2017, Casey developed a more outspoken approach to social media, becoming a strong critic of the Trump administration.

Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accountability

Casey’s tenure as Auditor General and State Treasurer focused on making government more accountable and transparent.

41. Fiscal Watchdog: As Auditor General and State Treasurer, Casey compiled a record focused on making government more accountable and responsive to the needs of Pennsylvanians.
42. Nursing Home Safety: Casey worked to improve nursing home safety by ensuring that facilities met high standards of care.
43. Child Care Affordability: Casey focused on making child care more affordable for working families.
44. Government Accountability: Casey ensured that public funds were used efficiently and effectively, reducing waste and improving transparency.

Personal Connections and Legacy

Casey’s personal connections and family legacy have influenced his dedication to public service.

45. Scranton Roots: Despite his national profile, Casey remains deeply rooted in Scranton, living there with his wife and raising their four daughters.
46. Grandfather’s Legacy: Casey’s grandfather, Alphonsus Liguori Casey, worked as an 11-year-old in a coal mine near Scranton to support his family, inspiring Casey’s fight for workers and families.

Support for Workers and Unions

Casey has consistently fought for the rights and well-being of workers and unions.

47. Coal Miners’ Support: Casey is leading the fight in Washington to extend the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund for Pennsylvania’s coal miners.
48. Pension Protection: Casey is working to save pensions for tens of thousands of Pennsylvania workers.
49. Tax Breaks for Union Busting: Casey is fighting to end tax breaks for union-busting practices, holding corporations accountable for their actions.
50. Worker Advocacy: Casey’s commitment to workers’ rights and fair treatment has been a cornerstone of his career in public service.

Bob Casey: A Lifelong Advocate for Pennsylvania

Bob Casey Jr. has spent his career fighting for the people of Pennsylvania. From his early days as State Auditor General to his current role as a U.S. Senator, Casey has consistently championed the needs of children, families, and workers. His legislative achievements, like the ABLE Act and efforts to cap insulin costs, highlight his commitment to making a tangible difference. Casey's ability to work across party lines and his dedication to visiting all 67 counties in Pennsylvania show his deep connection to his constituents. Whether it's supporting veterans, advocating for gun control, or fighting for fair trade policies, Casey's actions speak volumes about his dedication to public service. His roots in Scranton and his family's legacy continue to inspire his work. Bob Casey remains a steadfast advocate, ensuring that Pennsylvania's voice is heard loud and clear in Washington.