As a family man, public servant and successful entrepreneur, Rep. George Dunbar brings a combination of real-life experience and commitment to integrity to his role as a state lawmaker.

George was sworn in to serve his seventh term as state representative for the 56th Legislative District in January 2023. Filling the vacancy created by the passing of his close friend and mentor Rep. Mike Reese, he was elected by his peers to serve as chairman of the House Republican Caucus in 2021 and was re-elected to this position for the 2023-24 Legislative Session. 

As caucus chairman, George is responsible for conducting all Republican Caucus meetings, informing members of the session and voting schedules, notifying members when bills they are sponsoring are scheduled for a House vote and also if amendments are posted to their legislation. In addition, he participates in leadership discussions and helps to guide the House agenda.

In previous sessions, George served as majority vice chairman of the House Appropriations and Finance committees.
  
Legislative Accomplishments
 
Since taking office in 2011, George has successfully advanced several major pieces of legislation into law.

Act 10 of 2020 aided those on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic in obtaining critical medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE). This carefully drafted law enabled $50 million in excess dollars sitting in special funds to directly address this crisis without accruing additional debt, nor taking away dollars from other vital resources. More specifically, this desperately needed funding was used to purchase medical equipment, supplies and PPE for hospitals, nursing homes, and emergency workers here in the Commonwealth.

Act 12 of 2019 reenacts the repeal of the General Assistance Cash Benefit program to further ensure that tax dollars spent on human services reach only those who truly need them.

Act 18 of 2018 prohibits local school districts and municipalities from imposing double taxation.

Act 42 of 2014 shields Pennsylvania job creators from being double-taxed by various municipalities, cities and other local governments.

Act 149 of 2014 strictly prohibits any state employee from evaluating any state contract proposal submitted by a former employer, less than two years following the date of the state employee’s separation with the employer. In addition to limiting undue influence or pay-to-play politics in the state contracting procurement process, Act 149 prohibits any individual or organization engaged in investment activities with Iran from entering into state contracts for goods or services.

Act 108 of 2011 permits the sale of county property and surplus farm products through electronic online auctions and also allows county commissioners to eliminate the costly position of jury commissioner.

Before his election to the House, George served as the controller and chief financial officer at Ryco Inc. Prior to that, he ran his own business – Dunbar Consulting and Accounting – from 2005 to 2007. George earned additional management experience when he served as executive vice president at Wright Industries Inc. until 2005.

George has served his community in a variety of different roles. From serving as a board member with the Penn Trafford Basketball Association to fulfilling his duties as a member of the Penn Area Library Board, the Penn Trafford Area Sewer Authority and as a Penn Township commissioner.

George’s commitment to community is second only to his dedication to family. George and his wife, Sandy, have been blessed with four daughters: Stephanie, Erin, Alexandra and Samantha, as well as two grandchildren, Avery and Everett.

The 56th Legislative District covers part of Westmoreland County, including the City of Jeannette, the Township of Penn, parts of the Township of North Huntingdon, as well as the boroughs of Irwin, North Irwin, Manor, Penn and Trafford.