Tigue, Thomas M., 1945-
biographical statement
Thomas Tigue represented the 118th District as a Democratic Member in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1981-2006. Legislatively, he focused on the PACE Prescription Drug Program, establishment of a state-funded tutoring program for parents to pay for private tutoring classes in math and reading, and many other medical and educational legislation. Representative Tigue was born on August 24, 1945 and was raised in Hughestown, Pennsylvania where he attended and graduated from St. Johns High School. He then went on to graduate from King’s College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and History in 1968. After his graduation, Thomas Tigue joined the Marine Corp where he became a Colonel and served for 27 years. He served in the Vietnam conflict and was one of two legislators to be called up for duty during Desert Storm in 1991. Throughout his military career, Tigue was awarded the Silver Star, Navy Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. In 1980, Thomas Tigue won the nomination and election to become the State Representative for the 118th District and went on to serve until 2006. During his tenure with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, it is evident through his work that Representative Tigue focused on issues that were important to him by the consistency he showed throughout the years. In his campaign brochure, (Box 1, Folder 1) in which he describes himself by stating that he is a “loving husband and father, proud veteran and dedicated legislator,” Tigue makes a point of what is important to him through statements such as “standing up for senior citizens” and “education must be priority one!” He proves this to his constituents by fighting for the PACE Prescription Drug Program which made thousands more eligible for free prescription drugs and also fought to protect the state lottery fund which goes solely toward funding for senior citizens. Also, he supported the establishment of a state funded tutoring program that provided parents with up to $500 to pay for private tutoring classes for their children as well as supporting a 50% increase in the Education Initiative Tax Credit (EITC) Program which generated over $1,000,000 in private scholarships for elementary and high school students. Tigue retired from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives at the end of the 2005-2006 Session.