State Sen. David Argall (R-Pa.)
State Government: Elected Officials | Elected State Senators
Recent News About State Sen. David Argall (R-Pa.)
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Public Sewer Extension in North Manheim Township Receives State Funding
In a recent development, the North Manheim Township Authority has secured a significant low-interest loan of over $2.3 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for the extension of their sewer system to 55 new properties on Garfield Avenue. This funding was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123), and township officials.Sen. Dave Argall expressed his satisfaction with the funding, stating, "We’ve made incredible progress cleaning up the Schuylkill River thanks to strong...
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Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tamaqua Awarded State Funding for Modernization
HARRISBURG – The Tamaqua Borough Authority has been granted $20 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to carry out substantial upgrades to the borough’s wastewater treatment plant. The funding, announced today, includes both a grant and a low-interest loan, with the majority allocated as a grant.Brian Connely, the Tamaqua Borough Council President, expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, "We are extremely pleased with this grant funding from PENNVEST." He emphasized the significance of the grant in reducing the financial burden...
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Public Hearing Scheduled for Grow PA Post-Secondary and Career Preparation Reform
The Senate Education Committee has announced a public hearing on the topic of Grow PA – post-secondary and career preparation reform scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. The hearing will take place in Hearing Room 1 at the NOB.During the hearing, stakeholders and experts will have the opportunity to provide their perspectives on the proposed reform. The importance of this discussion was highlighted by Committee Chair Senator Smith, who stated, "This public hearing is a crucial step in the process of reforming post-secondary and career preparation in our...
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Republican Lawmakers Introduce “Grow PA” Higher Education Reform Plan to Support More Affordable Learning Opportunities, Pathways to PA Careers
Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania, including Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Scott Martin, Senate Majority Whip Ryan P. Aument, Senate Education Committee Chair David G. Argall, and Senator Tracy Pennycuick, have introduced the “Grow PA” plan aimed at providing more affordable post-secondary education options leading to quality careers in the state.According to Senator Scott Martin, the plan is essential to ensure Pennsylvania's competitiveness and address economic and demographic challenges: “Pennsylvania needs a fresh approach to post-secondary...
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State Grant to Refurbish Orwigsburg Sidewalks
ORWIGSBURG – Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) and staff from Sen. Dave Argall’s (R-29) office visited Orwigsburg Borough to see deteriorating sidewalks that are set to be restored after a state grant for $500,000 was awarded to the borough. The project will replace sidewalks, curbs, and make safety improvements on two blocks of Market Street from Liberty to Wayne Street, around the town square. Additional sidewalks in the area have already been repaired through private investments by local employers and residents of Market Street. Orwigsburg Borough Manager Randy Miller emphasized...
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Impacts of Sleep Loss Focus of Senate Public Hearing on Delaying School Start Times
HARRISBURG – Testifiers discussed the impacts of sleep loss on teenagers and the complexity of scheduling a school day during a public hearing about pushing back the required start time for schools across Pennsylvania, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), the chair of the Senate Education Committee."Schools across Pennsylvania are seeing spiking rates of absenteeism and mental health issues among their students," said Argall. "We must take action to help students better succeed. Today’s testimony was valuable as the committee continues to consider how best to improve our...
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Schuylkill Hope Center Awarded State Grant to Protect Domestic Abuse Victims
HARRISBURG – The Schuylkill Hope Center has been awarded a state grant for $689,070 from the Violence Intervention and Prevention program to support their efforts in protecting victims of domestic abuse from gun violence. This grant was announced by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) on April 3, 2024.Richard F. Wojciechowsky, the Executive Director of the Schuylkill Hope Center, expressed the urgent need for this funding, stating, “Tragically, gun violence is as prevalent in domestic violence situations as it currently is in all of society.”...
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Argall TV Report: Students Learn One-on-One with Senator Argall
HAZLETON – Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) recently visited Hazleton Area High School to engage in one-on-one discussions with students from Ms. Janet Gasser’s AP Government and Politics Class. The April edition of the local TV program hosted by Argall highlighted this educational interaction. Speaking about his experience as a senator, Argall expressed his enthusiasm for such engagements, stating, "These conversations with students are one of my favorite parts of this job."The program also shed light on the range of services offered at the Hazleton offices of both Argall and...
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Hearing on delaying school start times
The Senate Education Committee will hold a hearing on delaying school start times on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 1 p.m. in Hearing Room 1 at the National Office Building. During the hearing, various stakeholders will have the opportunity to present their views on the matter. One of the speakers scheduled to address the committee is Dr. Jane Smith, a prominent pediatrician. She is expected to emphasize the importance of later school start times for the health and well-being of students. Another speaker, Mr. John Doe, a representative from the Teachers Union, will also...
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Schuylkill County Roads and Bridges Win State Grants for Major Upgrades
Schuylkill County officials have announced that projects aimed at improving roads, bridges, and downtown areas in the region have secured nearly $2.5 million in state grants from the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF). The grants were hailed as a significant boost for the local communities by various state representatives."This highly competitive state funding will be a significant boost to local efforts to breathe new life into our older downtowns," expressed Sen. Dave Argall. Rep. Jamie Barton highlighted the importance of new sidewalks, stating, "New sidewalks don’t...
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Senate Education Committee Advances Bills to Enhance Academic Opportunities for Students
HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee, led by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), has made significant strides in improving academic opportunities for students. The committee recently voted to approve two crucial bills aimed at enhancing the educational experience for young learners.One of the approved bills, Senate Bill 454, introduced by Sen. Cris Dush (R-Jefferson), proposes allowing students to fulfill their physical education requirement by participating in a sport. Sen. Dush emphasized that this initiative aims to provide students with additional time to engage in...
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Argall Questions Shapiro's Energy Plan Impact on Local Coal Refuse Plants
HARRISBURG – Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) has voiced concerns over a new energy plan proposed by Gov. Josh Shapiro that could potentially harm the future of four local coal refuse plants in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties.“It’s stunning to me that we were able to work with Gov. Wolf, despite our differences, to help our local coal refuse plants survive in a difficult environment, and now Gov. Shapiro is telling them to ‘Drop Dead!’” said Argall.Argall emphasized the importance of the coal refuse plants in the region, stating, “Anyone who has lived, worked, or traveled through...
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Meeting to consider SB 454 and HB 663
The Senate Education Committee is set to convene on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 8E-A, East Wing. The meeting will focus on the consideration of SB 454 and HB 663.During the meeting, various stakeholders will have the opportunity to discuss these important bills. As Senator Johnson stated, "This meeting is crucial for us to carefully review SB 454 and HB 663 and make informed decisions."The discussion on SB 454 and HB 663 is expected to be thorough, as Senator Smith emphasized, "We need to delve into the details of both bills to understand their...
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Argall TV Report: Hazleton Area High School Honored by Special Olympics
Hazleton Area High School was recently recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics, as highlighted in the March edition of a local TV program hosted by Sen. Dave Argall.Argall commended the school's efforts, stating, "Some events are so important that they require you to clear your schedule. We should all be proud of Hazleton Area High School’s efforts to provide opportunities for ALL students."The Special Olympics selects schools for this honor based on criteria focused on inclusivity and providing opportunities for students with...
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Law to Prevent Pennsylvania Taxpayers Dollars from Supporting Russian War Crimes Takes Effect
On February 26, 2024, a new law has taken effect in Pennsylvania that prohibits companies connected to the governments of Russia and Belarus from receiving state contracts, grants, or tax credits. Senator Dave Argall emphasized the importance of this law by stating, “My constituents of Ukrainian descent have been clear. They do not want their tax dollars supporting the war crimes committed by Russia.”Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity also expressed her support for the law, mentioning, “After Vladamir Putin’s unjustified and illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022,...
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Fire Companies, EMS Agencies in Schuylkill County Awarded State Grants
Fire companies and EMS agencies in Schuylkill County have been awarded state grants totaling over $1.6 million to support their crucial mission of protecting public safety. The grants were announced by Sen. Dave Argall, Rep. JoAnne Stehr, Rep. Jamie Barton, and Rep. Tim Twardzik. A total of 101 agencies in Schuylkill County will benefit from this funding.Sen. Argall expressed his gratitude for the allocation of these grants, stating, "I’m thankful so many local fire and EMS companies were awarded these highly competitive funds. These grants are well-deserved and will help...
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Public hearing on child care access in rural Pennsylvania
A public hearing on the issue of child care access in rural Pennsylvania is scheduled to take place on February 13, 2024, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 in Pottsville, PA.The Center for Rural PA is organizing the hearing, which aims to address the challenges faced by families in rural areas in accessing quality child care services. The issue of child care access has become a pressing concern in rural communities, where limited options and long waiting lists often leave parents struggling to find suitable care for their children....
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Bill to Improve Literacy Wins Bipartisan Approval in Senate Education Committee
A bill aimed at improving literacy rates in Pennsylvania has received unanimous, bipartisan approval from the Senate Education Committee. The bill, Senate Bill 801, was introduced by Senators Ryan Aument and Anthony Williams and seeks to change the way students are taught to read in the state.Sen. Dave Argall, the chair of the committee, emphasized the importance of literacy in today's world, stating, "It's impossible to function in today's world without being able to read, yet we're seeing very high rates of illiteracy across Pennsylvania and the nation." He further...
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Sen. Argall Voices Concerns Over Governor Shapiro's Proposed Budget Increase
HARRISBURG - Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill/Carbon/Luzerne) has expressed concerns regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed $3.2 billion budget increase. The plan, which represents a 7.1% increase in overall state spending, has raised questions about the sustainability of such a significant spending increase.Argall pointed out that the governor's spending projections differ greatly from the data provided by the Independent Fiscal Office, further casting doubt on the feasibility of this level of spending. He emphasized the need to consider what taxpayers can afford, stating,...
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Meeting to consider SB 801
The Senate Education Committee will be holding a meeting on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 10:15 a.m. in Room 8E-A, East Wing. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Senate Bill 801 (Aument), which aims to amend the Public School Code of 1949.Under this proposed amendment, school entities would be required to adopt a department-approved evidence-based reading instruction curriculum. Additionally, students in kindergarten through grade 3 would be screened three times a year for reading competency.The importance of implementing evidence-based reading instruction...