Lycoming News

Senator Dave Argall has voiced concerns over Governor Shapiro's budget proposal for the 2025-26 fiscal year, warning of potential tax increases. Argall highlighted opportunities within the budget to invest in community services such as childcare centers, career and technical education, and housing projects. However, he criticized the proposal for allegedly manipulating figures to obscure future tax hikes.

Argall expressed apprehension about following spending patterns similar to those of California and New York, suggesting that such an approach could lead to either cutting key programs or increasing taxes on Pennsylvania residents. He emphasized that these options are not favorable for his constituents in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties.

One specific point of contention was the allocation of funds for mass transit without additional resources for road and bridge repairs. Argall noted this as particularly disrespectful to rural areas in Pennsylvania. He also criticized what he described as wasteful expenditure by the state bureaucracy on maintaining vacant properties.

"The governor has given us his proposal," said Argall. "Now, the Senate and the House must improve upon it – with honest, bipartisan numbers, not gimmicks – to guide Pennsylvania towards prosperity, away from financial ruin."