Rep. Tim O’Neal, a Republican representing Pennsylvania’s 48th Legislative District and serving as Republican Whip in the House of Representatives, has responded to Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.26 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
O’Neal criticized the proposal, stating: “I feel like a broken record. The affordability crisis is real and people are struggling. This proposal by Gov. Shapiro is irresponsible and will contribute to rising costs across the state. We cannot continue to rely on new taxes and accounting tricks to fill in the gaps. The only way to raise revenue without digging deeper into the pockets of Pennsylvanians is to inject new life into our state’s economy. Get government out of the way by making it easier for people to save money, get to work and earn in Pennsylvania. When the economy grows, so does state revenue. We do this by leveraging Pennsylvania’s greatest economic strength – our energy sector.”
He continued: “Pennsylvanians has an abundance of natural gas under our feet. It is the most affordable and reliable source of energy. We should be embracing it, not shunning it. Despite interest from major companies in constructing a multi-billion-dollar liquified natural gas facility in Philadelphia, building and permitting regulations have stood in the way. A facility like this would result in billions of dollars in statewide economic investment and create ripple effects such as creating thousands of new jobs.”
“Now is the time to be focusing on permitting reform instead of deliberately undermining our energy producers through ideologically driven regulations. Unleashing our energy potential will not only lower energy bills but will also address a looming energy crisis.”
O’Neal represents portions of Washington County, applying his military and private-sector background toward job protection, infrastructure development, government improvements, energy diversity, and independence according to his official website. He took office after a special election in May 2018 and maintains offices both in Washington, Pennsylvania, and at the Capitol.
The 48th Legislative District includes areas such as the city of Washington; Amwell; parts of Carroll; East Finley; Fallowfield; Morris; North Franklin; parts of North Strabane; Nottingham; Somerset; South Franklin; South Strabane; West Finley townships; and boroughs including Donora, East Washington, and Green Hills.
For more information about Rep. O’Neal’s legislative work or office locations visit his official website.
