Southwest PA News

The economic landscape in Pennsylvania has been challenging, with rising inflation and increasing costs affecting families and seniors. Representative Tim O’Neal has voiced concerns about the state's financial management amidst these conditions.

O’Neal criticizes President Joe Biden and Governor Josh Shapiro's approach, stating, "President Joe Biden and Gov. Josh Shapiro certainly have their ideas. Essentially, they say the government needs more of your money so that they can decide how to spend your tax dollars to best help you."

According to O'Neal, Pennsylvania is projected to have a budget surplus exceeding $14 billion. He argues that Governor Shapiro's budget proposal includes significant spending increases that could lead to substantial tax hikes in the future. "Gov. Shapiro’s response to this is to spend away on more government programs and wasted bureaucratic bloat," O'Neal asserts.

Since his election in 2018, O’Neal notes that Pennsylvania's spending has increased by nearly $13 billion or 40%. He questions whether residents feel the benefits of this spending: "Could the average person tell you how Pennsylvania’s now nearly $50 billion in spending each year is directly making their lives better?"

O’Neal advocates for reducing taxes rather than increasing government expenditure. He emphasizes investing in working families by allowing them to retain more of their income: "Let’s get out of people’s wallets and let them keep more of their hard-earned money."

He highlights recent legislative progress as a positive step toward tax cuts: "Recently, the state Senate overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation to reduce the Personal Income Tax and eliminate a burdensome tax on electricity bills." The proposed plan aims for broad benefits across all Pennsylvanians rather than favoring specific groups or corporations.

In urging immediate action, O'Neal states, "We have a chance to act now and immediately change the lives of every single Pennsylvanian." He calls for prioritizing investments in people over government expansion.

Representative Tim O’Neal serves Washington County's 48th Legislative District as the Republican Whip.