Shapiro is investing in working families
Now that he can no longer complain about what he repeatedly and derisively referred to as Gov. Josh Shapiro’s “hand-picked attorney general” allegedly delaying the critical approval of UPMC’s takeover of the Washington Health System, state Rep. Tim O’Neal is using his bully pulpit to unfairly attack President Joe Biden and Shapiro (“Every Pennsylvanian Deserves a Tax Cut”, in the Thursday edition). He makes unfair, vague assertions which call out for clarification.
O’ Neal claims that both Biden and Shapiro feel that they “need more of your money,” implying that a Democratic tax increase at the federal and state levels are in the works. That is false. The only tax increases that either man has called for is the president’s desire to increase the tax rates on wealthy individuals and corporations. Although inflation for which he is only partially responsible has caused hardship, the president has honored his consistent pledge to consider tax increases only on individuals who earn more than $400,000 a year. I trust not many of them are O’Neal’s constituents.
The reduction in the state income tax sought by the Republicans is not specified: I will do so. It would bring the 3.07% levy down to 2.8%. For an individual earning $50,000 per annum, that would be a reduction of $135 per year or $2.60 per week. That will not even buy you a beverage at most restaurants.
O’Neal would have you believe that the spending increases requested by Shapiro are absurd wastes of money. Here are some of them: $1.1 billion for schools in order to begin complying with the court order that found state appropriations for basic education to be unconstitutional; $1.5 billion over the next five years to bolster public transportation systems whose ridership has plummeted and which possible insolvency without help; $253 million to provide more adequate services for those who are disabled; $350 million to enable schools to perform necessary repairs and safety enhancements; $100 million to boost mental health resources for school students; $100 million for gun violence prevention and reduction programs.
When these items are reviewed line by line, it becomes difficult to write them off as boondoggles.
Shapiro is the only state leader dealing with a divided state legislature. Compromises will have to be made. Neither side will achieve everything it seeks. That is the nature of good government.
Shapiro is a high-energy, involved, and innovative governor who is moving the state forward. That is why he maintains an unusually high approval rating. O’Neal’s attack on Shapiro as an out-of-control, tax-and-spend political hack should be seen for what it is.
If O’ Neal truly wants to make a big, positive impact on the lives of Pennsylvanians and their wallets, tackle and eliminate the ruinous and inequitable property tax which drives many out of their longtime homes. That is something our lawmakers have not ever had the courage to do.
O’Neal calls for Shapiro to invest in working families. That is precisely what he is attempting to do.
Oren Spiegler is a Peters Township resident.