“I am very pleased to appoint Senator Argall as Chairman of the Senate Majority Policy Committee,” Scarnati said. “Throughout his time in the Senate he has been an influential leader, advocating for numerous important issues including job growth initiatives, tax reforms and reducing government spending. Senator Argall will be a great asset to our Republican Leadership team as we work together to tackle tough issues and make Pennsylvania a stronger state.”
As the incoming Policy Committee Chairman, Argall replaces Senator Ted Erickson (R-26), who is retiring at the end of the current legislative session.
“The Policy Committee is an integral part of the Senate Republican Caucus and I look forward to continuing to help the residents of the 29th District in my new leadership role,” Argall said. “Local residents who are passionate about local tax reform may recall the Senate Policy Committee hearing on Senate Bill 76 last December, which got the ball rolling in the Senate on this key issue.”
The last known record of a Senator from the 29th District serving in a leadership role dates back to 1861, when Senator Robert M. Palmer of Pottsville served as Speaker of the Senate for one year.
Argall added that he looks forward to using his new leadership position to help the people he represents. “The Policy Committee often serves as a staging ground where legislative ideas can be dissected, critiqued and improved. As Chairman of this body, I look forward to playing a leading role in making sure that legislation approved by the Senate helps Pennsylvanians and puts the state on a path to prosperity.”
The committee works with Senators to develop legislation important to their constituencies.
Argall plans on addressing several key issues important to local residents, including eliminating the school property tax, reviewing job creation efforts and taxation issues, as well as examining ways to improve social service programs and eliminate welfare fraud and abuse.