Several residents came to the town hall hosted by PA Sen. David Argall (R-Berks, Schuylkill) and Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) in Strausstown, Berks Co. back on June 21st with a number of questions. But there seemed to be one issue in particular that got the locals fired up the most and it was not a new one by any means.
“I think the key question is we need to find a better way to fund our public schools than this property tax that dates back to the 1600’s,” said Sen. Argall. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again–it’s rotten to the core and there has to be a better way to fund the public schools than a tax on your home that is based on: when did you fix your roof? How many acres do you own? When was it re-assessed?”
The two lawmakers were challenged on what they’ve done to fix the problem when, in fact, both have been part of efforts to find a solution.
“Those are issues that I’ve been working for a long time,” Argall said. “But as I’ve told students that I’ve talked to–you could have the best idea in the world, but if you don’t get 102 representatives, 26 senators and the signature of the Governor, then your idea doesn’t go forward.”
That was not the only issue that was brought up and raised the ire of at least some of the residents. Another one was the need for genuine welfare reform.
At all of these public meetings, no one ever stands up and says hurt someone with a disability, hurt poor people,” Argall said. “But it’s the abuse of the system they don’t like–the fact that there are still—unfortunately—abled-bodied people in the system that are collecting benefits, who really ought to be encouraged to work. That was something that we were unanimous on today.
“But the devil is always in the details, but we are looking for some way to encourage less welfare and more work for those people who do have the ability to go to work every day.
Those are issues that I’ve been working for a long time. But as I’ve told students that I’ve talked to–You could have the best idea in the world, but if you don’t get 102 representatives, 26 senators and the signature of the governor, then your idea doesn’t go forward. 
