Washington County Chamber of Commerce Hosts Webinar with Rep. Tim O’Neal on Legislative Priorities

Rep. Tim O'Neal

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Legislative Affairs webinar on Thursday morning, featuring Representative Tim O’Neal, the Republican Whip of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Moderated by Will Thomeier, Director of Economic and Tourism Development for the Chamber, the discussion covered a range of topics, including Pennsylvania’s upcoming legislative session, budget priorities, and local economic development.

O’Neal’s Path to Public Service

The webinar opened with an introduction to Representative O’Neal, who has represented the 48th Legislative District since 2018. A veteran of the U.S. Army and a recipient of the Bronze Star for valor, O’Neal’s journey into politics was unexpected. “I never imagined I would run for office,” O’Neal shared. “But in 2017, I had the opportunity to participate in Leadership Pittsburgh, which exposed me to legislative work in Harrisburg. Shortly after, my predecessor, Brandon Neuman, ran for and won a judicial seat, leaving a vacancy. I was approached about running, and while my initial reaction was ‘hell no,’ my wife and I realized this was an opportunity to serve our community in a significant way.”

Since initially winning a special election to fill the remainder of Rep. Neuman’s term, O’Neal has been re-elected to four full terms in the House and has been recognized by his colleagues to serve as the Republican Whip, a leadership position that tasks him with unifying his party’s legislative priorities and ensuring cohesion within the caucus.

Challenges and Opportunities in the 48th District

The 48th District, which covers a diverse geographical area from the West Virginia border through central Washington County and into the Mon Valley, presents unique challenges. “We have everything from urban areas like the city of Washington to rural townships,” O’Neal noted. “But across the county, many of our constituents share the same values and concerns, which makes my job focused on representing Washington County’s needs without having to divide my attention between multiple counties.”

Despite the diversity in the district, O’Neal emphasized the importance of energy policy, economic development, and infrastructure as key legislative priorities.

The Role of the Republican Whip

As Republican Whip, O’Neal explained his role in maintaining party unity. The term “whip” originates from old English fox hunting, referring to someone who keeps hounds together on the scent. In the legislature, the role involves ensuring party members stay aligned on major issues, particularly in a closely divided House. “It’s a different dynamic in the minority,” O’Neal said. “Instead of securing votes to pass legislation, we’re focused on guiding our caucus and influencing policy discussions.”

Pennsylvania’s Budget and Economic Outlook

One of the most pressing topics discussed was Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion state budget, marking the first time Pennsylvania’s spending plan has surpassed the $50 billion threshold. O’Neal expressed concerns over the sustainability of the budget. “It represents a 7.5% increase in spending while revenue is only projected to grow by 1.3%,” he said. “The governor is relying on revenue sources that haven’t been enacted yet, which is risky.”

He highlighted concerns over drawing from the state’s rainy-day fund, which could be depleted in a few years under the current spending trajectory. O’Neal also pointed to controversial revenue proposals in the governor’s plan, including an accelerated reduction of the corporate net income tax coupled with combined reporting requirements, legalizing adult-use marijuana, regulating and taxing skill games, and raising the minimum wage. “Some of these policies are unlikely to pass, making the budget even more problematic,” he warned.

Energy Policy: A Critical Issue for Pennsylvania

Energy policy was another major topic, given its significance to Washington County’s economy. Pennsylvania remains the top electricity-exporting state within the PJM grid, thanks in large part to natural gas. However, O’Neal criticized current energy policies, particularly the state’s involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). “RGGI is essentially a cap-and-tax program that punishes fossil fuel electricity generation,” he explained. “Governor Shapiro has proposed an alternative, called PACER, which is essentially the same policy under a different name.”

O’Neal argued that such policies discourage investment in Pennsylvania’s energy sector and put the state at a competitive disadvantage against Ohio and West Virginia, which have more business-friendly regulatory environments. “Governor Shapiro often says he doesn’t want to lose to Ohio, but if we’re serious about that, we need to adopt policies that encourage business investment rather than drive it away,” he said.

One potential bright spot is the growing interest in data centers, which require reliable and affordable energy. “There was legislation enacted a few years ago that incentivized data centers,” O’Neal noted. “However, without a coherent statewide energy policy, we risk missing out on opportunities to attract more of these investments.”

Legislative Priorities Moving Forward

Despite serving in a leadership role that requires broader oversight, O’Neal remains actively involved in shaping energy policy. “I’ve always focused on energy, and even though I may not be the prime sponsor of certain bills, I work closely with colleagues to craft policies that support energy production and economic growth,” he said.

One issue that may become more prominent as the budget negotiations move forward is school choice. Last year, Governor Shapiro initially supported the Lifeline Scholarship Program, a school voucher initiative for students in low-performing schools, only to later veto it from the final budget. O’Neal suggested that this program remains a key issue for Republicans and could factor into budget discussions.

When asked about the likelihood of passing a budget on time, O’Neal was cautiously optimistic. “There’s no reason for an extended impasse unless someone insists on unrealistic proposals,” he said. “That being said, the urgency to pass a budget by June 30 isn’t as strong as it once was.”

Looking Ahead

As the 2025-2026 legislative session progresses, O’Neal and his colleagues will continue working on issues that impact both Washington County and the state. With ongoing debates over energy policy, economic development, and budget priorities, Pennsylvania’s legislative landscape remains dynamic. “At the end of the day, my focus is on creating a stable policy environment that encourages growth and investment,” O’Neal concluded.

The Chamber of Commerce webinar provided an informative look at key legislative issues affecting Washington County and Pennsylvania at large. As the legislative session unfolds, local businesses and residents will be watching closely to see how these discussions translate into policy decisions that impact their communities.