RockTheCapital.org, a citizen watchdog group in Harrisburg, has issued a three-page report detailing what it calls "an exorbitant amount of supplemental, tax-free income" by House Minority Whip David Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks counties.Argall, the No. 2 ranking Republican in the state House, has been a Harrisburg insider since 1985. Argall, who holds a Ph.D in public administration and teaches political science on the side, has apparently figured out all sorts of ways to pocket taxpayer dollars while serving in the Legislature.
RockTheCapital.org specifically cites Argall's "abuse" of the per diem system.
"Per diems" are extra cash that House and Senate members receive for every day they are in session or attend official meetings more than 50 miles from home, according to RockTheCapital.org.
On top of his annual salary of about $100,000 as a legislative leader, Argall pockets at $15,000-$17,000 a year in "per diem" reimbursements, according to the watchdog group.
"Mr. Argall has a history of abusing per diems. Unfortunately for the taxpayer, there is absolutely no accountability built into the system. With all the money spent and
all the miles traveled by Mr. Argall, Pennsylvania's bridges and roads continue
to crumble beneath our feet," says Eric Epstein, coordinator of the RockTheCapital.org.
Argall, who supported the July 2005 Legislative pay raise, is seeking reelection in the 124th House District.
He is facing an opponent in the April 22 Republican primary in John H. Schickram. The winner of the GOP primary will face Democrat Bill Mackey, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.
"Elected officials are allowed to make a living, but they are not entitled to make a killing," Epstein said. "The amount pocketed by Rep. Argall should raise questions from his constituents as to whether or not he is bilking taxpayers."
To read the full report, "How Much Is David G. Argall Worth? House Reform Committee Member Socks Taxpayers," click here.
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