State Representative David Maloney raised concerns on Mar. 6 about the allocation of gaming revenue to projects beyond its original purpose, specifically pointing to the use of these funds for a passenger rail initiative in Berks County.
Maloney said that money intended for property tax relief is being redirected to other programs, which affects resources available for local taxpayers. He highlighted Local Share Account grants as one example where gaming money is used for new purposes.
According to Maloney, “fire and EMS grants, while they are good things that should be funded, were created by looting the property relief fund.” He also said that “the Pennsylvania Game Commission is using your property tax relief funds to pay its own taxes while the commission has over $500 million in the bank.” Maloney outlined how county commissioners from Berks, Montgomery, and Chester counties formed the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) in 2022 with plans to establish a passenger rail line from Reading to Philadelphia. The authority received several federal and state grants totaling more than $2 million dedicated toward planning and operational costs.
Maloney said operating expenses funded by taxpayers across three counties amounted to $180,282 in 2024 alone, covering director services, legal fees, marketing and insurance. Planning costs of $347,867 were reimbursed under a federal program. He questioned claims that such projects come at no cost to residents because they rely on grants or bonds: “When the county commissioners say a project won’t cost the public a dime because of grants or bonds, that is your money, your state and federal taxes!”
He also pointed out challenges faced by similar rail initiatives elsewhere in Pennsylvania: “Most do not [succeed]. They often suffer from massive budget overruns, significant delays or failure to meet ridership goals.” Citing recent funding issues between SEPTA and Amtrak’s Keystone Service route as an example of financial instability among regional transit systems.
Maloney represents communities throughout Berks County including Alsace Township and Boyertown according to his official website. He serves as Republican chairman for the House Game and Fisheries Committee per his official website and supports efforts such as allowing public schools to host hunter education courses as noted on his website. His legislative priorities include eliminating property taxes; protecting children through background checks; fostering private sector jobs; safeguarding property rights; promoting conservation; establishing First Responders Day; requiring POW/MIA flag displays on state properties; and mandating school reporting of child abuse according to his official website.
Maloney concluded by criticizing spending priorities: “that $400,000 LSA grant to study a train? Sorry EMS, sorry volunteer firefighters…no new ambulance or fire truck for you – courtesy of our county ‘leadership.'”
