Stairs plans run for House Appropriations Committee seat
HARRISBURG – A local state lawmaker wants to become chairman of the state House Appropriations Committee, a panel that controls all state spending and can determine the fate of legislation. Rep. Jess Stairs (R-Acme) told House leaders that he is interested in the prestigious assignment. At least two other Republican lawmakers also are seeking the post: Rep. Samuel Rohrer of Berks County and Rep. David Argall of Schuylkill County.
Argall’s “the leadership’s choice right now,” said Stairs, who represents parts of Bullskin and Saltlick townships in Fayette County. “I’m definitely the underdog, but I’m certainly going to give a good fight.”
The House Republican Caucus plans to vote Monday on a successor for Rep. John Barley, a Lancaster County Republican. Barley, appropriations chairman since 1996, resigned Wednesday from the state House amid controversy over his personal and professional dealings.
Stairs says he has the experience to do a good job.
“I certainly know that we’re going to have a very difficult budget this year,” he said. “I was a member in two difficult budget years, in 1977 and 1991, and during both those budgets, Democrats were in charge. And this time we’re in charge, so I know it’s going to be very difficult, and I feel with my experience I can lead our caucus during this very difficult time.”
With the economy in recession and the state government facing a $622 million revenue shortfall this year, Gov. Mark Schweiker says the state must tighten its belts. He’s proposed a modest budget for next fiscal year that includes only a 1- percent increase over the current year’s budget.
Stairs has served in the Legislature for 25 years and has been chairman of the House Education Committee for the past eight. He says he can use this experience to craft a shrewd budget.
“Education [spending] is almost half of the budget,” Stairs said. “It’s going to be an important debate area.”
Being Appropriations chairman will require Stairs to spend even more time at the Capitol and less time in his district, Stairs admits, but it also has its advantages.
“Obviously, the Appropriations chairman is a very influential person regarding fiscal matters of the state,” Stairs said.
“I would represent the whole state, but certainly I think I’d be able to help out our area in some way.”
But first Stairs must win the position, which won’t be easy. Most of the Republicans live in the eastern part of the state, which makes a western Pennsylvanian like Stairs an outsider.
“Western Pennsylvania really doesn’t have any influence in Harrisburg right now in leadership on the Republican side,” he said.