(Harrisburg) -- The city of Harrisburg's move to file for municipal bankruptcy protection could affect the future of financially struggling cities across the country. Neil Grover, leader of citizen activist group "DebtWatch Harrisburg," says the Chapter nine petition filed today in federal bankruptcy court could lead to a lengthy legal battle pitting the state against the city. He says the outcome is uncertain and that hurts everyone in the region. "We have culture and museums and entertainment and music and a riverfront that's amazing. All of those positives that affect the lives of everyone in the region are still there and those are now all at-risk. All of them," he says. "So, what hurts Harrisburg will hurt everybody in terms of the quality of life that they have." Republican state Senator Jeffrey Piccola of Dauphin County says in a statement that city council's move is "reckless." He says it's illegal for Harrisburg to file for bankruptcy after lawmakers amended the state's fiscal code this summer. City Council members voted 4-3 last night to file for bankruptcy. Harrisburg is dealing with a budget deficit and more than $300 million in debt related to its trash incinerator.