As the General Assembly votes on the latest state budget proposal, Gov. Tom Wolf has promised to veto the measure if it gets to his desk.
The proposal comes in at $30 billion in total spending – $800 million less than in the agreement made (and later broken) before Christmas and $300 million less than in the budget Wolf vetoed on Dec. 29th.
The proposal also contains no tax increases for the 2015-16 fiscal year, Charles Thompson of the Patriot-News reports.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Wolf guaranteed his veto and called the GOP proposal “simply unproductive and a waste of taxpayer resources.”
“Despite repeated efforts by my administration to work with Republican leaders to find compromise, including over the last couple days, Republican leaders are once again insistent on passing another irresponsible and unbalanced budget that does not fund our schools or fix the deficit,” the Governor said.
Wolf told GOP legislative leaders to “stop the partisan games” and work with him towards a comprehensive final budget that includes improved education funding and deficit-reduction measures.
“The math in the latest version still does not work. Even using the Republicans’ questionable math and assumptions, the budget creates a $1.6 billion deficit that will prompt massive cuts to education, teacher layoffs, higher property taxes and cuts to vital programs for seniors,” Wolf said. “This budget not only does nothing to address Pennsylvania’s challenges, but by continuing to kick the can down the road, it further exacerbates our problems.”
The 2015-16 budget is now 37 weeks late.
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7 Responses
Get all the Rs in a room with some sample medical reefer and make them sign on the dotted line Wolf then give them cheeseburgers and kick them out.
Yes Lou, they do, and they want those taxes to go toward education. That’s the platform Wolf was elected on.
“Republican legislative leaders are hoping to put an end to the 9-month stalemate.”
They had their chance to do that in December, but reneged.
Yes Lou, they do, and they want those taxers to go toward education. That’s the platform Wolf was elected on.
“Republican legislative leaders are hoping to put an end to the 9-month stalemate.”
They had their chance to do that in December, but reneged.
Also, can we stop calling the budget “late.” One was passed on time – and vetoed. And a final was passed in December – and enacted into law – just with another $6B in cuts from the Governor. Worst case: that’s the budget. But there IS a budget.
Not sure how to call this a GOP budget when it passed with veto proof bipartisan #’s in the House. This may be Wolf’s first huge defeat if they can override the veto. Then who does he blame?
I still have campaign people to hire. Please pass my budget
I want higher taxes…income…sales…..that’s why wolf was elected…people want to pay higher taxes…duh