Wolf’s Good Cop, Bad Cop Act

During 100-plus days of the state budget impasse, Gov. Wolf’s words and actions have been consistently inconsistent, leaving taxpayers and lawmakers confused. Commonwealth Foundation President and CEO Matt Brouillette noted, “One minute, Governor Wolf puts on a conciliatory face and the next he pulls out his boxing gloves,” making negotiations a difficult affair.

Here are few examples of Gov. Wolf's dizzying rhetoric:

Good Cop: “It’s time for Republicans and Democrats to work together.” (Oct. 7)
Bad Cop: “I want a fight.”(Sept. 29)

Good Cop: “I think we have to be open to everything.” (Oct. 7)
Bad Cop: “I’m not open to a stopgap.” (Oct. 7)

Good Cop: “Every child must have access to a great education, and teachers must have the resources they need to deliver a great education.” (March 3)
Bad Cop: “I want to keep the pressure up.” (Sept. 29)

Good Cop: Wolf-appointed Treasurer advances House Democratic Caucus $1.9 million for payroll. (Sept. 10)
Bad Cop: Wolf administration refuses to advance school districts funds to keep doors open. (Oct. 20)

Good Cop: “We need to agree that you can’t take money away from anything and expect to get to a good outcome.” (Oct. 16)
Bad Cop: Proposes highest in state history tax hikes amounting to $1,400 per family of four. (March 3)

Good Cop: “I pledged to be a different kind of governor, and I will keep that promise.” (Jan. 20)
Bad Cop:Your lack of emotion about our children’s future is exactly what is wrong with Harrisburg.” (Tweet to Majority Leader Jake Corman, Sept. 18)

Good Cop: “I’ve made concession after concession after concession.” (press conference, Oct. 16)
Bad Cop:I’m not going to cave on this. I can’t cave on this.” (Oct. 13)

Matt goes on to say, “Pennsylvanians deserve more than 100 days of ‘good cop-bad cop’ political games. They deserve more than students held hostage to tax hikes. They deserve true leadership.”