End of Budget Gridlock in Wolf’s Hands

Legislature Sends State Budget to Governor’s Desk

December 23, 2015, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Today, the state legislature, with bi-partisan support, sent a $30.26 billion budget to Gov. Wolf’s desk, giving the governor the chance to end the six-month budget gridlock.

“With Christmas just two days away, only one person stands between budget gridlock and moving Pennsylvania forward, and that’s Gov. Tom Wolf,” commented Matthew Brouillette, president and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation. “The budget heading to the governor’s desk delivers record-high funding for education and meets all state spending priorities without drastically increasing Pennsylvanians’ state and local tax burden. It’s time for Gov. Wolf to lay down his demand for higher taxes and pick up his pen and sign this budget.”

Gov. Wolf set off the budget impasse by vetoing a no-tax hike budget in June. Since then, he’s refused to approve emergency funding for schools and social service agencies, bringing them to the brink of closure. Instead, Wolf has continued to demand tax increases on Pennsylvania families, who already shoulder the 10th-highest state and local tax burden in the nation.

“The governor has inflicted enough pain on Pennsylvanians by dragging out this impasse for months on end,” Brouillette continued. “What better Christmas gift to give Pennsylvanians than ending the pain and passing a budget that benefits, not burdens, Pennsylvania families? We urge Gov. Wolf to sign this budget immediately.” 

Matthew Brouillette and other Commonwealth Foundation experts are available for comment. Please contact Gina Diorio at 862-703-6670 or [email protected] to schedule an interview.

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