Governor Wolf announced in March that he will neither sign nor veto the proposed budget sent him by the Republican-controlled General Assembly, allowing it to become law. The Governor has indicated that the proposed budget does not balance, and does not fulfill his promised educational reform initiatives, but he will concentrate his efforts on negotiating a better deal for the 2016/17 budget.
The budget as proposed contains no new taxes. It increases spending for basic education by $200 million, which is still $175 million less than proposed by the Governor. This budget will allow schools and government operations to continue without operation for the remainder of the fiscal year.
The Governor's reaction took many by surprise, and despite the Governor's unwillingness to address it, may have been prompted by legislators in his own party. To override the Governor's threatened veto, 16 Democrat House members would have needed to vote for override, which many press outlets were purporting to be possible. Complicating this matter further is the appearance of obstinacy or the willingness to assess additional taxes during the election season, which affects both parties in negotiations.
This truce will prove to be short lived, as the budget negotiations for the 2016/17 fiscal year will begin in earnest soon. PFMA thanks all members that have continued grassroots advocacy with their elected officials.
The budget as proposed contains no new taxes. It increases spending for basic education by $200 million, which is still $175 million less than proposed by the Governor. This budget will allow schools and government operations to continue without operation for the remainder of the fiscal year.
The Governor's reaction took many by surprise, and despite the Governor's unwillingness to address it, may have been prompted by legislators in his own party. To override the Governor's threatened veto, 16 Democrat House members would have needed to vote for override, which many press outlets were purporting to be possible. Complicating this matter further is the appearance of obstinacy or the willingness to assess additional taxes during the election season, which affects both parties in negotiations.
This truce will prove to be short lived, as the budget negotiations for the 2016/17 fiscal year will begin in earnest soon. PFMA thanks all members that have continued grassroots advocacy with their elected officials.
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