Wolf says he detects a “very different tone” in budget negotiations

(Harrisburg) — The state’s budget deadline is creeping closer.

Speaking on Radio PA’s “Ask the Governor” program, Wolf says the tone is very different compared to last year.

“The tone seems to me to be very different from last year. We are, and have been engaged in conversations for some time now, and I think there is a real interest in getting this done. I don’t think anybody wants to have the kind of impasse that we had last year,” says Wolf.

His first round of budget negotiations stretched about nine months past the budget deadline – as his administration and Republicans fought over funding levels.

This time, he says he gets the sense no one wants to repeat last year’s mess.

“The staff plays a very important role, but I think especially given the party divide right now, it’s important that I be involved as well, so I am,” he says.

During the impasse, school districts had to borrow nearly $1 billion to cover their bills while waiting for a budget, costing taxpayers an estimated $50 million in interest payments.

Nonprofits also cut back on services and staff because their funding was held up.

Wolf’s proposed budget includes billions of dollars in new taxes that would be put towards education, pensions, and infrastructure.

Republican leaders say they want a more restrained spending plan, and won’t accept new taxes without an overhaul of the pension system.