Wolf calls for tax fairness in pre-recorded budget address
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf acknowledged the unusual nature of this year's annual budget address.
"It's perhaps the only time in the last century that a governor has not made the annual budget address in person," he said in a pre-recorded message. "Instead, today I am talking to you directly — all of my fellow Pennsylvanians. And maybe this is the way it ought to be done."
Rather than presenting his budget live, Wolf used photos and graphics to try to push back on the Republican message of tax hikes.
"Let's start with taxes. Nobody likes paying them. But I think we can all agree that some things can only be accomplished with everybody chipping in," he said.
"The question isn't whether taxes are unpleasant or necessary. They're both. The real question is whether everybody is paying a fair share — and whether we're all getting our money's worth. And the truth is, the answer to both questions right now is 'no.' "
Republicans in the state Legislature call the budget irresponsible, arguing the governor would overspend and significantly raise taxes.
House appropriations chair Stan Saylor (R-York County) said Wolf's plan would carry a $7 billion tax increase, which he calls "just preposterous." Minority House appropriations chair Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery County) countered if Republicans have a better solution to address inequality, they should offer it. As he put it, "crickets" are not an option.
Wolf maintains his budget makes the tax system and education funding fairer.
"Imagine: No more chronic underfunding. No more budget gimmicks, shifting around money to hide our shortfalls," he added.
Rather than "nibble around the edges" of problems facing Pennsylvanians, he said it's time to tackle them head-on.
