Lawmakers react to Wolf’s proposed budget

Following Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget address on Tuesday, legislators representing the Times News area were mostly critical of the proposed $36 billion budget, but for different reasons.

State Reps. Jerry Knowles, R-Schuylkill/Carbon, and Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, took issue with the overall increases in spending which Wolf has proposed in his 2020-21 budget.

In the local Senate delegation, John Yudichak, I-Luzerne/Carbon, said he wants the budget to do more for job growth in his district, especially in light of news the announced closure of a state hospital and a state prison located in his district.

State Sen. David G. Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks, was concerned about $45 million in cuts to school safety programs.

Legislators plan to go over the governor’s proposal in detail throughout the rest of the week, and departmental budget hearings will begin in the Senate later this month.

The deadline for a budget is June 30, when the current fiscal year ends.

School safety

Argall expressed shock that the governor’s proposed budget asks legislators to cut $45 million from school safety programs. He predicted that the cuts will not survive budget negotiations in the House and Senate.

“Let me make this prediction: House and Senate Republicans and Democrats will work in a bipartisan basis to reverse the governor’s irresponsible and dangerous cuts to school safety funding,” Argall said.

Argall said he fought hard to have that funding included in last year’s budget, holding roundtable discussions across the state where people discussed the importance of investing in school security.

He also proposed providing school security funding to nonpublic schools and faith based institutions, which was included in the 2019-20 budget.

“It’s hard to believe that after we fought to include this money last year, the governor is proposing cuts instead of working to ensure that our children have a safe and secure learning environment,” he said.

Job creation

Yudichak said he would like to see more focus on growing the economy and good-paying jobs.

In a statement, he said the state needs to pass bills aimed at economic development such as the energy and fertilizer manufacturing tax credit. He said that legislation specifically will help attract petrochemical manufacturing companies looking to make billion-dollar investments and create thousands of jobs.

“As budget negotiations begin, I will work to ensure the people of northeastern Pennsylvania are at the budget table and push for a final budget that does more to invest in the people and communities of northeastern Pennsylvania,” Yudichak said.

He said the need is more pressing with the upcoming closure of a state prison and a state hospital located in his district in Luzerne County.

Wolf proposed assistance for communities where a state facility closes in the form of a state grant fund. Yudichak said it was a good first step, but much more needs to be done to help Luzerne County overcome the loss of SCI-Retreat and White Haven Center.

Yudichak said the facilities provide $100 million in economic impact and more than 800 jobs.

School funding

Heffley released a statement criticizing the increase in spending, fees and taxes proposed in the budget. Heffley said holding the line will lead to continued economic growth.

“Last year, we passed an on-time budget that carried a surplus and we should be looking to do the same with this spending plan,” he said.

Heffley said he would like to see funding go toward Carbon County’s financially struggling school districts instead of to new programs to fund colleges and early child education.

“Before we start diverting funds for higher education, and expanding programs, we really need to focus on our K-12 right now,” he said.

Accountability

Knowles said that Wolf has ignored the legislature’s wishes to rein in spending, opting to increase it instead. Knowles said the proposed budget contains $2 billion in additional spending — $36 billion versus $34 billion in 2019-20.

Rep. Jack Rader, R-Monroe, agreed, “The governor’s proposal does not raise taxes, but one thing I don’t understand is how he can spend more money at the same time.”

“I was disappointed the governor made no mention of property tax reform, which is a huge issue in my district. I also have concerns about his offline spending, which is something we will need to address.

“Overall, I would like to find common ground with the administration and take a common-sense approach to governing. If the governor wants to go in that direction, then I’m all for that.”

Knowles said that the governor actually overspent this year’s budget by $800 million.

He said he was also disappointed that the governor completely avoided the issue of property tax elimination, which is important to his constituents.

“This guy never ceases to amaze me. Basically it’s more spending, more taxes and more borrowing,” he said.