Gov. Wolf Just Unveiled His Budget, Here Are 5 Things To Know

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday released a $34.1 billion preliminary state budget that holds the line on taxes, outlining a plan that he contended could build the nation’s strongest state workforce.

In his budget address to the General Assembly, Wolf said the spending plan invests in workforce and education initiatives, increases opportunities for the agriculture industry, supports increased substance abuse treatment programs and funds enhanced care for seniors.

“Today, I present a comprehensive plan to help grow our economy by continuing to invest in our workforce,” he said. “This plan calls on contributions from the business community, labor unions, educators, research institutions, students, parents, and adult workers. And it increases opportunity for every Pennsylvanian at every stage of life – from birth to retirement.”

Here are five things to know about the proposed budget:

• It would raise the state minimum wage.

As he outlined last week, Wolf wants to increase the state minimum wage to $12 an hour on July 1, with annual increases that would hike the minimum to $15 per hour by 2025.

• It does not contain a tax on natural gas drilling.

Wolf last week again proposed a natural gas levy to create a $4.5 billion program to fund a variety of projects. But the proposal was not part of the spending plan, most likely because of the political reality that it wouldn’t fly in the GOP-controlled legislature.

• It continues investments in education and career training.

The budget provides funding increase for elementary, middle and high school and higher education. It includes increases of $200 million for basic education, $50 million for pre-kindergarten and Head Start, $50 million for special education, $7 million for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and $8 million in one-time grants for community college students or graduates working in Pennsylvania. Wolf also has proposed raising the starting wage for teachers in Pennsylvania to $45,000.

• It would establish the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center.

Expressing a desire for government, schools and industry to work together better, Wolf would bring together the departments of Community and Economic Development, Labor and Industry, State and other to partner with external agencies to work develop programs and solutions that would strengthen the workforce.

• It would invest in early childhood development and parental support programs.

The proposed budget provides $5 million to expand home-visiting programs for pregnant women and at-risk infants and toddlers, $15 million in federal funds to reduce waiting lists for high-quality childcare, and $5 million for wrap-around services so parents can attend college or other training to obtain job skills.

Photo: Governor's press office.