Wolf Calls For Gas Tax To Fund Workforce Development Efforts

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday called for a state natural gas extraction tax to provide $3 billion for coronavirus outbreak workforce development and economic recovery efforts.

Wolf said his Back to Work PA plan would benefit workers most significantly impacted by the pandemic. The proposal would funnel money to support development for high-demand and well-paying occupations.

“Pennsylvania needs a comprehensive, forward-thinking plan to jump-start our economy and support our workforce,” Wolf said at a news conference announcing the program.

“Back to Work PA will make strategic and comprehensive investments to build a stronger and more diverse workforce, support Pennsylvania businesses while attracting businesses to the commonwealth, and assist communities with economic recovery efforts – all of which will help us get back on track and build a brighter future for Pennsylvania.”

Wolf's proposal would need approval from the Republican-controlled General Assembly, which has resisted previous calls for an extraction tax.

The plan would invest in apprenticeship programs for health care, child care, information technology and manufacturing jobs. It also would provide child care subsidies, provide money for employers to develop or expand on-site child care and expand child care providers in locations currently lacking them.

The program also would provide money for the reuse of industrial sites and funds for municipalities that have suffered financial losses because of the pandemic. It also would help pay to provide the infrastructure to help provide high-speed internet access to areas of the state that don't have it.

The Back to Work PA proposal is part of Wolf's 2021-22 budget proposal, which calls for tax increases for wealthier families, tax cuts for lower-income families and significant funding boosts for school districts and workforce development.