Wolf, Pa. lawmakers to pick up budget talks veto of GOP’s plan

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf sought to restart budget talks with legislative leaders today, less than a day after he vetoed a $30.2 billion Republican-crafted spending plan that every Democrat voted against.

Wolf invited House and Senate negotiators to his Capitol offices for an afternoon session, seeking to find a way to bridge the vast gap between the budget he wants, which would raise taxes and substantially increase education funding, and the GOP plan that had no new taxes and much more modest school spending.

The first-term Democrat’s written veto message sent to the House late Tuesday illustrated the challenge they face in looking for a deal. Republicans hold substantial majorities in both chambers, and there has been little evidence the sides are anywhere near a compromise.

Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Philadelphia, said he would not be surprised if the budget standoff lasted for months, perhaps to the end of this year.