Wolf is wishing for Pa. budget

Gov. Tom Wolf and conservative House Republicans continue clashing over a Pennsylvania budget plan, now five and a half months late.

House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, is demanding changes to a budget proposal passed by the Senate a week ago. His caucus says the $30.8 billion plan calls for spending far too much money.

But Wolf said he won’t stray from the Senate’s proposal, the result of a tentative deal reached before Thanksgiving.

“It’s time to stop negotiating,” said Wolf. “Let’s get a budget. I want a budget.”

That leaves Wolf waiting on the House, with its historic Republican majority and what appear to be rifts between its Republican leaders.

Wolf spoke to reporters after attending the tree-lighting ceremony in the Capitol rotunda.

“It’s time for hope. It’s time to make big wishes,” he said during the event. “I’d like to wish for a budget, if that’s all right.”