Unpacking Governor Wolf’s budget address

Guests: Mary Wilson, Elizabeth Stelle, Michael Wood

On Tuesday, Governor Tom Wolf unveiled his plans for Pennsylvania’s finances via his first budget address as the state’s top official. Balancing the state’s ledger is no easy task, as the state faces a $2.3 billion deficit. Wolf announced many shifts in taxes and funding in order to achieve a functioning state economy, including income and sales tax hikes, a cut in property taxes, and increasing spending on education. On today’s show, we unpack the Wolf’s plans and make predictions as to how probable and effective the Governor’s proposals will be. First, we’re joined by MARY WILSON, capital reporter for WITF in Harrisburg, who will give us a rundown of the proposals, and discuss the reactions of state legislators. Then, we’ll get some analysis of the budget address from ELIZABETH STELLE, director of policy analysis for the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives, and from MICHAEL WOOD, research director for the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center.

Wolf (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)