Local GOP Legislator Says Wolf Jumped The Gun On Compromise
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Late Wednesday afternoon, Governor Wolf lashed out at Republican legislators for summarily rejecting his proposed budget compromises.
"Today is a startling example of how broken Harrisburg is. This is really ridiculous," Wolf declared. "Never in my life -- and I've been in negotiations all my adult life -- I have never been in negotiations like this."
On Thursday, some local Republican legislators said Wolf over-reacted.
"I was a little bit surprised that he was that quick to come and say that the proposal that he had offered was dismissed when really the leaders and our caucus in the House hadn't really looked at the proposal," PA Rep. Mark Mustio, a Moon Republican, told KDKA political editor Jon Delano.
Mustio said Wolf's latest proposal on both pensions and liquor reform might lead to compromise but the Republicans need time.
"That's why I think there needed to be some time to look at those numbers in more detail and then come back with a response."
On pensions, most Republicans want 401K accounts for new public employees instead of the more costly defined benefit plan. Wolf offered to allow 401Ks for employees making $75,000 or more.
On liquor reform, many Republicans want to sell off or privatize the entire system. Wolf says he's willing to lease the whole system to private management.
But the governor wants something from the Republicans in return like a tax on gas drilling and more education funds.
"And what do I get in return? Nothing. I got nothing on severance tax. Nothing. I got nothing on education. Nothing," Wolf declared.
"I got nothing on property tax relief. And I got nothing on how we are actually going to balance this budget."
Is there a middle ground?
"Yes, there are enough members to get together to work on a compromise proposal," said Mustio, "but when you are talking in public one way and in private totally different trying to get the spin, it just doesn't make much sense."
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