HARRISBURG — In anticipation of Tom Wolf’s anniversary as Governor, the Republican Party of Pennsylvania is taking a look back on some of the major issues that occurred during his first year in office.
Today, we highlight Governor Tom Wolf’s decision to put campaigning ahead of negotiating with legislative leaders before the budget deadline.
“Tom Wolf decided that instead of negotiating with legislative leaders in the final month before the June 30th budget deadline, he would rather form a shadow political organization to do his bidding. Wolf put playing politics over working on policy when he announced a new PAC instead of working with the legislature on a budget.” — PA GOP Communications Director Megan Sweeney
Tom Wolf Chooses Politics over Policy
Last January, Tom Wolf pledged to “be a different kind of governor” in his inaugural address. “During my campaign, I pledged to be a different kind of governor, and I will keep that promise. We need leaders today who are willing to listen to each other . . . and learn from each other . . . and work together to give all Pennsylvanians a shot at a great life.” (“Governor Wolf’s Inaugural Address,” Office of the Governor, 1/20/2015)
In March, Wolf preached that he could “disagree with people without being disagreeable.” “I learned as a business owner that you can disagree with people without being disagreeable and that on every issue, if you are willing to talk, there’s a better chance that you can find truths that both sides can share.” (“Governor Wolf’s 2015-2016 Budget Speech,” Office of the Governor, 3/3/2015)
But while lawmakers spent June passing a budget, pension and liquor reform… (Christen Alexandersen, “Republican-crafted budget passes the Senate, now goes to Gov. Tom Wolf,” Harrisburg Patriot-News, 6/30/2015), (John Finnerty, “GOP packs liquor, pension overhauls into budget; Wolf will veto bill,” Sunbury Daily Item, 6/30/2015)
Tom Wolf was forming a shadow political group named Rebuild Pennsylvania to attack those who disagreed with his far-left agenda. (Chris Brennan, “Wolf to unveil new PAC to push his agenda,” Philadelphia Inquirer, 6/23/2015), (Steve Esack, “Wolf’s new PAC a budget attack tool or separate campaign effort?,” Allentown Morning Call, 6/23/2015)
The shadow group’s spokesman claimed it wouldn’t be used during budget negotiations… “The governor does not plan to use the PAC as part of his budget negotiations, [Rebuild PA spokesman Mike] Mikus said Monday.” (Steve Esack, “Wolf’s new PAC a budget attack tool or separate campaign effort?,” Allentown Morning Call, 6/23/2015)
- But the next day, Wolf’s shadow groups started attacking Republicans who disagreed with his tax hikes. “But by Tuesday, Mikus was talking budget. In an email, Mikus accused Senate Republicans…” (Steve Esack, “Wolf’s new PAC a budget attack tool or separate campaign effort?,” Allentown Morning Call, 6/23/2015)
“Wolf’s gubernatorial campaign has continued to regularly blast out fundraising emails, he has started a new political action committee called Rebuild Pennsylvania, and he has voiced a radio ad paid for by America Works USA that is critical of Republicans.” (Marc Levy, “Air war over Pennsylvania budget standoff to hit TV screens,” Associated Press, 7/8/2015)
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