Wolf launches a budget fraught with deficits, uncertainty
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf is asking lawmakers to raise income taxes on higher earners and give public schools a massive boost in aid. He delivered his annual budget address in a pre-recorded video Wednesday as he faces a gaping deficit and uncertainty over how much more pandemic relief the federal government will send. The Democratic governor is asking the Republican-controlled Legislature to increase the personal income tax to raise $4 billion over a full-year, or about 25% more. The cash would go to public schools and help fill a multibillion-dollar deficit inflicted by the pandemic. It is likely dead on arrival in the Legislature.