7/14/16
by News Department on 07/14/16Wolf signs package...
Lawmakers on Wednesday approved a $1.3 billion election year revenue package that hinges on a $1-per-pack cigarette tax increase to balance the state's deficit-riddled budget and avert a lawsuit and a bond downgrade.
A new sales tax on internet downloads will also contribute money, as could an expansion of casino gambling.
And while it does not end the state government's long-term deficit or do much to narrow school disparities, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s numerous concessions helped avert a second straight prolonged and damaging partisan stalemate.
On Wednesday evening, Wolf signed the package, hammered out during weeks of negotiations, to wrap up his second budget since he became governor in 2015.
