Wolf says Pa. budget can hit goals without major tax increase

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is backing off his proposal for an increase on sales or income taxes, and now says his budget priorities can be met without it.

Wolf said Tuesday that budget negotiations are going well, even though tight-lipped negotiators are reporting no agreements with nine days until the fiscal-year deadline.

Wolf spoke during a regular appearance on Pittsburgh radio station KDKA-AM.

Wolf now says his priorities are a balanced budget with a $250 million increase for public schools and $34 million more for heroin addiction programs.

He's also echoing Senate Democrats' concerns about a gambling expansion under consideration in the House to help balance the budget. He says the proposals carry somewhat questionable revenues that may pose a threat to collections from casino gambling and lottery sales.