In 2020, Wolf signed 140 bills into law, only 27 of which directly addressed problems brought on by the coronavirus. The standoff set the tone for future clashes with lawmakers, but Wolf didn’t experience forceful pushback or attempts to limit his powers until the arrival of COVID-19.
The protracted battle lasted until March 2016, when Wolf passively allowed a budget plan to become law. In 2015, Wolf’s first year as governor, his vetoes were primarily directed at the state budget. It has failed to do so during Wolf’s time in office. The legislature can overturn a veto with a two-thirds vote, the standard in most states. Online records that date to 1975 show that Wolf has surpassed Democrat Bob Casey Sr.’s 50 vetoes between 19, but not Democrat Milton Shapp, who rejected more than 70 bills during his two terms in office. In Wolf’s seven years in office, he has vetoed 54 bills and resolutions.
A spokesperson for House Republicans did not respond to a request for comment.
TOM WOLF PRO
Republicans say their agenda reflects the demands of their constituents and the current economy and call Wolf’s vetoes an attack on constitutional and civil rights.Īfter Wolf vetoed a bill that would have banned proof-of-vaccination requirements, Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre, and Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, released a statement saying the governor is “ running roughshod” over the civil liberties of Pennsylvania residents.Ĭorman’s spokesperson referred questions for this article to Ward’s office, which declined to comment. “Instead, they have spent the last several months passing terrible bills all while Pennsylvania’s minimum wage remains frozen at $7.25 an hour.”īarely making it: Real workers debunk myths about living on minimum wage in Pennsylvania “The Republican-controlled General Assembly is failing Pennsylvanians by refusing to pass legislation to make voting more accessible, reduce gun violence and fairly pay and protect our workers,” Rementer told Spotlight PA. Wolf spokesperson Elizabeth Rementer said the governor rejects legislation when it’s not in the best interest of all Pennsylvanians. The GOP says the change in strategy turns over decision-making to the voters, and critics say it circumvents the checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches. Wolf’s veto tally grew extensively during the pandemic and will likely expand during his final 13 months in office, as GOP leaders continue to largely bypass his agenda and push items such as mandated voter ID and curbs on the executive’s power.Īs Wolf has exercised his veto pen, Republican legislators have increasingly turned to constitutional amendments to advance their priorities.
Tom Wolf has vetoed more than 50 bills as he begins his final year in office, a number that illustrates the institutionalized gridlock between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled General Assembly. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Watch Video: VIDEO: Wolf says no plans in Pennsylvania for a new mask mandate
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