As the General Assembly convenes for a new legislative session, Gov. Tom Wolf outlined his 2021 agenda. Goals include helping Pennsylvania businesses and workers get on a path to recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, demanding accountability through government reform and more.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed Pennsylvania and exacerbated existing barriers for too many Pennsylvanians. It continues to have negative consequences for businesses, workers and families throughout the commonwealth,” said Wolf. “To get Pennsylvania back on track from the disruptions the pandemic is causing, we need to make major, targeted investments to strengthen our economy, support workers and small business owners, rebuild our infrastructure, and help all Pennsylvanians build a path to financial security.”
As the governor prepares to make his annual Budget Address on Feb. 2, he is calling for action on the following issues:
Get Pennsylvania Back on Track After the Pandemic
– Immediately allocate $145 million to Pennsylvania businesses
– Inject billions into a reformed workforce development system
– Invest in public infrastructure, including school buildings
– Urge the federal government to take action to increase funding for broadband expansion, flood mitigation, contaminant remediation, blight, green infrastructure and transportation projects
– Increase the minimum wage to $12/hour, with a path to $15/hour
Build on Bipartisan Progress
– Reform the criminal justice system, including bail reform, indigent defense funding, a comprehensive expansion to the Clean Slate Law, probation reform and more
– Build on bipartisan health reform to focus on both physical and behavioral health and promote affordability, accessibility and value in healthcare
– Make it easier for Pennsylvanians to enter high-demand professions
– Reduce the corporate net income tax and close the Delaware Loophole
– Legalize adult-use cannabis
Change Harrisburg by Demanding Accountability
– Reintroduce the Governor’s Government Reform Plan, which would place limits on contributions to candidates seeking office, implement aggregate limits for races, place restrictions on Political Action Committees, and strengthen reporting and disclosure requirements across the board
– Curb special interest influence by requiring public officials to submit receipts for taxpayer-funded expenses and banning lobbyists from campaign work
– Build on election reform by allowing pre-canvassing of ballots before Election Day to increase the speed and efficiency of counting ballots and reduce the window for misinformation; allowing for same-day voter registration; and strengthening voter intimidation restrictions
