Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday met with Senate and House Republican Leaders for the first time on the state budget, but only briefly and only to discuss the schedule for future meetings.

Wolf told lawmakers he was going to personally be part of the meetings, but the parties agreed to form work groups in the different issues to see if they can come to a consensus.

House Majority Leader David Reed (R-Indiana) said House Republicans wanted to look at each piece of Wolf’s plan and then “put the jigsaw back together” with their own ideas.

Wolf and his team have said repeatedly his proposal is a package and shouldn’t be taken apart.  Rep. Reed said if Would would prefer a vote on his entire package it would come as soon as the second week in May.  At the same time he doubted whether the package would pass or have 83 Democratic votes in the House.

All parties still said they are aiming to have a budget by June 30.

Wolf Nominations

The Senate took one step toward formal consideration of Gov. Wolf’s cabinet appointments by referring the nominations to the relevant standing committees for confirmation hearings and action.

Senate Committees have scheduled meetings to consider 5 of Gov. Wolf’s cabinet appointments-- Pedro Rivera for Secretary of Education; Curtis Topper as Secretary of General Services; Theodore Dallas as Secretary for Human Services; Eileen McNulty as Secretary of Revenue; and Leslie Richards for Secretary of Transportation.

NewsClips:

Senate Moves Wolf Nominees To Committees For Hearings

Big Week Ahead For Wolf Appointees, Cortes Comes Under Fire

Wolf, GOP Leaders Have First Budget Talks

House, Senate GOP Members React To Budget Meeting With Wolf

State Budget Negotiations Heating Up

Wolf Not Willing To Compromise On His Principles

Reed: No Republican Support For Wolf Budget Plan

Severance Tax Proposal Would Keep Drillers From Passing On Tax

Rep. Saccone Says Severance Tax Plan Bad Economic Policy

Rep. Hanna: Drillers Should Pay Their Fair Share

Corman Previews Meeting With Wolf, GOP Spring Agenda

Senate Dems Discuss Budget Strategy, Property Tax Relief With Wolf

4/20/2015