Tax increase on sales or income seen as unlikely
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Senate’s top Democrat says a final budget agreement probably won’t include an increase in the sales or personal income tax that Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has sought to boost education funding and wipe out a deficit.
Still, Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa said Monday that differences remain between Democrats and Republicans in talks to end a four-month-old budget stalemate. He also says $2 billion in new revenue is necessary to correct a long-term deficit and ensure that schools and human services aren’t squeezed next year.