Oct 1, 2015 2 min read

I am appalled to learn the Wolf Administration finds court-mandated child welfare and juvenile justice placement as non-essential services and therefore ineligible for funding during the current state budget impasse.

Gov. Tom Wolf has broad discretion over what constitutes essential services for continued funding during the budget impasse, with his decision resting on whether they are necessary for the public’s general health, safety and welfare. How is it possible state parks remain open at a time when services for our children remain unfunded?

His failed reasoning on this issue is a direct consequence of his decision to veto the entire budget presented to him on June 30. Rather than learn from that mistake – and rest assured, it was a mistake – Wolf has now doubled down and vetoed the stopgap budget recently passed by the Legislature. What is the harm in giving these services a portion of the money they need to protect the most vulnerable citizens in Pennsylvania?

Furthermore, what is he holding out for? More spending and more taxes which our commonwealth simply cannot afford? It is time to consider the addition of county child welfare services to the list of critical, essential services to ensure their continued funding.

Let’s hope Wolf agrees.

Camera Bartolotta

Monongahela

Bartolotta is a state senator for Pennsylvania’s 46th Senate District.