Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf says he'll let a roughly $31 billion spending bill become law without his signature, even though lawmakers are struggling to figure out how to pay for some of it.
Wolf said Sunday that he has faith that lawmakers will act. The governor's aides say the administration won't spend more money than it has coming in if the Republican-controlled Legislature doesn't approve an acceptable revenue package.
But they couldn't immediately say how that would affect programs.
The bill becomes law without his signature midnight Monday. On Sunday night, the House ended an unusual session without action on major legislation. Meanwhile, another nearly $600 million in aid to Penn State, Temple, Pitt, Lincoln and Penn remains in limbo in the House.
House Majority Leader Dave Reed says there's still disagreement over where to get the $1.3 billion necessary to balance the spending plan. Discussion is centering on a $1 per-pack cigarette tax increase and an expansion of casino-style gambling.
Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa says letting the spending bill become law keeps dollars flowing to schools and other important programs. Top Senate Republicans say they're committed to working toward an agreement to fully fund the spending bill.
Discussion of a $1.3 billion revenue package centers on a $1 per-pack cigarette tax increase and an expansion of casino-style gambling.
The House and Senate return to session Monday. The bill becomes law without Wolf's signature midnight Monday.
The governor's office says the administration can't spend more money than it has coming in. But it couldn't immediately say how that would affect programs, should revenue negotiations fail.
