Erie County Times

Gov. Tom Wolf is approaching his final days in office and while he said his administration has made strides for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, he was disappointed in the Republican legislators in the General Assembly for leaving some issues on the table following the final legislative session of the year.

“As the 2021-22 legislative session draws to a close, it’s extremely disappointing that measures that would have lifted up Pennsylvanians, strengthened democracy through important election reforms, and improved public health and safety in our communities  will not be addressed,” Wolf said in a release. “Yet again, Republicans in the General Assembly have failed to prioritize the real needs of Pennsylvanians.”

He added, “I have made it my priority to focus on the issues that make Pennsylvanians’ lives better and although my time left in office is limited, I will continue to prioritize this great commonwealth and all of our constituents.”

One area Wolf touched upon was crime. He said Republicans failed to pass “common sense” bills to curb gun violence, despite saying they are tough on crime.

Wolf has also repeatedly proposed sending direct $2,000 payments to households to help with rising costs and inflation, which was not addressed. He said the state’s minimum wage is “embarrassingly low” and that it needs to be addressed, as well.

With voting around the corner in the next election, Wolf was upset the General Assembly did not address the 21 days of canvassing that was requested by county officials.

He also said there was a proposed regulation for the Protected Classes list in the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and Pennsylvania Fair Opportunities Act that has not moved forward. This involves adding the words “sex,” “race,” and “religious creed” to the Protected Classes lists.

Another major area, he said, is the “critical and ongoing need” for behavioral health services. He said the legislature has not allocated the $100 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds that were appropriated in the budget about four months ago. A commission was created to make recommendations for the use of the federal money, and Wolf said it needs to be taken care of to help Pennsylvanians in need.

“Individuals who need these services can’t wait and this inaction is a blatant disregard for vulnerable constituents and the mental health care system,” Gov. Wolf said. “My administration fully supports the commission’s recommendations and applauds the commission’s swift work to provide thoughtful and comprehensive recommendations to the legislature that are widely supported by stakeholders.”