Governor Wolf To Negotiate With House GOP On Property Taxes

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A committee vote on a state House Republican property tax relief plan was delayed Tuesday because Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has indicated he wants a chance to negotiate with lawmakers first.

Governor Wolf's budget proposal includes raising income and sales taxes while lowering property taxes. House Republicans, meanwhile, have advanced their own property tax relief plan. Wolf and his subordinates have repeatedly asserted that his budget proposal needs to be considered as a whole. Spokesman Jeff Sheridan says that is not at odds with the governor's desire to negotiate on property taxes.

"We haven't backed off of that," he says. "The governor's property tax proposal is part of his budget. He is committed to what his property tax plan does. But there are now two proposals out there and we want to make sure that we reach the ultimate goal, which is providing property tax relief."

The House majority leader says, however, that without a 'solid agreement' with the governor, the GOP will move ahead with consideration of its own property tax relief plan in May.