Democrats Ask Wolf Not To Veto Entire Budget Legislation

By Tony Romeo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Citing concerns about possible school closures, Democratic state lawmakers are asking Governor Wolf not to do a complete veto of new budget legislation sent to him last week.

In December, Democratic Governor Tom Wolf partially signed and partially vetoed a budget bill. Last week, the Republican-controlled legislature sent him more legislation designed to address unfinished portions of the budget. Even before last week's vote, the governor issued a statement threatening a veto.

Monday, Wolf told reporters legislative Democrats asked to hold off on that veto, but it wasn't clear why. Now, Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, says Democrats are asking the governor not to veto the entire supplemental spending bill, out of concern, in part, for schools.

"We're trying to not have a situation where school districts are shutting down."

Hughes says there's also a need to restore civility in discussions to resolve budget issues.