Tom Wolf (politician)

Tom Wolf (2019)

Thomas Westerman "Tom" Wolf (born November 17, 1948 in York , Pennsylvania ) is an American politician and businessman . He has been the governor of the state of Pennsylvania since January 20, 2015 . Wolf belongs to the Democratic Party .

Previous career

Education, entrepreneurial career and political beginnings

Wolf is from the city of York, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1948. In 1972 he received the Dartmouth College a Bachelor of Arts . He obtained a Master of Arts degree from the University of London in 1978 , followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in 1982 . During his studies he was a member of the Peace Corps , for which he spent two years in India . After his academic career, Wolf began working for the family company The Wolf Organization , which specializes in the manufacture of kitchens.

After serving on a commission advising the Pennsylvania state government on economic issues, Wolf was appointed Secretary of Revenue of Pennsylvania by Governor Ed Rendell in April 2007 . He held this post until November 2008. After leaving the government of the state, he initially planned to apply for the governorship in 2010. Wolf decided against it, however, after he had brought the company back into family ownership, which had been sold a few years earlier and was now facing bankruptcy , and had taken over management of the company. In the following years he succeeded in restructuring the company.

Candidate for governor of Pennsylvania in 2014

Map of Pennsylvania with the results of the 2014 gubernatorial election by counties :

Majority for Tom Wolf (D)

Majority for Tom Corbett (R)

In April 2013 Tom Wolf announced his candidacy for the office of governor of his home state. He invested around ten million US dollars in his election campaign and received another five million dollars in donations. In December 2013, he resigned as head of the family business due to his election campaign. On May 20, 2014, the party's primary elections took place in Pennsylvania . Wolf was able to prevail in the Democratic primary with just under 58 percent of the vote, which meant he was nominated as their candidate. State Senator Mike Stack won the Democratic primaries for the office of lieutenant governor . Although the primary elections for both offices take place separately, Wolf and Stack stood as a duo on the ballot paper in the actual election.

In the gubernatorial election on November 4, 2014 , Wolf triumphed over the Republican incumbent Tom Corbett with 54.9 percent of the vote. Since the primaries in May 2014, Wolf has been able to lead all opinion polls by a considerable margin, even if his opponent succeeded in improving his scores. Political observers attributed Wolf's victory, which was accompanied by rather unfavorable conditions for his party nationally, to the mood against Governor Corbett, who had fallen out of favor with many voters due to his extensive austerity measures and socio-political controversies.

In his election manifesto, Wolf demanded, among other things, the introduction of a tax for the fracking industry. According to his will, revenues from the natural gas obtained through fracking should be subject to a five percent tax rate. He also spoke out in favor of higher income tax increases. According to Wolf, the proceeds from the additional income should benefit the education budget and increased environmental protection . Wolf also called for the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to be raised from 7.25 to 10 US dollars an hour.

Both in the primary elections and in the main election campaign, Wolf presented himself as an outsider or unconventional candidate through his career as an entrepreneur, as business owners traditionally tend to be more politically active in the Republican Party due to their greater economic friendliness. He described himself as a different kind of leader ("a different kind of political leader"). However, after his nomination as a democratic candidate, he was able to count on the support of the unions . Teachers' unions, in particular, which strongly opposed Corbett's policies, were heavily involved in the election campaign for Wolf. Most recently he also received support from US President Barack Obama as well as former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton , who made several appearances with Wolf.

Wolf, who had become a millionaire through his previous work as an entrepreneur, announced the day after his election victory that he would not accept the governor's salary. This is now not uncommon among wealthy politicians. The newly elected governor of Illinois , Bruce Rauner of the Republicans, announced the same. Wolf also stated that he wanted to pay for the cost of the festivities for his swearing in as well as his personal protection as governor himself.

Governor of Pennsylvania

Tom Wolf at his swearing-in as governor on January 20, 2015

On January 20, 2015, Tom Wolf was sworn in as the 47th governor of the state of Pennsylvania in front of the Capitol in Harrisburg . A few hours earlier, Mike Stack was introduced to his post as lieutenant governor.

When it comes to legislation , Wolf relies on cooperation with the Republicans, who were able to defend their majorities in both houses of the Pennsylvania General Assembly (the state parliament ) even after the 2014 elections. However, these majorities are not enough without the Democrats being able to reject a veto by the head of government with two thirds of the votes. Upon his inauguration, both Wolf and Republican leaders said they would work together constructively.

Economic and financial policy

Wolf at a public appearance in July 2015

In April 2015, Wolf presented a budget that included an increase in state grants for the education budget. In the 2014 election campaign, Wolf accused the Republicans of not investing enough in the education system. Negotiations between the government and the Republican-dominated parliament on a budget did not lead to any concrete results. In June 2015, the Republican majority passed its own budget. Governor Wolf vetoed this bill. He justified this with what he considered to be too little spending on education. The Republicans' budget also ignored the tax hike that Wolf demanded. Wolf also criticized the fact that the Republicans' planned expenditures were not solidly financed and that a balanced budget was in danger. Wolf would like to stick to a budget without new debts, as under Corbett, but distribute the funds with different priorities. The Republican opposition accused the governor of not moving sufficiently towards the opposing side. Furthermore, Pennsylvania has no valid budget since July 1.

On July 1, 2015, Governor Wolf also vetoed a law to privatize the state of Pennsylvania's wine and liquor sales . This project had been a central concern of his predecessor Tom Corbett. Nevertheless, during his reign, the legislature was unable to agree on a law, as a number of Republicans were also critical of privatization. Only after the 2014 elections, which increased the majority of Republicans in parliament despite Corbett's being voted out, were the supporters able to pass the bill. While proponents of the project see more consumer freedom through privatization, the governor and representatives of his party argue with an expected price increase for consumers. In June 2016, the governor signed a compromise negotiated with the Republicans, which liberalized the previously limited sale of alcohol and thus made a far greater supply available to consumers. This is also expected to add up to $ 150 million more in tax revenue per year.

Environmental protection and fracking

Governor Wolf signing his executive order on the fracking moratorium in State Parks on Jan. 29, 2015

Wolf is considered a moderate proponent of fracking . He sees this controversial method of extracting natural gas as economic advantages and greater independence in energy production for his country. Nevertheless, he advocates comprehensive regulations; he would like to limit fracking geographically in order to take environmental protection into account. He also advocates the introduction of a separate profit tax on fracking profits. Such a tax, which already exists in most other US states, is to be introduced by 2017 according to the will of the governor. A number of Republican MPs announced that they would review the plans and gave their approval. According to Wolf's plans, the income from the tax should be prioritized for education and environmental protection.

On January 29, 2015, Wolf issued an ordinance placing a fracking moratorium on all state parks and all forest areas administered by the state. In doing so, he suspended a corresponding directive from his predecessor, who only declared the restrictions introduced by Governor Ed Rendell to be lifted in spring 2014. Environmental associations in particular welcomed Wolf's decision.

Health policy

Wolf, the US President in 2010 Barack Obama enforced health reform support, stated in February 2015, the health care program Medicaid to want to expand in Pennsylvania. This should benefit low-income Americans in particular from more government benefits in the health sector. Every citizen should also have health insurance. With his advance, he largely rejected the concept of Healthy PA (also called "CorbettCare") initiated by his predecessor Corbett , which calls for a higher personal contribution in order to limit the costs for the state. Services that have already been provided by Healthy PA remain unaffected. Since the previous legislation leaves the governor, as head of the executive , room for maneuver, Wolf does not need the approval of the republican-dominated legislature. With the move, he is implementing a key campaign promise from 2014.

Social policy

Tom Wolf answers questions from citizens asked via social networks in an interview (June 2015)

On February 13, 2015, Governor Wolf suspended the death penalty in Pennsylvania ('moratorium'). During his election campaign, the opponent of the death penalty had already declared that he would not countersign execution warrants, which the state constitution has made a prerequisite for any execution. Although his predecessors issued such injunctions from both parties, no prisoner has been executed in Pennsylvania since 1999 due to various legal examinations.

Wolf is also widely recognized as a proponent of same-sex marriage equality . He welcomed the decision of the US Supreme Court in June 2015, same-sex marriage nationwide permit . A ban on gay marriage in Pennsylvania was declared unconstitutional by the state's highest court last year .

In April 2016, after negotiations with the Republican MPs in the State Senate and House of Representatives, Wolf signed to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes. The governor actually favors full legalization and state-regulated sales, but the Republican majority in the General Assembly largely opposes this.

Controversy about appointments in 2015

On his first day in office, Wolf caused a stir when he suspended Erik Arneson, the director of the Pennsylvania State Archives, from his post. Arneson had been appointed by Governor Corbett a few weeks earlier. Since this post will be filled by the governor for a period of six years, but early dismissal is not explicitly planned, Wolf's official act was viewed by the Republicans and commentators as politically and legally questionable. On January 26, Arneson and several Republican MPs filed lawsuits against the new governor. Wolf justified his decision with the nomination process by the previous government, which lacked the legally required transparency . He also referred to a similar decision made by Republican Governor Tom Ridge in 2000, which was judged to be legally compliant. Republican politicians accused Wolf of political motives. The ultimate decision on Arneson's remaining in office rests with the Pennsylvania State Court. In late February, Republican MPs and Wolf agreed that some of his predecessor's state office nominations would be approved by the State Senate, while the other half would be filled by Wolf. The governor and the Republican parliamentary majority had previously disagreed on how to deal with the candidates nominated by Corbett but not yet confirmed.

Measures against lobbying

Governor Wolf promulgating and signing a law against lobbying on February 14, 2018

One of the most important concerns of Tom Wolf is the fight against lobbyism in the state apparatus. One of Wolf's first official acts on January 20, 2015 was the issuance of an executive order prohibiting all employees of the state executive from accepting gifts from outside parties. In addition, members of his government have to publish their expenses on a monthly basis.

On February 14, 2018, the governor signed a law requiring all lobbyists in Harrisburg to register. The state department must publish such entries within one week. This freedom of information measure is intended to improve transparency within the state apparatus. If the reporting deadlines are violated, the corresponding companies and associations face fines which have been increased significantly in the course of the law.

2018 gubernatorial election

Tom Wolf with his wife Frances (left), the new Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman and his wife Gisele (right) in January 2019

In autumn 2017, Wolf confirmed that he would apply for a second term in the gubernatorial election on November 6, 2018. In the party's internal primary election on May 15, 2018, Wolf was re-elected as a Democratic candidate without any opponents. In the separately held primary for the post of lieutenant governor, Wolf's previous deputy Mike Stack was clearly defeated. Stack was most recently criticized for a series of controversies in dealing with his employees and fell out with Wolf. The mayor of Braddock John Fetterman , who belongs to the left wing of the party, was nominated as his running mate . In the actual gubernatorial election, Wolf met the Republican State Senator Scott Wagner , whom he clearly defeated with 57.7% of the vote. 40.8% of the voters voted for Wagner. Due to his solid approval ratings and the declining popularity of US President Donald Trump as well as the weakness of his challenger, Wolf went into the vote as the clear favorite, according to political observers. Wolf's second term officially began on January 15, 2019.

Private life

Tom Wolf has been married to his wife Frances since 1975 and has two grown daughters. He belongs to the United Methodist Church .

Web links

Commons : Tom Wolf  - collection of images, videos and audio files

• Web presence of the governor office (English)
• Personal Website (English)

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b} biography on Tom Wolf's homepage Meet Tom
2. ↑ ydr.com: Tom Wolf says he won't run for governor ( Memento of the original from March 15, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
3. ^ The Daily Pennsylvanian: Penn Dems to host Pa. gov candidate Tom Wolf
4. ↑ politicspa.com: PA-Governor: Tom Wolf wins Democratic nomination , PolicsPA, May 20, 2014 (English)
5. ↑ Real Clear Politics: PA Governor: Tom Wolf vs. Tom Corbett
6. ↑ Corbett, Wolf talk environment, energy during first joint appearance , StateImpact, October 23, 2014 (English)
7. ↑ Where Tom Wolf and Tom Corbett stand on the issues ( Memento of the original from October 31, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , YorkDispatch, May 14, 2014 (English) 
8. ↑ Wolf announces inauguration plans , PennLive, December 19, 2014 (English)
9. ↑ Tom Wolf's agenda headed for rocky red terrain York Dispatch, November 7, 2014 (English)
10. ↑ Gov. Tom Wolf vetoes Republican budget proposal. Now what? , Pennlive, June 30, 2015 (English)
11. ↑ Wolf vetoes GOP liquor privatization bill for Pennsylvania , Post-Gazette, July 2, 2015 (English)
12. ↑ It's official: Gov. Tom Wolf will sign liquor reform bill , PennLive, June 8, 2016 (English)
13. ↑ Governor Wolf Signs Executive Order Reinstating Moratorium On New Leases For Oil and Gas Development In State Parks and Forests , Office of the Governor, January 29, 2015 (English)
14. ↑ Wolf begins dismantling Healthy PA in favor of Medicaid , Post-Gazette, February 9, 2015 (English)
15. ↑ Gov. Tom Wolf switching PA to more traditional Medicaid expansion , The Morning Call, February 10, 2015
16. ↑ See for example Mary Shaw: Ed Rendell leaves office with mixed signals on death penalty. In: OpenSalon.com , January 18, 2011.
17. ^ Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf Says Death Penalty Flawed, Imposes Moratorium , CBS-News Philly Local, February 13, 2015 (English).
18. ↑ Governor Wolf signs Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill , Governor Tom Wolf, April 17, 2016 (English)
19. ^ Former Office of Open Records chief sues Gov. Tom Wolf over firing , PennLive, January 26, 2015 (English)
20. ↑ Wolf, Senate make deal on 11th-hour Corbett nominees  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , Enquirer Herald, February 25, 2015 (English)  
21. ↑ Wolf's first actions include gift ban, required bidding on legal contracts , PennLive, January 20, 2015 (English)
22. ↑ Governor Wolf Signs Stronger Lobbying Restrictions Bill into Law , Governor Tom Wolf, February 14, 2018 (English)
23. ↑ Mayor John Fetterman wins Pa. Democratic primary for lieutenant governor , Philly.com, May 16, 2018
24. ^ Pennsylvania Governor: Wagner vs. Wolf , RealClearPolitics (English)