Hardly working

Since Gov. Wolf rightly vetoed a fiscally irresponsible budget passed by the legislature's ruling Republicans a month ago, the two sides have succeeded mainly in protecting their favorite special interests - including government liquor stores (Democrats) and gas drillers (Republicans) - at the expense of doing their jobs. Now the stalemate has gone on long enough to threaten nonprofit agencies that rely on state funding to provide critical social and other services.

The battle lines have been drawn around the Democratic governor's proposal to tax Marcellus Shale gas extraction while raising sales and income taxes to support public schools and relieve property taxes. Given that the House passed a property tax relief bill in May, a piece of a potential deal is already on the table.

Considering that Pennsylvania is the only major gas state without a severance tax - and is woefully behind other states in supporting public schools - there should be room for compromise on that issue, too. But most Republicans remain staunchly opposed to a levy. That makes more sense in light of a recent analysis by Common Cause Pennsylvania and Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, which showed that during the 2013-14 election cycle, Republicans pulled in more than $2 million in contributions from the gas industry, compared with Democrats' $500,000.

Democrats have their own pet interests. They have benefited from the generosity of the union that represents state liquor store employees and have opposed privatization despite widespread public dissatisfaction. Republicans, for their part, suddenly seem more interested in privatization than they were when they blocked former Gov. Tom Corbett's attempt to sell the State Stores. In any case, Wolf should be able to compromise on a plan that turns over more wine and liquor business to the private sector, with safeguards for the 4,500 workers who would be affected.

Similarly, while recent Senate legislation fell short of meaningful stabilization of the pension system, Wolf should see the wisdom of working with Republicans on measures that address the state's unsustainable obligations.

Drafting a budget is a fundamental duty of the legislature and the governor, and in this case they have plenty of opportunities to resolve their differences and do their jobs.