Gov. Tom Wolf's budget

Gov. Tom Wolf announced his 2017-18 budget proposal, including a minimum wage increase to $12 per hour.

(PennLive file photo)

Last year's budget process was a relative breeze compared to the protracted battle that marked Gov. Tom Wolf's first budget.

What a difference a major election year makes.

Now, with growing deficits and a revenue shortfall looming overhead, the state's leaders will be faced with a lot of tough decisions. Wolf, who kicked off the budget process with his address Tuesday, has pitched a modest budget that emphasizes cuts and consolidation without any broad-based tax increases.

In total, he's called for $32.3 billion in spending, based on the assumption that restrictions on hiring and the closing of facilities such as the state's oldest and costliest prison yield more than $2 billion in savings.

Now the ball will be in the Legislature's court.

Welcome to the 2016 budget process. Here's a cheat sheet for what you need to know, in case you're already exhausted.

Taxes forthcoming. Shale drillers that pay (assuming it happens). Low-wage jobs that pay (more). Public schools get a boost. Pensions, liquor and gaming stick with the status quo.

2017-18 Budget Document - Web by PennLive on Scribd