State Budget

A Budget of Convenience

  • July 19, 2016

The dust has settled on the 2016-17 budget debate—at least for the moment. Some people hail the agreement as an example of what Harrisburg can accomplish when two parties work together.

Media

Read More: A Budget of Convenience

State Budget

What’s in the Final 2016-17 Budget?

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • July 15, 2016

On June 30, the legislature passed a $31.6 billion General Fund Budget. Gov. Wolf allowed this budget to become law without his signature on July 12. On July 13,…

Media

Read More: What’s in the Final 2016-17 Budget?

Government Accountability

Unlearned State Budget Lessons

  • July 15, 2016

Charles Mitchell, newly appointed President and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation, appeared last week on PMA Perspective to discuss this year’s state budget process and the “unlearned lessons” of last…

Media

Read More: Unlearned State Budget Lessons

State Budget

How the $650 Million Tax Increase Impacts You

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • July 14, 2016

The state budget is, for all intents and purposes, complete. While it remains unbalanced, we now know exactly which taxes are going up.  The $650 million tax hike passed by the…

Media

Read More: How the $650 Million Tax Increase Impacts You

State Budget

State Spending Addiction Leads to Tax Hike

  • July 13, 2016

Lawmakers are on the cusp of pushing through a $650 million tax increase on working Pennsylvanians. Earlier this afternoon—without much warning or debate—a conference committee passed House Bill…

Media

Read More: State Spending Addiction Leads to Tax Hike

Education

PSERS Revokes Ghost Teachers? Illegal Pension Credit

  • Gina Diorio
  • July 12, 2016

In a victory for taxpayers, the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) has revoked pension credit illegally given to Allentown “ghost teachers” who were hired to teach but instead…

Media

Read More: PSERS Revokes Ghost Teachers? Illegal Pension Credit

Gov. Wolf’s Budget Reversal

  • July 11, 2016

In his many press conferences about Pennsylvania's fiscal future, Gov. Wolf was adamant about one thing: the state budget must be truly balanced. He lambasted the General Assembly for its…

Media

Read More: Gov. Wolf’s Budget Reversal

State Budget

Lower State Spending Could Improve Bond Rating

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • July 11, 2016

Last week Moody’s warned an out-of-balance state budget could result in another credit downgrading. By not acting to balance the budget, Governor Wolf is aiding in the devaluation of the…

Media

Read More: Lower State Spending Could Improve Bond Rating