Regulation

What’s in the Senate Budget?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 29, 2016

Earlier today the state Senate passed an amended version of a House budget proposal, which included the largest spending increase in a decade. The House must now agree to the Senate's changes before sending…

Media

Read More: What’s in the Senate Budget?

Education

2015 SAT Scores

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 29, 2016

The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is an important indicator of public education quality in Pennsylvania. Currently, the commonwealth ranks 36th out of the 50 states and 3 US territories (Washington…

Media

Read More: 2015 SAT Scores

Education

The Taxpayers? False Choice

  • James Paul
  • June 28, 2016

Governor Wolf and legislative leaders present Pennsylvanians with two options. The first requires taxpayers to fork over hundreds of millions in higher taxes. The second calls for steep cuts…

Media

Read More: The Taxpayers? False Choice

State Budget

What Is in the House Budget?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 28, 2016

Last night, the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee advanced a $31.6 billion general fund budget. This budget is now lined up for a final vote in the House. Here is…

Media

Read More: What Is in the House Budget?

State Budget

Which Taxes Might be Going Up?

  • Elizabeth Stelle, Nathan Benefield
  • June 24, 2016

Less than one week remains before the state budget deadline, and details are slowly emerging about a $31.5 billion spending plan. This $1.5 billion spending increase would be the largest spending…

Media

Read More: Which Taxes Might be Going Up?

Regulation

Sin-sylvania?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 22, 2016

According to a new Watchdog.org analysis, Pennsylvania leads in the nation in collections from “sin taxes.” The commonwealth collects more than $2.7 billion annually in taxes on tobacco, alcohol or…

Media

Read More: Sin-sylvania?

Taxes & Economy

Pennsylvania’s Economy is Falling Further Behind

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 21, 2016

Pennsylvania's economy isn't looking so hot this summer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports: Pennsylvania lost 23,600 jobs in the last two months (nonfarm, payroll jobs). Over the same…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania’s Economy is Falling Further Behind

Stacked Hybrid Plan Falls Short

  • Catherine Fitzhugh
  • June 21, 2016

Our state's unfunded pension liability climbed 730% in the last ten years; it's at almost $5,000 for every man, woman, and child in the state.  How does this affect you? Rick…

Media

Read More: Stacked Hybrid Plan Falls Short

Three Reasons to Avoid Tobacco Taxes

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 20, 2016

Media reports indicate the state House is formulating a tobacco tax package to raise an estimated $500 million. The proposal reflects Wolf’s original plan to raise cigarette…

Media

Read More: Three Reasons to Avoid Tobacco Taxes