Teacher Defies Union Control of Charitable Donation

  • Brittney Parker
  • June 23, 2015

It’s a different day, but it’s the same story about the PSEA’s treatment of educators that religiously object to union membership. Last year, FTT told you about Chris Meier…

Media

Read More: Teacher Defies Union Control of Charitable Donation

State Budget

Who Pays For a Severance Tax?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 22, 2015

Proponents of a new natural gas tax—which would be in addition to the existing impact fee (tax) and other taxes extractors already pay—ignore the consequences new taxes will have…

Media

Read More: Who Pays For a Severance Tax?

State Budget

How Does Gov. Wolf’s Tax Plan Stand Up?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 18, 2015

How out of whack is Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed $4.6 billion tax increase? Pretty far out there compared with the rest of the nation, according to a new report…

Media

Read More: How Does Gov. Wolf’s Tax Plan Stand Up?

Education

Government Union Puts Politics Ahead of Teachers

  • June 18, 2015

One government union is putting its political preferences and self-interest above the interests of public school teachers. Now, teachers are fighting back. Jane Ladley, who recently retired from teaching after…

Media

Read More: Government Union Puts Politics Ahead of Teachers

Education

Audio: A New Solution for Underperforming Public Schools

  • Jonathan Reginella
  • June 18, 2015

A piece of legislation recently passed the Senate Education Committee that would provide a new solution for underperforming public schools. CF’s James Paul spoke with WSBA’s Gary Sutton about…

Media

Read More: Audio: A New Solution for Underperforming Public Schools

Education

School Districts Overwhelmed by Pension Costs

  • James Paul
  • June 18, 2015

Pennsylvania’s public sector pension crisis is undeniable.  Consider the burden it places on local school districts, whose pension contributions increased from $1.4 billion in 2012-13 to $1.9…

Media

Read More: School Districts Overwhelmed by Pension Costs

Taxes & Economy

Dubious Deficit Discussions

  • June 17, 2015

Just how big is Pennsylvania’s structural deficit? And what does that term even mean? Although some news outlets reported Gov. Wolf and legislative leaders came to an agreement on the…

Media

Read More: Dubious Deficit Discussions

Education

District Reserve Funds Continue to Rise

  • James Paul
  • June 17, 2015

Contrary to claims about budget cuts to public education, Pennsylvania school districts continue to accumulate large reserve funds, up to $4.1 billion in 2013-14. This amounts to more than 15 percent…

Media

Read More: District Reserve Funds Continue to Rise