Taxes & Economy
Severance Tax Talk is Stunting Investment in Pa.
One tax is emblematic of Pennsylvania’s failure to grow the economy with more government spending: the natural gas severance tax. Special interest groups have worked for a decade to enact a…
Media
Read More: Severance Tax Talk is Stunting Investment in Pa.
Why Pa.’s Department of Corrections is a Model to Follow
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) recently released the results of SIP-HOPE—a promising new pilot program aimed at reducing recidivism. According to DOC, the program led to a 13…
Media
Read More: Why Pa.’s Department of Corrections is a Model to FollowPublic Union Democracy
UFCW Fined for Misreporting Terrible Anti-Privatization TV Ads
Pennsylvania’s Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has persistently generated corruption scandals as it manages the state-run liquor system. Now, the loudest advocate for retaining this inefficient and unpopular…
Media
Read More: UFCW Fined for Misreporting Terrible Anti-Privatization TV AdsState Budget
Pennsylvania’s Small Towns Need Harrisburg to Think Big
The stories are all too familiar. In towns hollowed out by economic downturns, Pennsylvanians are struggling to get by. Many are wondering when, or if, things will get better. Small…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Small Towns Need Harrisburg to Think Big
State Government Continues to Grow
As I pointed out last week, the total operating budget for Pennsylvania exceeds $80 billion. In addition to the $32 billion General Fund, the $49 billion “shadow budget” includes $28.7 billion…
Media
Read More: State Government Continues to GrowRegulation
Reducing the State’s Cash Stockpile Can Help Balance the Budget
Lawmakers considering balancing the budget with borrowing and higher taxes could opt for a responsible alternative: drawing down funds from the shadow budget's “banking accounts.” But first, let’s take a…
Media
Read More: Reducing the State’s Cash Stockpile Can Help Balance the BudgetState Budget
Tax Hikes Won’t Prevent Credit Downgrades
In July, S&P placed Pennsylvania on a negative credit watch, citing budget uncertainties. The move signaled a potential credit rating downgrade for Pennsylvania, which Governor Wolf is using to push for higher taxes.
Media
Read More: Tax Hikes Won’t Prevent Credit DowngradesTaxes & Economy
Could Gas Go the Way of Foxconn?
One company’s decision not to locate in Pennsylvania foreshadows the migration in capital and jobs the commonwealth would suffer under a higher gas tax. Wisconsin Governor Scott…
Media
Read More: Could Gas Go the Way of Foxconn?State Budget
Can Other Funds Help Balance the State Budget?
The total operating budget for the state exceeds $80 billion. In addition to the $32 billion General Fund, the “shadow budget” includes: $28.7 billion in federal funds, $4.7 billion in…
Media
Read More: Can Other Funds Help Balance the State Budget?