Taxes & Economy

The Fizz Tax Is on the Fritz

  • August 15, 2017

Philadelphia’s soda tax was the final blow to the Orlando family’s nearly 70-year-old bakery. The business closed earlier this month following a steep decline in sales after the soda…

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State Budget

Infographic: What Will They Tax Next?

  • August 15, 2017

The Washington Observer-Reporter recently editorialized on the tax hikes in the Senate-passed revenue plan, answering questions all Pennsylvanians should be asking themselves: Do you heat your house with…

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Taxes & Economy

More Evidence Minimum Wage Increase = Job Loss

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • August 9, 2017

Montgomery County, Maryland failed to increase the minimum wage from $11.50 to $15 per hour after County Executive Isiah Leggett vetoed the measure. He called for an objective study to…

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Education

Parents, Children, and Lawmakers Celebrate Education Savings Accounts

  • James Paul
  • August 9, 2017

Dozens of parents, children, and educational choice advocates packed the Joshua Learning Center in Harrisburg to rally for education savings accounts (ESAs). Sen. John DiSanto's soon-to-be released legislation,…

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State Budget

State Borrowing the Result of Overspending

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 4, 2017

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania State Treasurer and Auditor General approved a short term “STIP” loan to cover cash flow. For reference, you can see the GF balance on the…

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Health Care

Higher Liquor Prices Just the Latest Hit to Pennsylvania Families

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 4, 2017

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced it would be arbitrarily raising prices on 422 wine and liquor products. This increase is a result of the “liquor modernization” efforts—which have…

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State Budget

Is State Spending “Cut to the Bone”?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 3, 2017

One of the justifications Gov. Wolf uses to raise taxes—for the fifth time in nine years—is that state government spending has been relatively restrained. This argument suggests that other…

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Education

Charter Schools Help District Schools

  • James Paul
  • August 3, 2017

The evidence is clear that charter schools increase academic performance among students they serve. Some wonder, though, about charter schools’ impact on nearby public schools. Is it possible that…

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Taxes & Economy

SNAP Reform Shows Promising Results

  • Jessica Barnett
  • August 3, 2017

Innovative work requirements have the potential to transform the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from a program perpetuating poverty, to one fostering prosperity. Now, data released by the…

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