Regulation

Following Zippo’s Lead on Pensions

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 21, 2017

Zippo’s recent retirement plan transition is another example of why Pennsylvania state government should do the same. As Zippo CFO Don Hall said, defined contribution plans like 401(k)s carry…

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State Budget

Pa.’s Economic Outlook is Poor but Not Permanent

  • April 21, 2017

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) released its annual Rich States, Poor States’ report, which includes economic rankings for each state. Unfortunately, the news isn’t good for Pennsylvania. The state…

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Public Union Democracy

Top 10 Recipients of Government Union Money

  • Jessica Barnett
  • April 19, 2017

Government unions wield enormous influence in Pennsylvania politics. Since 2010, the commonwealth’s largest government unions have spent over $71 million on politics—including $26 million in political action committee (PAC)…

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Regulation

The Strong Case for?and Weak Case Against?Pension Reform

  • April 18, 2017

Pennsylvania’s public pension plans are woefully underfunded, with enough assets to cover just 60 percent of liabilities. This poor financial showing has relegated the commonwealth to the bottom of the Tax Foundation’s ranking of…

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Health Care

Senate Acts to Improve Health Access, Lower Costs

  • James Paul
  • April 18, 2017

All Pennsylvanians deserve access to quality, affordable health care. That's why it was encouraging to see the Senate advance SB 25 out of the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee.

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Education

Charter Reform Nears the Goal-line

  • James Paul
  • April 17, 2017

Charter school reform is advancing in Harrisburg. Long in the works, HB 97 (previously HB 530) is a sweeping bill that includes several important revisions to Pennsylvania’s charter school law.

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Health Care

Reforming Medicaid Is a Moral Imperative

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 17, 2017

Note: This op-ed was originally published in the Lancaster LNP. Do you know someone who desperately needs medical care but can’t access it? Few things are more heartbreaking. Helping people…

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When a Spending Increase Is a Massive Cut

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 11, 2017

Last June, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a $31.53 billion General Fund budget. In February, Gov. Wolf proposed a $32.34 billion budget. This $800 million increase has actually been labeled “…

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State Budget

Pennsylvania Deficit Watch: April 2017

  • April 10, 2017

Revenue collections fell below expectations for the fifth consecutive month. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue reported collections of approximately $4.4 billion last week, which was $229.6 million less than…

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