The Case Against Tax Hikes

  • December 22, 2016

Pennsylvania’s financial condition is challenging policymakers to change how state government operates. For example, House Majority Leader Dave Reed recently called for a “restructuring” of government as an…

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State Budget

An Early Christmas Present from Gov. Wolf

  • Nathan Benefield
  • December 22, 2016

Yesterday, Gov. Tom Wolf indicated he would not propose an income tax or a sales tax increase as part of his next budget. This comes as something of…

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Taxes & Economy

Pennsylvania is Shrinking

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • December 21, 2016

For the first time in 31 years, Pennsylvania's population is shrinking. The Census Bureau reports Pennsylvania’s total population fell by more than 7,600 last year. In state-to-state migration,…

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Education

School Choice: Helping One Student at a Time

  • December 20, 2016

As a recent graduate from PA Leadership Charter School (PALCS), I’m familiar with school choice. In fact, for the past five years, I have joined my Student Government on an…

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Taxes & Economy

One of the Worst Run States in America?

  • December 15, 2016

Pennsylvania is in a slump. The latest grades from 24/7 Wall St. have the Keystone State ranked 42nd in terms of The Best Run State in America. This is…

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Regulation

A Turning Point in Pennsylvania?s Budget Debate?

  • December 14, 2016

Pennsylvania must confront a $604 million deficit, according to Budget Secretary Randy Albright. This sober assessment was offered during the mid-year budget briefing earlier today. The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO)…

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Public Union Democracy

Watch for Sweeping Changes Outside the Beltway

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • December 13, 2016

The political landscape has experienced a seismic shift, and it isn't centered in Washington DC. This past weekend Kyle Peterson of the Wall Street Journal highlighted Pennsylvania and six other…

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Regulation

The PLCB: A Winner in a Race with No Competitors

  • December 12, 2016

In 2013, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) released its first annual report, emphasizing record sales and “profits.” Neither of these is impressive when analyzed in context, but the…

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Education

Will Lower Standards Help Pa. School Performance?

  • James Paul
  • December 9, 2016

Pennsylvania’s primary tool for grading schools—the School Performance Profile (SPP)—is being overhauled. The current SPP is not particularly straightforward, but it’s based mainly on test scores and academic…

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