Education
Faculty Benefits Driving Up Tuition Costs
APSCUF—the union representing faculty at state-owned universities—has begun a vote to authorize a strike. One of APSCUF's complaints with the proposed contract is higher health care expenses. In…
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Podcast: Killing Jobs & Playing Favorites – Meet Pa.’s Tax Code
Did you know Pennsylvania has more than 3,000 taxing authorities? It’s a staggering number that exceeds almost any other state in the nation. Not only does this create confusion and…
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Read More: Podcast: Killing Jobs & Playing Favorites – Meet Pa.’s Tax CodeRegulation
The Legacy of Pension Debt: Pay More, Get Less
Pennsylvania's pension debt stands at $63 billion or more than $4,900 per resident. It's a big number to be sure, but what does it mean for the average Pennsylvanian? What does it…
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Read More: The Legacy of Pension Debt: Pay More, Get LessGovernment Accountability
Transparency Improves the Collective Bargaining Process
On August 30, Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich announced the details of a new three-year labor agreement between the Wolf Administration and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal…
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Poll Finds Union Leaders Out of Touch
Today, teachers across Pennsylvania are forced to pay for union activities that many don’t support. To many, they feel manipulated by unions that don’t represent their interests or beliefs. The…
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Judge: District Exaggerated Shortfall, Improperly Raised Taxes
Lower Merion School District must revoke a portion of its most recent tax hike, according to a Montgomery County court. In his ruling, Judge Joseph A. Smyth said the…
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Read More: Judge: District Exaggerated Shortfall, Improperly Raised TaxesState Budget
Facing Likely Deficit, Lawmakers Should Reduce Spending
Fiscal responsibility is at a premium across the country, and Pennsylvania is no exception. In June, lawmakers passed a budget that increased spending by $1.6 billion. Weeks later, they passed…
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Read More: Facing Likely Deficit, Lawmakers Should Reduce SpendingEducation
Public Remains Supportive of School Choice
That’s the upshot of the 10th annual public opinion survey from Education Next, which covers a range of topics including school choice, school spending, personnel policy, testing, and accountability.
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Pittsburgh-Area Family Punished for Choosing Charter School
Fauna Shaffer Butera, mother of two young boys just miles to the northwest of Pittsburgh, opted to enroll her sons in Young Scholars Charter School. She was shocked to learn of the…
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