Education
Here’s some friendly advice to the new Pennsylvania general assembly
Originally published at The Patriot-News Pennsylvania lawmakers swore their oath of office in Harrisburg, and a new legislative session is upon us. As two former…
Read More: Here’s some friendly advice to the new Pennsylvania general assemblyThe state government is ultimately held accountable to the people through the electoral process—but that should not be the only line of defense against government overreach or waste. Taxpayers deserve a transparent government that works for them. Reforms are needed to reduce corruption and limit the scope of government to its constitutional authority. Additionally, reforms that ensure a transparent budgeting process, a fair electoral process, and a streamlined regulatory process should be pursued to increase the government’s integrity.
Education
Will Philly Union Contract Require State Bailout?
Philadelphia’s new teacher contract could be so expensive as to require teacher layoffs to pay for it. But there’s another way the $395 million pact could be financed: with…
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Philly Union Contract Underscores Need for Transparency
On Monday evening, members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) voted to approve a new labor contract with the School District of Philadelphia. Scant details have emerged on…
Media
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Growing Chorus Urges School Boards to Protect Taxpayers
In response to CF’s research on school district reserve funds, reporters and editorial boards have weighed in on the question: Why are districts holding millions in reserve while seeking…
Media
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Lawsuit Seeks to End Ghost Teaching in Reading
Across Pennsylvania, school districts are struggling to keep pace with the rising cost of education driven by unsustainble penion expenses. Yet, a special perk built into over 20 percent…
Media
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School District Spending, Rainy Day Funds are Surging—Again
Americans love Springtime—and for good reason! With Spring comes warm weather, blooming flowers, and baseball season. Most importantly, Spring is time for new data from Pennsylvania’s Department of Education—which yesterday…
Media
Read More: School District Spending, Rainy Day Funds are Surging—AgainGovernment Accountability
Taxpayers Collect Millions for Government Unions
Since 2010, Pennsylvania state government has used taxpayer resources to transfer $244 million to government union treasuries. This figure includes millions for highly political activities. According to records obtained via…
Media
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Paycheck Protection Closes Corruption Loophole
Philly Corruption All-Stars, that's the title of the recent Philadelphia Citizen series featuring a decade-by-decade rundown of the most corrupt city politicians. Philadelphia and Pennsylvania's reputation for political corruption…
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Ten Reasons for Optimism
This week state lawmakers advanced a plethora of good policy, from legislation to finally end the government liquor monopoly to a bill that would improve health care in rural areas.
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Senate Moves Key Transparency Measures
Today the Senate's State Government Committee advanced three bills to open up government collective bargaining negotiations to the public. SB 168, sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano, would require all levels of government…
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Policy Memo: Government Union Political Spending Trends
Union leaders spend millions each year to further their own political agenda. Regardless of public sector employees’ personal political convictions, the highly partisan trend continued to the tune of $19 million…
Memo
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Paycheck Protection Benefits Teachers
Providing one more reason Pennsylvania needs paycheck protection, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) uses members’ dues to mislead teachers. In the March 2017 publication of PSEA’s dues-funded…
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Redistricting Reform Memo
Redistricting reform, Fair Districts PA and CF Priorities …
Memo
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Memo on Redistricting Reform
Commonwealth Foundation supports redistricting reform as a good government practice.
Memo
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Teachers’ Unions Dwarf School Choice Spending
When it comes to education, government union leaders are Pennsylvania’s top political spender. No contest. We recently highlighted how government unions, outspoken proponents of a severance tax, far outspend…
Media
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Reviving the Push for Transparency
Taxpayers scored a victory last year with the passage of Senate Bill 644 (now Act 15). The new law requires the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) to provide cost…
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Government Unions Outspend the Natural Gas Industry
Proponents of a natural gas severance tax argue the natural gas industry wields undue political influence in Harrisburg. State representative Greg Vitali laments: They [natural gas industry] just always…
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A Christmas Wish List for Pennsylvania
“No more lives torn apart, and wars would never start, and time would heal all hearts.” You might recognize those words from the ubiquitous-around-the-holidays song, “Grown-Up Christmas List.” Grown up? Sure.
Commentary
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Details Emerge on Philly Union Negotiations
Intrepid reporter Kristen Graham of the Philadelphia Inquirer unearthed several details from contract negotiations between the school district of Philadelphia and the local teachers’ union, the Philadelphia Federation of…
Media
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Podcast: Matt Lewis on the Roots of Conservatism
What are the roots of conservatism? How has conservatism and its messengers changed over time and what are the consequences for the nation? Political commentator Matt Lewis, author of “…
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How Much is Too Much for Pa. School Districts?
Why are taxpayers being charged for money left unspent? This question is posed by NBC 10 reporter Mitch Blacher to public school administrators in southeastern Pennsylvania districts. An NBC investigation…
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Is Your District Hiking Taxes While Piling Up Large Reserves?
In June, CF published a searchable database showing fund balance data for each of Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts as of 2015. Given the recent…
Media
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