Pennsylvania’s complex state budget has enabled policymakers to keep taxpayers in the dark when it comes to state spending. Year after year, some elected officials use budget gimmicks to both make the budget appear balanced and to secure their own agendas. Pennsylvanians deserve reforms that bring true transparency to the budgeting process. We must limit spending growth to a sustainable rate, ensuring the state government—like hardworking taxpayers—live within its means.

2024 state budget resources

State Budget

Middle Class Loses Under Gov. Wolf’s Budget

  • April 26, 2016

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) released a sober analysis of Gov. Wolf’s 2016-17 budget proposal. It examines the consequences of eight separate tax increases as well as a minimum…

Media

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Education

Budget Complete as Fiscal Code Becomes Law

  • James Paul
  • April 25, 2016

Late on Friday afternoon, Gov. Tom Wolf quietly announced the fiscal code will become law without his signature. This significant development closes the door on a tumultuous year of…

Media

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State Budget

Take the Budget off Autopilot

  • April 18, 2016

As Pennsylvania inches closer to another budget battle, you’re likely to hear the term “structural deficit” used more often. The term is defined as a multi-year shortfall between projected spending and revenue…

Media

Read More: Take the Budget off Autopilot

State Budget

Five Ways to Avoid Another Budget Hostage Crisis

  • April 13, 2016

The state budget impasse may be over, but Pennsylvanians are still reeling from Gov. Wolf’s budget vetoes. The Times-Tribune reports the Women’s Resource Center of Scranton, which serves domestic…

Media

Read More: Five Ways to Avoid Another Budget Hostage Crisis

State Budget

The Lone-Wolf Doctrine

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • April 13, 2016

The good news at the end of longest state budget impasse in 60 years is Pennsylvanians’ wallets were spared. The bad news? The governor developed and implemented a Lone-Wolf Doctrine…

Commentary

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Education

Governor Wolf’s 2015-16 Budget Myths

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 13, 2016

Governor Wolf claimed the 2015-16 budget could not be balanced without significant tax hikes. But there are two ways exist to close a budget deficit: raise revenue or cut spending.

Memo

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Regulation

Wolf’s False Choice

  • March 31, 2016

If lawmakers don’t raise taxes, Pennsylvanians should brace for drastic cuts to education and human services. This myth is promoted endlessly by the Wolf Administration to justify taking…

Media

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Regulation

Rhetoric vs. Reality

  • March 25, 2016

Pennsylvania’s nine-month budget saga has concluded, but not everyone is pleased with the ending. The Philadelphia Inquirer published a caustic editorial criticizing state lawmakers for failing to surrender…

Media

Read More: Rhetoric vs. Reality

Education

The Final Piece of Budget Business in Limbo

  • James Paul
  • March 24, 2016

After nine months of gridlock, Gov. Tom Wolf finally surrendered his 2015 quest for higher taxes on families and small businesses. On Monday morning, Pennsylvania will enjoy a completed state…

Media

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State Budget

Victory Over Wolf Tax Hikes

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • March 23, 2016

Pennsylvania's 267 day budget impasse has finally come to an end…with a taxpayer victory! HB 1801 will become law without Tom Wolf's signature. The governor refuses to sign the budget,…

Media

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Education

Taxpayers Win As Wolf Allows Budget to Become Law

  • March 23, 2016

Taxpayers Win As Wolf Allows Budget to Become Law Gov. Abandons 2015-16 Tax Hikes, Releases Record Funding for Cash-Strapped Schools March 23, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—After keeping Pennsylvania in budget…

Press Release

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State Budget

Support for Wolf’s Hostage-Taking Is Breaking

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 22, 2016

Last week, Gov. Wolf indicated he plans to fully veto yet another budget. He said if schools face a “short term shutdown,” that could be “a good thing.”  Now, he’s realizing…

Media

Read More: Support for Wolf’s Hostage-Taking Is Breaking

Education

Will Wolf Ignore Schools’ Pleas, Veto Education Funding?

  • March 22, 2016

Will Wolf Ignore Schools’ Pleas, Veto Education Funding? Districts Nearing Financial Collapse as Governor Threatens Veto March 22, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Nearly one week after the legislature voted to send…

Press Release

Read More: Will Wolf Ignore Schools’ Pleas, Veto Education Funding?

State Budget

What Is Wolf’s Plan?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 17, 2016

In his 2015 budget address, Gov. Wolf stated, “But if you don’t agree with my ideas, here is my request: please come with your own ideas. It’s not good enough…

Media

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State Budget

Wolf Threatens to Shut Schools with Budget Veto

  • March 16, 2016

Wolf Threatens to Shut Schools with Budget Veto Balanced, No-Tax-Hike Budget with Record School Spending Nearing Wolf’s Desk March 16 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—With school districts across…

Press Release

Read More: Wolf Threatens to Shut Schools with Budget Veto

State Budget

Wolf’s Bad Budget Bluffs

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • March 16, 2016

The Senate just passed and the House will soon vote on another no-tax-hike, balanced budget for fiscal year 2015-16. Gov. Wolf has already promised to veto it. Remarkably, the governor…

Media

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Regulation

Taxpayers on the Hook for Wolf’s Spending Binge

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 15, 2016

Despite the lack of a completed state budget, and no support for his unpopular tax hike proposals, Gov. Wolf continues to rack up additional costs for taxpayers:  Wolf's…

Media

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Government Accountability

Gov. Wolf’s Self-Created Constitutional Conflict

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • March 14, 2016

Rep. Bill Adolph accused the Wolf administration of creating a budget crisis during Thursday's final House Appropriations Committee budget hearing. In an op-ed published Friday,…

Media

Read More: Gov. Wolf’s Self-Created Constitutional Conflict

Education

Wolf’s “Plague” on Public Education

  • James Paul
  • March 11, 2016

Schools across Pennsylvania are feeling the squeeze from Gov. Tom Wolf’s $3 billion education funding cut. In Red Lion, Carbondale, Plum, and Erie—to name just…

Media

Read More: Wolf’s “Plague” on Public Education

Regulation

Why Did Wolf Veto PERC Funding?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 7, 2016

Some positive news emerged last week, Gov. Wolf agreed—as part of a lawsuit filed by Rep. Steve Bloom and Rep. Seth Grove—to a temporary deal to keep the Public…

Media

Read More: Why Did Wolf Veto PERC Funding?