State Budget
Pennsylvanians Are in Dire Need of Tax Reform
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. Today is Tax Day. Each year, April 15th reminds us of the costliness of government spending – and why lawmakers must reduce this financial burden on…
Read More: Pennsylvanians Are in Dire Need of Tax ReformHigh taxes make for a slow-growing economy. And communities feel the pinch of high taxes as more and more native Pennsylvanians leave the Keystone State to prosper elsewhere. To remain economically competitive, Pennsylvania must lower state taxes and ensure businesses have the opportunity to succeed. Lower taxes will incentivize more individuals to call Pennsylvania their home, ultimately spurring our statewide economy forward.
Regulation
Film Tax Credit Draws Bad Reviews
Be it Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher, Denzel Washington in Fences, or Gerard Butler in Law Abiding Citizen—everyone loves to see their favorite movie stars come to the neighborhood. This, combined…
Media
Read More: Film Tax Credit Draws Bad ReviewsRegulation
Budget Solution of the Week: Reduce Special Interest Spending
In our budget solutions blog series, we’ve covered the benefits of a government efficiency review, the need to modernize the commonwealth’s corrections system, and the importance of…
Media
Read More: Budget Solution of the Week: Reduce Special Interest SpendingEducation
Budget Solution of the Week: School Choice
Earlier this month, House Majority Leader Dave Reed challenged his colleagues to change the way Harrisburg operates: “Now is the time to reimagine and redesign government, our state and…
Media
Read More: Budget Solution of the Week: School ChoiceHealth Care
4 Obamacare Failures & How to Fix Them
For almost seven years the benefits of Obamacare have been exaggerated and the costs severely underestimated. As repeal efforts gain momentum, many are understandably uncomfortable about another dramatic shift in…
Media
Read More: 4 Obamacare Failures & How to Fix ThemCriminal Justice Reform
Budget Solution of the Week: Corrections Reform
The Department of Corrections (DOC) recently announced its intentions to close two state prisons and reduce capacity at community corrections facilities (halfway houses). These decisions will cut state incarceration…
Media
Read More: Budget Solution of the Week: Corrections ReformPublic Union Democracy
The Inquirer’s Problematic Budget Prescriptions
A Philadelphia Inquirer editorial urges optimism about the forthcoming state budget debate. It’s certainly well-warranted. Gov. Wolf and legislative leaders have repeatedly expressed interest in redesigning state government to…
Media
Read More: The Inquirer’s Problematic Budget PrescriptionsState Budget
State Budget Solution #1: Corrections Reform
Flawed Sentencing System Driving Spending Growth January 11, 2017, Harrisburg, Pa.—As state budget season begins, Governor Wolf and legislative leaders have signaled their desire to streamline government as…
Press Release
Read More: State Budget Solution #1: Corrections ReformState Budget
Budget Solution of the Week: Government Efficiency Review
With the budget deficit casting a shadow over the current fiscal year, and deficits projected for at least the next five years, policymakers are acting to stem the tide of…
Media
Read More: Budget Solution of the Week: Government Efficiency ReviewRegulation
Phila. Cigarette Tax to be Levied on Non-Philadelphia, Non-Smokers
Since Philadelphia residents aren’t buying enough cigarettes, taxpayers across the state will chip in millions to fund Philadelphia schools. Huh? Julie Shaw of Philly.com attempts to make sense of…
Media
Read More: Phila. Cigarette Tax to be Levied on Non-Philadelphia, Non-SmokersRegulation
Pennsylvania Deficit Watch: January 2017
Pennsylvania fell further into a financial hole during the month of December. According to the Department of Revenue, total General Fund collections came in $105.2 million below the state's official estimate. This marks…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania Deficit Watch: January 2017State Budget
What Population Trends Tell Us
Before the holidays, CF publicized the historic decline in Pennsylvania’s population. The state was one of only eight to see an absolute decline in its number of residents. Domestic…
Media
Read More: What Population Trends Tell UsTaxes & Economy
How to Grow PA’s Economy
An intimidating budget shortfall this year and next has state leaders calling for a change to the status quo. That is: surging state spending. Governor Wolf is pulling back on corporate…
Media
Read More: How to Grow PA’s EconomyState Budget
An Early Christmas Present from Gov. Wolf
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…
Media
Read More: An Early Christmas Present from Gov. WolfEducation
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
Read More: A Christmas Wish List for PennsylvaniaTaxes & Economy
Pennsylvania is Shrinking
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,…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania is ShrinkingTaxes & Economy
Pa. Population Drops for First Time in 31 Years
Pa. Population Drops for First Time in 31 Years Thousands Leave for Friendlier Tax Climates December 21, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.— For the first time since 1985, Pennsylvania’s…
Press Release
Read More: Pa. Population Drops for First Time in 31 YearsCriminal Justice Reform
Embracing Innovation in State Government
Conventional governing is hampering Pennsylvania’s progress. Growing state budgets combined with one-time revenue transfers and targeted tax hikes are delaying the structural reforms essential to improving the quality…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Embracing Innovation in State GovernmentTaxes & Economy
One of the Worst Run States in America?
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…
Media
Read More: One of the Worst Run States in America?Regulation
A Turning Point in Pennsylvania?s Budget Debate?
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)…
Media
Read More: A Turning Point in Pennsylvania?s Budget Debate?Public Union Democracy
Watch for Sweeping Changes Outside the Beltway
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…
Media
Read More: Watch for Sweeping Changes Outside the BeltwayState Budget
State Spending to Blame for Low Economic Opportunity in Pa.
State Spending to Blame for Low Economic Opportunity in Pa. New Report Shows Need for Government Spending Restraint December 13, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—When it comes to controlling…
Press Release
Read More: State Spending to Blame for Low Economic Opportunity in Pa.