Media

Why Pa.’s Department of Corrections is a Model to Follow

• August 29, 2017

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) recently released the results of SIP-HOPE—a promising new pilot program aimed at reducing recidivism. According to DOC, the program led to a 13…

Media

Public Union Democracy

UFCW Fined for Misreporting Terrible Anti-Privatization TV Ads

• Jessica Barnett
• August 25, 2017

Pennsylvania’s Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has persistently generated corruption scandals as it manages the state-run liquor system. Now, the loudest advocate for retaining this inefficient and unpopular…

Media

State Budget

Pennsylvania’s Small Towns Need Harrisburg to Think Big

• August 25, 2017

The stories are all too familiar. In towns hollowed out by economic downturns, Pennsylvanians are struggling to get by. Many are wondering when, or if, things will get better. Small…

Media

State Government Continues to Grow

• Nathan Benefield
• August 25, 2017

As I pointed out last week, the total operating budget for Pennsylvania exceeds $80 billion. In addition to the $32 billion General Fund, the $49 billion “shadow budget” includes $28.7 billion…

Media

Regulation

Reducing the State’s Cash Stockpile Can Help Balance the Budget

• August 24, 2017

Lawmakers considering balancing the budget with borrowing and higher taxes could opt for a responsible alternative: drawing down funds from the shadow budget's “banking accounts.” But first, let’s take a…

Media

Public Union Democracy

News Release: Majority of Union Employees Want Worker Voting Rights

• August 23, 2017

Regular elections are foundational to representative democracy. Yet thousands of Pennsylvanians who work in the public sector are bound by a single vote held more than four decades ago to…

Press Release

State Budget

Tax Hikes Won’t Prevent Credit Downgrades

• Elizabeth Stelle
• August 17, 2017

In July, S&P placed Pennsylvania on a negative credit watch, citing budget uncertainties. The move signaled a potential credit rating downgrade for Pennsylvania, which Governor Wolf is using to push for higher taxes.

Media

Taxes & Economy

Could Gas Go the Way of Foxconn?

• Gordon Tomb
• August 16, 2017

One company’s decision not to locate in Pennsylvania foreshadows the migration in capital and jobs the commonwealth would suffer under a higher gas tax. Wisconsin Governor Scott…

Media

Government Accountability

News Release: $65 Million in Earmarks Hidden in State’s Fiscal Code

• August 16, 2017

Pennsylvanians shouldn’t need a decoder ring to know how their tax dollars are being spent. But lawmakers have hidden more than $65 million in vaguely worded earmarks in the Senate-passed…

Press Release

State Budget

Can Other Funds Help Balance the State Budget?

• Nathan Benefield
• August 16, 2017

The total operating budget for the state exceeds $80 billion. In addition to the $32 billion General Fund, the “shadow budget” includes: $28.7 billion in federal funds, $4.7 billion in…

Media

Taxes & Economy

The Fizz Tax Is on the Fritz

• August 15, 2017

Philadelphia’s soda tax was the final blow to the Orlando family’s nearly 70-year-old bakery. The business closed earlier this month following a steep decline in sales after the soda…

Media

State Budget

Infographic: What Will They Tax Next?

• August 15, 2017

The Washington Observer-Reporter recently editorialized on the tax hikes in the Senate-passed revenue plan, answering questions all Pennsylvanians should be asking themselves: Do you heat your house with…

Media

Taxes & Economy

More Evidence Minimum Wage Increase = Job Loss

• Elizabeth Stelle
• August 9, 2017

Montgomery County, Maryland failed to increase the minimum wage from $11.50 to $15 per hour after County Executive Isiah Leggett vetoed the measure. He called for an objective study to…

Media

Education

Parents, Children, and Lawmakers Celebrate Education Savings Accounts

• James Paul
• August 9, 2017

Dozens of parents, children, and educational choice advocates packed the Joshua Learning Center in Harrisburg to rally for education savings accounts (ESAs). Sen. John DiSanto's soon-to-be released legislation,…

Media

State Budget

News Release: Analysis: Senate Tax Hikes Would Cost 3,600 Jobs, $1 Billion in Income

• August 9, 2017

In July, the state Senate narrowly approved a $600 million tax-hike package, raising taxes on home heating, natural gas drilling, electricity, and even cell phone service. The bill comes to…

Press Release

Education

News Release: State Senate to Introduce Education Savings Accounts

• August 8, 2017

In a step toward dramatically increasing educational opportunity for students in Pennsylvania’s lowest-performing schools, today Senator John DiSanto unveiled his plan to introduce legislation establishing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) in…

Press Release

State Budget

State Borrowing the Result of Overspending

• Nathan Benefield
• August 4, 2017

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania State Treasurer and Auditor General approved a short term “STIP” loan to cover cash flow. For reference, you can see the GF balance on the…

Media

Health Care

Higher Liquor Prices Just the Latest Hit to Pennsylvania Families

• Nathan Benefield
• August 4, 2017

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced it would be arbitrarily raising prices on 422 wine and liquor products. This increase is a result of the “liquor modernization” efforts—which have…

Media

State Budget

Is State Spending “Cut to the Bone”?

• Nathan Benefield
• August 3, 2017

One of the justifications Gov. Wolf uses to raise taxes—for the fifth time in nine years—is that state government spending has been relatively restrained. This argument suggests that other…

Media

Education

Charter Schools Help District Schools

• James Paul
• August 3, 2017

The evidence is clear that charter schools increase academic performance among students they serve. Some wonder, though, about charter schools’ impact on nearby public schools. Is it possible that…

Media

Taxes & Economy

SNAP Reform Shows Promising Results

• Jessica Barnett
• August 3, 2017

Innovative work requirements have the potential to transform the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from a program perpetuating poverty, to one fostering prosperity. Now, data released by the…

Media