Research

Education

Excellence in Education for All Act Summary

• Colleen Hroncich
• June 17, 2021

What is the Excellence in Education for All Act? The Excellence in Education for All Act (Senate Bill 1) is an exciting bill that seeks to ensure more Pennsylvania…

Fact Sheet

The Untapped Potential of Expanded Tax Credit Scholarships

• Marc LeBlond
• June 14, 2021

This study reviews the most rigorous evidence on school choice and student outcomes in the United States and estimates the economic impacts of expanding access to Pennsylvania’s K-12 tax credit…

Report

Steps to Enhance Election Integrity

• June 2, 2021

In 2020, Pennsylvania’s newly amended election law struggled under unprecedented mail-in voting. In addition, last-minute state guidance and judicial decisions skirted state election law, further delaying results and causing confusion.

Fact Sheet

Energy

Governor’s Lone Wolf Approach Leaves Families Wanting

• May 27, 2021

Throughout his two terms in office, Governor Tom Wolf has showcased his preference to act unilaterally and consistent unwillingness to work with the state legislature. The unprecedented power Wolf has…

Fact Sheet

Education

Are Pa. Public Schools Underfunded?

• Colleen Hroncich
• May 24, 2021

Pennsylvania spends more per student than the vast majority of states. Education spending has significantly increased over the past decade. Scroll down to see how much funding your district receives…

Fact Sheet

State Budget

Pennsylvania COVID-19 Relief Funds

• Elizabeth Stelle
• May 19, 2021

During the pandemic, Pennsylvania directed more funding to closed schools than to health care.

Fact Sheet

State Budget

Reinvigorating Pennsylvania with One-time American Rescue Plan Funds

• Elizabeth Stelle
• May 18, 2021

Pennsylvania’s chronic overspending, mediocre tax structure, and high regulatory burden are limiting growth and investment. We must pass reforms in these areas to make our economy healthier and more dynamic.

Fact Sheet

State Budget

Clear the Red Tape to Rebuild a Stronger Pennsylvania

• Tirzah Duren
• April 27, 2021

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Wolf repealed regulations to allow our healthcare sector to respond to the evolving crisis. Nonmedical regulatory restrictions—such as permitting cocktails to-go—were also…

Fact Sheet

Health Care

7 Signs Pa.’s Pandemic Recovery Is Falling Behind

• Elizabeth Stelle
• April 19, 2021

Pennsylvania business closures continue to be among the worst in the nation.  …

Fact Sheet

Education

The Truth About Education Spending in Pennsylvania

• Colleen Hroncich
• April 14, 2021

Ben Franklin once said, “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” If he lived in Pennsylvania today, he might have an addition to his list: claims of…

Backgrounder

Three Ways Pennsylvania Should Spend American Rescue Plan Funds

• April 7, 2021

How should the commonwealth use this massive surplus of federal dollars? The temptation might be to simply pay off our budget deficit. The IFO projects that over the next five…

Fact Sheet

A Brief History of Tom Wolf’s Tax Hike Proposals

• Elizabeth Stelle
• April 6, 2021

Since taking office seven years ago, Governor Wolf has proposed or supported 14 tax hikes on working families.

Fact Sheet

State Budget

Supplemental Appropriations

• Tirzah Duren
• March 24, 2021

Supplemental appropriation is another term for overspending. In theory, this practice covers unforeseeable expenses, but it has become a normal part of the state budget process.

Fact Sheet

Public Sector Union 2020 Election Spending

• Jessica Barnett
• March 18, 2021

Public sector union political action committees (PAC) spent $16.7 million in Pennsylvania during the 2019–2020 election cycle, principally on behalf of Democratic politicians.

Backgrounder

State Budget

Opportunity Finds a Way

• Marc LeBlond
• March 11, 2021

The 2018-19 budget increased EITC by $25 million, providing an additional 8,000 student scholarships. Each child deserves an exceptional education—one that fits their unique gifts and talents. Parents should have…

Fact Sheet

Steps to Enhance Election Integrity

• Jessica Barnett
• March 10, 2021

In 2020, Pennsylvania’s newly amended election law struggled under unprecedented mail-in voting, yet last minute state guidance and judicial decisions not only skirted election law, but further delayed results and…

Fact Sheet

Corporate Welfare in 3 Charts

• Tirzah Duren
• March 4, 2021

The Governor’s Executive budget includes updated estimates for spending on corporate welfare, which is government favoritism of one sector or business over others. This favoritism is disquised under less innocuous…

Fact Sheet

How to Vote in Pennsylvania

• Stefanie Mason
• March 3, 2021

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Fact Sheet

School Reserve Funds in Pandemic Times

• Stefanie Mason
• February 26, 2021

Pennsylvania school officials are projecting local tax revenue losses for the upcoming year due to the wreckage from COVID-19 restrictions. Even if local tax revenue declines, most schools have…

Backgrounder

Caring for Kids and Communities: The 2021 State Budget

• Elizabeth Stelle
• January 22, 2021

A successful recovery is not dependent on government aid; it requires education lifelines for families, regulatory and tax relief for small businesses, and health care reforms to bolster patient access…

Backgrounder

State Budget

The Taxpayer Protection Act

• Tirzah Duren
• January 21, 2021

KEY POINTS Pennsylvania’s frequent budget deficits are the consequence of chronic overspending. Pennsylvanians pay $4,589 per person in state and local taxes, which equals 10.2 percent of residents’ total…

Backgrounder