Public Union Democracy

Government Union Political Spending in Pennsylvania’s 2023–24 Election Cycle

  • Andrew Holman
  • April 15, 2025

Key Points Government unions enjoy a host of special legal privileges in Pennsylvania, which allow their executives to exert undue influence over Pennsylvania’s public policy process. Government union bosses use…

Backgrounder

Read More: Government Union Political Spending in Pennsylvania’s 2023–24 Election Cycle

Health Care

How to Help Pennsylvanians Prosper with Medicaid and SNAP Reform 

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 1, 2025

Work requirements, strengthening eligibility verification, and prioritizing traditional enrollees will lead to better outcomes. Summary The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid programs are intended to help adults increase…

Fact Sheet

Read More: How to Help Pennsylvanians Prosper with Medicaid and SNAP Reform 

Education

Pa. School Funding Reaches $22,000 per Student in 2023

  • May 20, 2024

Pennsylvania Public School Spending Is Growing Over the last decade, state spending on Pennsylvania public schools reached all-time highs year after year. Pennsylvania per-pupil public school funding increased to $21,985…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Pa. School Funding Reaches $22,000 per Student in 2023

Education

Education Funding in the Commonwealth

  • January 10, 2024

Pennsylvania Outspends the Nation on Public Schools Pennsylvania ranks among the highest-spending states on public education. According to National Center for Education Statistics data, as of fiscal year (FY) 2021,…

Backgrounder

Read More: Education Funding in the Commonwealth

Taxes & Economy

Two-Year Anniversary of Gov. Wolf’s Shutdown

  • March 18, 2022

March 18, 2022, Harrisburg, Pa. — This weekend marks two years since Gov. Tom Wolf’s arbitrary, unilateral shutdown of Pennsylvania’s “non-life-sustaining” businesses. On March 19, 2020,…

Press Release

Read More: Two-Year Anniversary of Gov. Wolf’s Shutdown

Education

Concentrating Resources on Failing Systems Instead of Students

  • Stefanie Mason
  • July 20, 2021

The 2021-22 budget has the largest state education funding increase in Pennsylvania history despite public schools receiving over $6.2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds. The funding increase includes a…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Concentrating Resources on Failing Systems Instead of Students

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

Read More: Governor’s Lone Wolf Approach Leaves Families Wanting

Op-Ed: Dissecting Pennsylvania’s Realignment

  • Charles F. McElwee
  • November 10, 2020

In Pennsylvania, Biden prevailed because enough voters in rural counties, working-class regions, and suburban towns found him inoffensive, if not appealing, during a turbulent period. Outside Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, this…

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: Dissecting Pennsylvania’s Realignment

Op-Ed: Four Places to Watch in Pennsylvania on Election Day

  • Charles F. McElwee
  • November 3, 2020

From upscale suburbs to blue-collar villages, Pennsylvanians will likely determine the presidential victor. Many consider this election a referendum on Trump’s pandemic-era leadership -- especially in a state where COVID-19…

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: Four Places to Watch in Pennsylvania on Election Day