State Budget

A real budget can bring prosperity to Pennsylvania

• Nathan Benefield
• February 19, 2022

Originally published in The Patriot-News In in his annual budget address last week, Gov. Tom Wolf patted himself on the back for his management of the state’s finances. He…

Media Hit

State Budget

Five Takeaways from Gov. Wolf’s Budget

• February 8, 2022

February 8, 2022, Harrisburg, Pa. — In his final budget address Tuesday, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed an unaffordable spending increase while claiming the mantle of fiscal responsibility. Commonwealth Foundation Senior…

Press Release

Taxes & Economy

Pennsylvania’s Population Problems

• February 8, 2022

The Problem New data[1] from the United States Census Bureau shows Pennsylvania’s population problems remain: Pennsylvania’s population decreased by 25,000 from July 2020 to July 2021. Natural population…

Fact Sheet

State Budget

Pennsylvania Fiscal Chart Book 2022

• February 1, 2022

Eight charts summarizing how much state government spends and how to strengthen the fiscal health of the commonwealth.

Fact Sheet

State Budget

How Government Overspending Hurts Pennsylvania Families

• Andrew Holman, Nathan Benefield
• January 31, 2022

Key Points Excessive government spending and borrowing is causing record-setting inflation and severe supply chain shortages.Voters want fiscal restraint from their government.High taxes and spending are making Pennsylvania uncompetitive, costing…

Backgrounder

State Budget

Op-Ed: How the Taxpayer Protection Act would help Pennsylvania

• Nathan Benefield
• November 22, 2021

It’s time for Pennsylvania lawmakers to return to fiscally responsible governance. Passing the Taxpayer Protection Act is the perfect place to start.

Commentary

Op-Ed: Limited government can make a comeback

• Nathan Benefield
• August 28, 2021

For advocates of limited government, it’s easy to feel like the fight is over and the country is on the path to fiscal ruin. But such pessimism is unwarranted.

Commentary

Pa. Earmark Spending Hits All-Time High

• Michael Torres
• August 26, 2021

August 26, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa.— A new Commonwealth Foundation analysis shows a steep increase in earmarks in the 2021–2022 state budget. Approximately $5.5 billion in both federal and state…

Press Release

Government Accountability

Fiscal Earmarks Reduce State Budget Transparency

• Jessica Barnett
• August 19, 2021

The 2021–2022 Fiscal Code contains at least $5.5 billion in federal and state funds earmarked for special projects across the state, up from $120 million last year. Most of this…

Backgrounder