Pa. Earmark Spending Hits All-Time High
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
Read More: Pa. Earmark Spending Hits All-Time HighGovernment Accountability
Fiscal Earmarks Reduce State Budget Transparency
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
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New Research Shows Pathway to Fiscal Stability for States
July 13, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa. — A new Commonwealth Foundation study investigating the impacts of Taxpayer and Expenditure Limits (TELs) has found that the policies can ward off tax increases…
Press Release
Read More: New Research Shows Pathway to Fiscal Stability for StatesState Budget
2021 Budget Takeaways
Last week, the Pa. General Assembly passed a state budget deal that includes $40 billion in the General Fund budget, increases in tax credit scholarships, and a number of policy…
Fact Sheet
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School Choice Expands in Pennsylvania Budget
June 25, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa. — Lawmakers today unveiled a deal on the next fiscal year’s state budget, which the governor is expected to sign. The budget includes an increase in the cap…
Press Release
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Op-Ed: With $7 billion windfall, Pa. should focus on jobs, students
With this budget, lawmakers should enact policies that help our citizens find work and ensure that every kid has access to a high-quality education.
Commentary
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Op-Ed: With $7 Billion to Spend, Lawmakers Must Avoid Past Mistakes
The lesson is clear. If politicians use federal stimulus money to expand existing programs, their successors will face intense political pressure to make those spending increases permanent, compounding our structural…
Commentary
Read More: Op-Ed: With $7 Billion to Spend, Lawmakers Must Avoid Past MistakesState Budget
Supplemental Appropriations
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
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New Report: Rebuilding Pennsylvania’s Economy
Jan. 25, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa. — A new Commonwealth Foundation report proposes a series of public policies aimed at helping Pennsylvania recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn. The Race…
Press Release
Read More: New Report: Rebuilding Pennsylvania’s Economy