Regulation

Is Gov. Wolf Ignoring Credit Rating Agencies?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 4, 2016

Last week, Gov. Wolf once again resorted to defending his latest budget vetoes citing the fear of credit rating downgrades. Oddly, he seems to miss that pension reform and…

Media

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Regulation

Government that Works?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 29, 2015

Last week, Governor Wolf revved up his Jeep and resumed his “Government that Works” tour in Lancaster. In an ironic twist, Wolf also promised to veto a temporary funding bill…

Commentary

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State Budget

Immunizing Taxpayers from Chronic Overspending

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 7, 2014

Last week, two major bond rating agencies (Fitch and Standards & Poor’s) downgraded Pennsylvania’s debt rating citing poor fiscal health. While this should worry voters—taxpayers will be forced to pay…

Commentary

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State Budget

Lack of Priorities Triggers PA Budget Crisis

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 23, 2014

Pennsylvania has a prioritization problem. Recent controversies about the State Racing Fund and the legislature’s reserve fund provide two examples of why Pennsylvania consistently wrestles with budget crises. Auditor General…

Media

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State Budget

State Budget Déjà Vu

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 5, 2014

Ceremonies in Punxsutawney have come and gone, but every year Groundhog Day reminds me of the film of the same name—in which Bill Murray lives the same day over and over…

Commentary

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State Budget

Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Condition is Critical

  • Jessica Barnett
  • January 21, 2014

Pennsylvania ranks 42nd in overall fiscal condition, according to a report by Sarah Arnett of the Mercatus Center. The report, State Fiscal Condition: Ranking the 50 States, analyzes states’ abilities…

Media

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Regulation

PA Can’t Afford to Dither on Meaningful Pension Reform

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 10, 2013

Is your family ready to pay nearly $900 more in property taxes and state taxes per year? Are you prepared to see 33,000 public school teachers in Pennsylvania — nearly…

Commentary

Read More: PA Can’t Afford to Dither on Meaningful Pension Reform

Regulation

“Failure” Leads to Downgrade for Pennsylvania

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 17, 2013

This latest look at Pennsylvania’s fiscal house shows the urgency of pension reform and spending restraint. Fitch Ratings yesterday downgraded Pennsylvania’s bond rating.  This effectively sends a sign to…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Act 44 & Transportation Funding

  • September 4, 2008

In July 2007, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed and Governor Ed Rendell signed Act 44. This legislation authorized the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) to increase tolls on the Turnpike;…

Fact Sheet

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