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

Government Accountability

Election Reform in Pennsylvania

• November 25, 2024

Summary Ahead of the 2020 election, Pennsylvania allowed no-excuse mail-in voting for the first time. Officials overwhelmed with millions of ballot requests, last-minute state guidance, and litigation resulted in delayed…

Fact Sheet

Taxes & Economy

Top Unemployment Compensation Reforms for Pennsylvania

• November 3, 2021

Overview Pennsylvania should reform its unemployment compensation system to pay down state debt, incentivize hiring, increase labor participation, and minimize fraudulent claims. Reforms should protect unemployment compensation for the individuals…

Fact Sheet

Regulation

PA pension funds report major losses

• Nathan Benefield
• February 17, 2009

Mark Scolforo summarizes the reports from Pennsylvania two statewide pension funds SERS (for state workers) and PSERS (for school district employees): The percentage losses on investments were similar.

Media

Taxes & Economy

Media Coverage of the Turnpike Family Tree

• Elizabeth Stelle
• August 29, 2008

Here is a roundup of news coverage of our Turnpike Family Treeand video: Mark Scolforo has the AP Story, with a retort from Joe Brimmeier:…

Media

Healthy state pension fund brings pressure for benefit increases

• Nathan Benefield
• May 7, 2007

Mark Scolforo in the Morning Call on proposed reforms (and benefit increases) to the state pension system.

Media

Lawmakers reaped $50K-plus in freebies in ’06

• Nathan Benefield
• May 4, 2007

Mark Scolforo reports on the gifts and other financial interests report by lawmakers. Not suprisingly, legislative leaders cashed in (even while claiming they were not): House Majority Leader…

Media

House rejects series of reform measures

• Nathan Benefield
• March 13, 2007

Mark Scolforo of the AP on the reforms that won’t be happening (at least in this round). Yesterday’s votes removed the Reform Commission proposals to limit the powers of…

Media

Pension gap fix may not be easy

• Nathan Benefield
• December 21, 2006

Part 4 of Mark Scolforo’s series.

Media