Criminal Justice Reform
Milwaukee Study: School Choice Linked to Fewer Broken Families, Convictions
Former Pennsylvania Secretary of Public Welfare Helen O’Bannon once lamented “the family breaking up” as the root cause of an “untrained, unskilled” workforce, which increases “single, female heads of…
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Read More: Milwaukee Study: School Choice Linked to Fewer Broken Families, ConvictionsEducation
Philadelphia Parents Rally for Opportunity Scholarships
Last week, Philadelphia parents and community leaders gathered in support of the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program. The event was sponsored by Educational Opportunities for Families (EOF) and…
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Read More: Philadelphia Parents Rally for Opportunity ScholarshipsPublic Union Democracy
SB 166 Falls Short in the House
Last night, Pennsylvania’s government union leaders preserved their exclusive political privilege. By a close vote of 90-102, the state House voted down SB 166 which would have prohibited…
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Read More: SB 166 Falls Short in the HouseState Budget
Debt Ahead, but Reform Is Coming, Too
The General Assembly is on the verge of authorizing HB 785, which could add more than $1.2 billion to the state’s debt load. The legislation would amend the Capital…
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Read More: Debt Ahead, but Reform Is Coming, TooState Budget
The Tax Hike Non-Solution
Contrary to the prevailing media narrative, it appears budget negotiations have taken a positive turn. According to Jason Gottesman of The PLS Reporter (paywall), House Republicans—led by Speaker Mike Turzai—have offered…
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Read More: The Tax Hike Non-SolutionRegulation
Gov. Wolf Signs Historic Pension Reform
Yesterday Governor Wolf signed transformative pension reform. SB 1 will establish a side-by-side hybrid plan for new employees, greatly reducing taxpayer risk and laying the foundation for further reform.
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Read More: Gov. Wolf Signs Historic Pension ReformRegulation
Historic Pension Reform: Thank You!
Today's pension reform passage—and Gov. Wolf's support—mark a historic moment for our state. Pennsylvania is about to enact the most significant pension reform in the nation. You can read much more…
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Read More: Historic Pension Reform: Thank You!Public Union Democracy
Pennsylvania Government Union Dues Used for Politics
Since 2007, Pennsylvania government unions spent $62.7 million from membership dues on “Political Activities & Lobbying.” Including national affiliates the total reaches $342 million during the 2016 election cycle alone. Here…
Commentary
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Ten Reasons for Optimism
This week state lawmakers advanced a plethora of good policy, from legislation to finally end the government liquor monopoly to a bill that would improve health care in rural areas.
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