Regulation

Ten Facts on Pension Reform

  • June 15, 2015

Pension costs are ballooning, threatening to consume funds for education, public safety and welfare. Without timely reform, Pennsylvanians will face cuts to services, teacher layoffs, and higher property taxes. Yet…

Fact Sheet

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Regulation

Downgrade Detrimental to Taxpayers

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 22, 2014

For the third time in two years, a major bond rating agency gave Pennsylvania a downgrade. The most recent downgrade, courtesy of Moody’s, has real implications for taxpayers. Moody’s…

Media

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Regulation

Latest Credit Downgrade Hits One-Time Revenues and Pension Inaction

  • July 21, 2014

Contact: John Bouder, 717-671-1901 PA’s ‘Growing Structural Imbalance’ Cited in New Credit Downgrade One-Time Revenue Sources and Unfunded Pension Liabilities the Cause Good afternoon, Today, credit rating…

Press Release

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Regulation

Pension Crisis Facts: Are Pension Obligation Bonds Risk Free?

  • May 15, 2013

This is the third in a series of blog posts debunking the myths surrounding Pennsylvania’s pension crisis. Pennsylvania’s two main government worker pension systems, the Public School Employee Retirement System…

Media

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Regulation

Pennsylvania’s Pension Crisis: Myths and Facts

  • April 25, 2013

Pennsylvania’s two main government worker pension systems, the Public School Employee Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employee Retirement System (SERS), are dramatically underfunded. Together these funds owe more than…

Fact Sheet

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Regulation

Poor Pension Policy Could Harm Bond Rating

  • December 19, 2012

Last week, Moody’s Investor Service released a warning to state and local governments on borrowing to finance underfunded pension systems, commonly referred to as pension obligation bonds. The report…

Media

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Regulation

Principles for Public Pension Reform

  • August 30, 2012

Projected taxpayer contributions for PSERS and SERS will increase from $1.7 billion in 2011-12 to more than $6.2 billion in 2016-17—a 263% increase. Contributions will continue to rise at a…

Fact Sheet

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Regulation

Moody’s Sounds the Four Alarms

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 17, 2012

Yesterday, Moody’s Investor Services downgraded Pennsylvania’s bond rating one level. The downgrade implies Pennsylvania bonds are riskier than previously assessed, and it could make it more expensive for the…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Tough Questions for Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

  • July 29, 2010

The PA Turnpike Commission (PTC) testified before the Senate Transportation Committee during this summer’s special session on transportation funding. Most senators on the committee expressed concern on several aspects regarding…

Media

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