State 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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Pennsylvania’s Poor Showings Aren’t Permanent
The commonwealth continues to score poorly in 24/7 Wall St.’s list of the nation’s best-and worst-run states, ranking 42nd right between neighbors West Virginia and New Jersey. Put differently, Pennsylvania is…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Poor Showings Aren’t PermanentState Budget
Lawmakers’ Choices: Higher Taxes or Real Reform
Half the state budget is done: the spending list. The Pennsylvania House and Senate passed a general appropriations bill on Friday. But the other half—how to pay for it—remains. The…
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Read More: Lawmakers’ Choices: Higher Taxes or Real ReformTaxes & Economy
Pennsylvania’s ‘Economic Iron Curtain’
Imagine discovering buried treasure on your property. Suddenly, you can provide for your family, send your kids to college debt-free, pay off your parent’s mortgage, or fund your retirement. It…
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One of the Worst Run States in America?
Pennsylvania is in a slump. The latest grades from 24/7 Wall St. have the Keystone State ranked 42nd in terms of The Best Run State in America. This is…
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Read More: One of the Worst Run States in America?Criminal Justice Reform
Keystone Criminal Justice
As lifelong conservatives, we’re proud to call ourselves tough on crime and to support lengthy prison terms for dangerous felons. But after a long, taxpayer-funded era of mass incarceration, it’s…
Commentary
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Lower State Spending Could Improve Bond Rating
Last week Moody’s warned an out-of-balance state budget could result in another credit downgrading. By not acting to balance the budget, Governor Wolf is aiding in the devaluation of the…
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Read More: Lower State Spending Could Improve Bond RatingTaxes & Economy
Philly Should Reject Mayor’s Tax-a-Cola Plan
Mayor Kenney’s soda tax would nearly double the average cost of a 12-pack of soda – hitting hardest those who least can afford it, not to mention small retailers, bottlers,…
Commentary
Read More: Philly Should Reject Mayor’s Tax-a-Cola PlanState Budget
Middle Class Loses Under Gov. Wolf’s Budget
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) released a sober analysis of Gov. Wolf’s 2016-17 budget proposal. It examines the consequences of eight separate tax increases as well as a minimum…
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Read More: Middle Class Loses Under Gov. Wolf’s Budget