Government Accountability
Myth-Busting SEPTA
For the Pennsylvania state budget, mass transit funding is all the rage these days—literally. The primary debate in Harrisburg revolves around the question of whether to send more state dollars…
Blog
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Minimum Wage
Summary Findings by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) show that less than one percent of Pennsylvania workers (47,200) earn the minimum wage or…
Fact Sheet
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Shapiro’s Lights Out Agenda
Analysis of Governor Shapiro’s Lightning Plan Summary In January, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled his Lightning Plan, which he calls a “bold, all-of-the-above energy plan” to shift…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Shapiro’s Lights Out AgendaEducation
Shapiro Still Not Getting Stuff Done
Welcome to Common Sense Weekly! This is the Commonwealth Foundation’s weekly news roundup of policy issues debated in Harrisburg and across Pennsylvania.Have you seen our recent social media videos?…
Blog
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Gov. Josh Shapiro Still Ain’t Got Sh*t Done
Heading into his third budget negotiation, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official slogan starkly contrasts with his legislative accomplishments. A Commonwealth Foundation analysis found Shapiro’s first two-and-a-half years…
Blog
Read More: Gov. Josh Shapiro Still Ain’t Got Sh*t DoneEducation
Pennsylvania School Funding Reaches $23,000 per Student in 2024
Pennsylvania Public School Spending is Growing Public school spending reaches historic levels year after year. Pennsylvania public school revenue per student increased to $23,061 in the 2023-24 school year, up…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Pennsylvania School Funding Reaches $23,000 per Student in 2024Public Union Democracy
New Analysis Reveals Striking Partisanship of Government Union Spending
Government unions spent more than $33 million on political causes and only 5.2 percent of PAC contributions went to non-Democratic candidates. Harrisburg, Pa., April 16, 2025 — Government unions…
Press Release
Read More: New Analysis Reveals Striking Partisanship of Government Union SpendingPublic Union Democracy
Government Union Political Spending in Pennsylvania’s 2023–24 Election Cycle
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
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What’s Shapiro Hiding?
Welcome to Common Sense Weekly! This is the Commonwealth Foundation’s weekly news roundup of policy issues being debated in Harrisburg and across Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro’s Super Bowl Appearance Highlights…
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