Education

The Taxpayers? False Choice

  • James Paul
  • June 28, 2016

Governor Wolf and legislative leaders present Pennsylvanians with two options. The first requires taxpayers to fork over hundreds of millions in higher taxes. The second calls for steep cuts…

Media

Read More: The Taxpayers? False Choice

Regulation

Sin-sylvania?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 22, 2016

According to a new Watchdog.org analysis, Pennsylvania leads in the nation in collections from “sin taxes.” The commonwealth collects more than $2.7 billion annually in taxes on tobacco, alcohol or…

Media

Read More: Sin-sylvania?

Taxes & Economy

Pennsylvania’s Economy is Falling Further Behind

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 21, 2016

Pennsylvania's economy isn't looking so hot this summer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports: Pennsylvania lost 23,600 jobs in the last two months (nonfarm, payroll jobs). Over the same…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania’s Economy is Falling Further Behind

State Budget

Harrisburg Should Curb Waste, Not Fund It

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 21, 2016

What do waking up, driving to work, and stopping at Starbucks have in common? Each of these seemingly mundane activities is impacted by state taxes. It’s time to break this…

Commentary

Read More: Harrisburg Should Curb Waste, Not Fund It

Three Reasons to Avoid Tobacco Taxes

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 20, 2016

Media reports indicate the state House is formulating a tobacco tax package to raise an estimated $500 million. The proposal reflects Wolf’s original plan to raise cigarette…

Media

Read More: Three Reasons to Avoid Tobacco Taxes

State Budget

8 Years of Spending Hikes Crammed into 2?

  • June 20, 2016

8 Years of Spending Hikes Crammed into 2? $2.85 Billion Spending Increase Since 2015 Would Tie Previous 8-Year Total June 20, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—In the eight years before…

Press Release

Read More: 8 Years of Spending Hikes Crammed into 2?

State Budget

Don’t Balance the Budget on the Backs of Working People

  • June 17, 2016

With little time left until the new fiscal year and fewer than two weeks to avoid another budget impasse, informal budget proposals are floating throughout the state Capitol. One proposal…

Media

Read More: Don’t Balance the Budget on the Backs of Working People

Taxes & Economy

Energy Mandates a Double Whammy

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 17, 2016

Alternative energy mandates raise the cost of living and make it harder for people to find work. These are the findings of a new paper on the government's futile efforts…

Media

Read More: Energy Mandates a Double Whammy