State Budget

Yes, We Really Do Mistrust Lawmakers

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 22, 2009

Gerald Prante of the Tax Foundation raises a philosophical question about state spending limits. Namely he wonders, if we don’t trust how legislators spend money now – a…

Media

Read More: Yes, We Really Do Mistrust Lawmakers

Education

Despite Recession, Pennsylvania College Costs Increase

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 22, 2009

On Tuesday, the College Board released their annual report on tuition and financial aid. Despite a national recession, college tuition is still rising at an alarming pace. On average,…

Media

Read More: Despite Recession, Pennsylvania College Costs Increase

State Budget

PA Business Survey: Bad Budget Deal

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 21, 2009

The Lincoln Institute released its Fall Business Climate Survey for Pennsylvania (mostly surveying small business owners). Click here for results and here for a summary of findings. Not…

Media

Read More: PA Business Survey: Bad Budget Deal

Health Care

Guide to National Health Care Reform Proposals

  • October 20, 2009

President Obama has pushed national health care reform, making it a priority. While there is no official "Obama plan," and several different proposal in Congress, the leading proposals have several…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Guide to National Health Care Reform Proposals

Taxes & Economy

Map of State and Local Sales Tax Rates

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 19, 2009

The Tax Foundation has a new map showing sales tax rates by state – including both the state rate and the average local rate. With the local included, Pennsylvania…

Media

Read More: Map of State and Local Sales Tax Rates

State Budget

Facts About Spending Limits from Colorado

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 16, 2009

Voters in Maine will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum limiting state spending and tax increases. The Maine Heritage Policy Center released a new paper offering…

Media

Read More: Facts About Spending Limits from Colorado

Taxes & Economy

Job Losses in Pennsylvania Counties

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 16, 2009

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on county employment and wages today.  It is a little dated (March 2009) relative to national data, but does offer a profile…

Media

Read More: Job Losses in Pennsylvania Counties

State Budget

Budget Facts 2009: Budget Deal = Budget Deficits

  • October 15, 2009

Unfortunately, even if the Pennsylvania economy recovered to unprecedented level in next two years, there is no way it could possibly produce enough tax revenue to bridge the budgetary canyon…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Budget Facts 2009: Budget Deal = Budget Deficits