Public Union Democracy

Pennsylvania Government Union Dues Used for Politics

  • May 8, 2017

Since 2007, Pennsylvania government unions spent $62.7 million from membership dues on “Political Activities & Lobbying.” Including national affiliates the total reaches $342 million during the 2016 election cycle alone. Here…

Commentary

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Note from the Team Jan-Feb 17

  • February 14, 2017

Our website has a brand new look, and Commonwealth Sense now has a digital home! Also, a teammate returns and a taxpayer victory...

Commentary

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Note from the Team Jan-Feb 17

  • February 14, 2017

Our website has a brand new look, and Commonwealth Sense now has a digital home! Also, a teammate returns and a taxpayer victory...

Commentary

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State Budget

An Early Christmas Present from Gov. Wolf

  • Nathan Benefield
  • December 22, 2016

Yesterday, Gov. Tom Wolf indicated he would not propose an income tax or a sales tax increase as part of his next budget. This comes as something of…

Media

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Education

Will Lower Standards Help Pa. School Performance?

  • James Paul
  • December 9, 2016

Pennsylvania’s primary tool for grading schools—the School Performance Profile (SPP)—is being overhauled. The current SPP is not particularly straightforward, but it’s based mainly on test scores and academic…

Media

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Public Union Democracy

Pa. Gets a ‘D’ in First Ever 50-State Public Sector Labor Analysis

  • November 14, 2016

Study Reveals Most States Earn Low Grades in Public Employee Rights, Taxpayer Protections November 14, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Pennsylvania is one of 22 states ranking an abysmal “D” or “F” for…

Press Release

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Education

How Does Pennsylvania Stack up in School Revenue?

  • James Paul
  • October 10, 2016

The National Center for Education Statistics recently released 2013-14 figures on revenues and expenditures for U.S. public schools. How does Pennsylvania stack up when it comes to funding? On a…

Media

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Energy

Lessons from Fracking’s Borderlines

  • Gordon Tomb
  • September 20, 2016

New Yorkers shouldn’t have to eye secession to tap the riches beneath their feet. Pennsylvanians shouldn’t have to worry that taxes and regulations will drive away opportunity and raise energy…

Commentary

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