State Budget
The Shapiro Stalemate Enters Year Three
Gov. Josh Shapiro wants Pennsylvanians to believe that he wasn’t responsible for this year’s budget impasse—just like he wasn’t for last year’s stalemate or the year before that. For three…
Blog
Read More: The Shapiro Stalemate Enters Year ThreeState Budget
Pa. Senate Passes Budget Protecting Taxpayers, as Shapiro, House Democrats Continue Gridlock
Harrisburg, Pa., August 12, 2025 — Today, the Pennsylvania Senate is advancing a spending bill that provides the clearest path forward in months toward a sustainable state budget. The commonwealth is…
Press Release
Read More: Pa. Senate Passes Budget Protecting Taxpayers, as Shapiro, House Democrats Continue GridlockTaxes & Economy
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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Unbalanced, Reckless Spending Bill
Welcome to the Commonwealth Foundation’s weekly news roundup of policy issues debated in Harrisburg and across Pennsylvania.Follow us on X for the latest updates—and help us reach 10,000 followers! PA…
Blog
Read More: Unbalanced, Reckless Spending BillEnergy
Pennsylvania Energy Returns to the National Spotlight—No Thanks to Governor Shapiro
Yesterday, lawmakers and business executives convened in Pittsburgh to celebrate Pennsylvania’s bright future—all thanks to the commonwealth’s robust energy sector. The event, titled the “Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit,”…
Blog
Read More: Pennsylvania Energy Returns to the National Spotlight—No Thanks to Governor ShapiroPublic Union Democracy
Shapiro, Fetterman Talk Out of Both Sides of Their Mouths About U.S. Steel
The recent news of a new multibillion-dollar deal between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel has many celebrating. Even Sen. John Fetterman and Gov. Josh Shapiro cheered. Yet, these high-profile Pennsylvania…
Blog
Read More: Shapiro, Fetterman Talk Out of Both Sides of Their Mouths About U.S. SteelState Budget
Deficit Watch: June 2025
Lawmakers must protect the Rainy Day Fund. Background Pennsylvania faces serious fiscal challenges. The enacted 2024–25 General Fund budget created a $3.6 billion structural deficit. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025–26…
Deficit Watch
Read More: Deficit Watch: June 2025Education
Educational Choice Myth and Facts 2025
Summary Unfortunately, conversations about education choice are fraught with myths about accountability, funding, and who qualifies for choice programs. This fact sheet addresses the most common myths. Academic Accountability MYTH:School…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Educational Choice Myth and Facts 2025Education
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 2024