Pa. Population Drops for First Time in 31 Years
For the first time since 1985, Pennsylvania’s total population declined last year, falling by more than 7,600, according to new data from the Census Bureau.
New IFO Report Emphasizes Need to Reform Spending
Yesterday’s Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) mid-year report warned Pennsylvania could face a $900 million budget shortfall this year alone. By 2022, this deficit could reach $3 billion per year.
Union Leaders Kill Critical Pension Reform at Members’ and Taxpayers’ Expense
In a blow to the public employees they claim to represent, government union leaders blocked significant pension reform that would have enhanced choice and portability for new state and public school employees and slowed the accumulation of taxpayer-backed pension debt.
House Committee Votes to Save Vape Shops
Today, the House Finance Committee voted 19-4 to repeal the 40-percent retroactive tax that is poised to drive hundreds of vape shops out of business and cost as many as 1,500 full-time jobs.
In School Funding, Pa. High Court Must Not Usurp Legislature
As the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court hears a challenge to the state’s school funding formula today, at issue is the power of the judiciary as well as the truth about Pennsylvania’s education funding.
Games? eBooks? Music? There's a Tax for That
Pennsylvanians who didn’t stock up on iTunes, eBooks, and game apps yesterday will begin paying more today, as the 6 percent sales tax on digital downloads, satellite radio, and streaming video and audio such as Netflix, goes into effect.
DNC in Philly: Top 5 Ways Big-Government Policies Are Killing the Host City
As all eyes turn to Philadelphia next week for the Democratic National Convention, just steps from the Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphians are suffering from high taxes, union-controlled public schools, and a government-run liquor monopoly.
Budget: Still Irresponsible, Still Unbalanced
Yesterday, Gov. Wolf and lawmakers approved a tax and revenue package of more than $1.3 billion. There’s just one problem: The budget remains unbalanced by $300 million.
Will Wolf-Enacted Budget Violate Law?
Governor Tom Wolf yesterday announced he would allow the $31.6 billion budget—which the Legislature sent him without a revenue package to pay for it—to become law, despite the fact that legally, the governor must veto spending that exceeds official revenue estimates.
Will Lawmakers Renege on 'No Broad-Based Taxes' Pledge?
As lawmakers scramble to find revenue to fund the $1.6 billion spending increase they passed last week, a broad-based tax increase, once deemed “off the table,” is in play.
