State Budget Solution #5: Tackle the Shadow Budget
General Fund Budget Is Just 40 Percent of State Government’s True CostFebruary 3, 2017, Harrisburg, Pa.—With budget season launching, most public discussion will focus on the General Fund budget, which was $31.6 billion last year. But this was just 40 percent of state government’s $78 billion cost. Hidden in the remaining 60 p
State Budget Solution #4: Cut Corporate Welfare
Pa. Leads Nation in Wasteful Corporate Subsidies at $6 Billion Since 2007
This year state government will transfer more than $800 million from Pennsylvanians to billion-dollar corporations like Amazon, Netflix, and Kraft under the guise of “economic development.” These corporate handouts benefit special interests and their well-connected lobbyists, leaving taxpayers holding the bag.
State Budget Solution #3: Student-Focused Education Funding
As lawmakers and Gov. Wolf seek to restructure state government this budget season, they should commit to refocusing education spending to provide the greatest opportunity to Pennsylvania students.
State Budget Solution #2: Liquor Privatization
As Governor Wolf and legislative leaders seek to redesign state government, ending Prohibition-era liquor laws should be without argument. Solution #2: Liquor Privatization
State Budget Solution #1: Corrections Reform
The Commonwealth Foundation has outlined a menu of policy solutions to close the budget deficit without tax increases. Solution #1: Corrections Reform
State Spending to Blame for Low Economic Opportunity in Pa.
When it comes to controlling spending, Pennsylvania ranks a disappointing 30th among states, according to the Economic Freedom of North America 2016 report, released by the Fraser Institute.
Pa. Gets a 'D' in First Ever 50-State Public Sector Labor Analysis
Pennsylvania is one of 22 states ranking an abysmal “D” or “F” for the negative impact of their public sector labor laws on taxpayers and government workers, according to a first-of-its-kind 50-state public sector labor report produced by the Commonwealth Foundation. Thirteen states fared little better with a “C,” and just seven earned an “A+.”
Government Unions Pour Millions into Pa. Elections
Government union leaders have poured nearly $8 million into Pennsylvania races, according to the latest campaign finance reports.
Are These 8 Pa. School Districts Piling Up Tax Dollars Like Lower Merion?
A Montgomery County judge recently ruled that Lower Merion School District misled taxpayers by stashing huge cash reserves while repeatedly hiking taxes on township residents. Could 8 other Pennsylvania school districts be doing the same thing?
Exposed: State Agency Pension Debt Revealed for First Time
As lawmakers mull major changes to Pennsylvania’s public pension system this Fall, the Commonwealth Foundation today revealed new state pension details, showing specific unfunded liabilities for state and local agencies, the General Assembly, the judiciary, state-funded colleges, and other state employers.
