Pa. Has $1 Billion in CARES Aid Left, Where Should it Go?
As the pandemic slows, it’s time to step back and reevaluate Pennsylvania’s remaining needs for coronavirus relief. How can our state government ensure that the citizens and businesses who most need aid receive it—and not powerful special interests?
Best Ways to Spend Federal Virus Relief Money
Relief measures should help people and not the government. They should be temporary, clear, and direct.
Three Steps to an Honest Budget: Fiscal Reform Priorities 2020-2021
Our legislative roadmap to a balanced budget, a spending limit and a more transparent fiscal process.
The Administrative Cost of Community Engagement in Medicaid
This is the first in a series of policy briefs looking at the common objections to implementing community engagement requirements, or work expectations, for healthy adults receiving benefits under Medicaid expansion in the Affordable Care Act.
Revenue on Autopilot
The state legislature controls less than half of all state revenue. The rest is on autopilot, flowing automatically through a maze of accounts and undermining the constituional plan for accountabilty and control.
Spending is Overgrown and Unsustainable
Pennsylvania's largest budget items are growing unsustainably fast. The budget can only be brought under control only if these cost drivers are addressed.
Pennsylvania State Budget Trends
On February 5, Governor Wolf will lay out his proposal for the 2019-20 state budget. Here are some key facts on spending trends, last year’s enacted budget, and challenges going forward.
Safer Communities, Smarter Spending
About 95 percent of those confined to state prison will eventually re-enter society. This is why reformers must focus attention on reducing recidivism and balance "tough on crime" practices of the past with proven "right on crime" practices that protect victims' rights and keep communities safe.
Improving Medicaid Through Work & Community Engagement
For the first time, the federal government is allowing states to require recipients to pursue work, education, or community engagement to maintain Medicaid benefits. With wide support in Pennsylvania, this reform would be a tremendous step forward in creating a pathway to prosperity.