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FEBRUARY 7, 2012 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania State Budget Background & 2012 Preview

The FY 2011-12 total operating budget of $63.4 billion, which included $27.1 billion in General Fund spending, represented the first year-to-year reduction in state spending in at least 40 years. However, as the economy continues to struggle out of a recession and with increasing costs in public welfare, corrections, pensions, and debt, the FY 2012-13 budget will require even more difficult decisions by the General Assembly and Governor Corbett to put Pennsylvania on a path to prosperity.

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 | Feature by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

Memo on Marcellus Shale Impact Fee "Deal"

Memo from Matthew Brouillette to Pennsylvania General Assembly on Marcellus Shale Impact Fee "Deal."

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania State Budget Toolkit

2012 Budget Resources

The FY 2011-12 total operating budget of $63.4 billion, which included $27.1 billion in General Fund spending, represented the first year-to-year reduction in state spending in at least 40 years. However, as the economy continues to struggle out of a recession and with increasing costs in public welfare, corrections, pensions, and debt, the FY 2012-13 budget will require even more difficult decisions by the General Assembly and Governor Corbett to put Pennsylvania on a path to prosperity.

JANUARY 24, 2012 | Commentary by ELIZABETH STELLE, JAY OSTRICH

Welfare Reforms Protect Poor, Taxpayers

Regardless of where you stand on taxpayer-funded entitlements, few Americans argue against the maintenance of temporary safety nets or modifications aimed at ending welfare fraud, waste and abuse.

DECEMBER 22, 2011 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Why Gov. Corbett Didn't Get His Christmas Wish List

For Christmas this year, Gov. Tom Corbett hoped the legislature would gift wrap three things he could tie a bow on: An education reform package that included school vouchers, state liquor store privatization and legislation addressing gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.

DECEMBER 12, 2011 | Commentary by DAWN MELING

PLCB Must End Costly Mission Conflict

In high school, I threw the javelin in track and field, badly wanting to be recruited by a college athletics program. My dad would joke that he never had to worry about high school boys and unwanted attention towards me because I could out bench press almost every guy in my school. And that was my attitude too - nothing to worry about.

DECEMBER 9, 2011 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

PLCB Called on to Stop Wine and Spirits Advertising

The Commonwealth Foundation called for an immediate halt today by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board of taxpayer-funded advertising that promotes the sale of wine and spirits by the government-run monopoly.

NOVEMBER 16, 2011 | Commentary by KATRINA CURRIE

Gas Drilling for Pennsylvania's Farms, Family and Future

Across Pennsylvania, natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale has benefited not just companies but also human beings -- by creating tens of thousands of jobs, rescuing families from foreclosure, and generating fortunes and sustainable prosperity for farmers, workers and small-business owners.

NOVEMBER 2, 2011 | Policy Brief by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Fall 2011 Legislative Priorities

Fall 2011 Legislative Priorities.

OCTOBER 28, 2011 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Marcellus Shale Impact Fee

Principles and Facts on Taxing Natural Gas

Companies should pay for the cost of government they use. Many advocates of a new tax simply want more money for Harrisburg politicians to dole out.