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MARCH 11, 2010 | Policy Brief by NATHAN BENEFIELD, ELIZABETH BRYAN

The Case for a Citizen Legislature

The operating cost of the Pennsylvania General Assembly has steadily increased, while Pennsylvania's economy has been stagnant. The Keystone State's burden of state and local taxes is among the heaviest in the country, while it ranks near the bottom in economic growth and freedom. This reality can be addressed by a number of reforms that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Pennsylvania's legislature.

MARCH 8, 2010 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

Rendell’s War on (Some) Special Interests

Gov. Rendell, of course, didn't declare war on all special interests - only those who oppose his tax-borrow-and-spend agenda.  For example, while he lambasts the natural gas industry for opposing yet another tax upon the several it already pays, he gives a pass to the special interests clamoring for more of its money.

MARCH 2, 2010 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania Deficit Watch: March 2010

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue reports that through the end of February, state General Fund revenues are $477 million below estimate for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

FEBRUARY 23, 2010 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Budget Facts 2010: Spending Increases by Department

Pennsylvania faces a projected General Fund tax revenue shortfall of at least $500 million.  Governor Rendell proposed a $29 billion budget for 2010-11, that increases businesses taxes, imposes new taxes on natural gas and tobacco products, and expanding the sales tax to include many goods and services currently exempt. This is the second in a series of fact sheets on the state budget.

FEBRUARY 23, 2010 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Budget Facts 2010: Pennsylvania State Budget Overview

Pennsylvania faces a projected General Fund tax revenue shortfall of at least $500 million.  Governor Rendell proposed a $29 billion General Fund budget for 2010-11, that increases businesses taxes, imposes new taxes on natural gas and tobacco products, and expands the sales tax to many goods and services currently exempt. This is the first in a series of fact sheets on the state budget.

FEBRUARY 17, 2010 | Commentary by ELIZABETH BRYAN

The True Cost of Unemployment Compensation

Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation fund is bankrupt. Beginning in March 2009, the Keystone State borrowed over $2 billion from the federal government to keep it solvent. Unfortunately, unemployment continues to grow, making a bad situation worse. Since December 2007, Pennsylvania has lost more than 200,000 jobs. It is imperative that policymakers revisit the unemployment compensation system and understand how the existing structure hinders economic recovery.

FEBRUARY 10, 2010 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

No Solutions in Rendell's Budget

The Keystone State for years has been afflicted by government inefficiency and overspending.  Since Gov. Rendell took office in 2003, Pennsylvania’s burden of state and local taxes has increased from the 17th heaviest in the nation to the 11th.  State spending has increased by $3,600 per family of four (in inflation-adjusted dollars).  State debt has increased by $18 billion to a whopping $41 billion—a 78 percent increase—or $5,600 per family of four.<

FEBRUARY 9, 2010 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Rendell Budget Treats Symptoms, Ignores Disease

It is deeply unfortunate for Pennsylvania's hardworking families and seniors on fixed incomes, however, that Governor Rendell's newest budget proposal extracts still more money from taxpayers. He continues to treat the symptoms of government inefficiency and overspending while ignoring the disease.

FEBRUARY 8, 2010 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania State Budget Resources

Commonwealth Foundation information on Proposed PA State Budget  

FEBRUARY 8, 2010 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

It's Time for a Taxpayer's Budget

CF outlines three principles for Gov. Rendell's 2010 spending plan

The three principles of a taxpayer's budget are as follows:  Reduces taxes on working Pennsylvanians and job creators. Eliminates corporate welfare, WAMs/pork-barrel projects, and special interests spending. Balances the budget without accounting gimmicks, shell games, or new debt.