Pennsylvania’s complex state budget has enabled policymakers to keep taxpayers in the dark when it comes to state spending. Year after year, some elected officials use budget gimmicks to both make the budget appear balanced and to secure their own agendas. Pennsylvanians deserve reforms that bring true transparency to the budgeting process. We must limit spending growth to a sustainable rate, ensuring the state government—like hardworking taxpayers—live within its means.

2024 state budget resources

State Budget

Five Ways to Promote Prosperity & Grow the Economy

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • January 30, 2019

Revenue collections are $400 million above projections. Next year’s budget should be easy to balance. Instead, lawmakers are looking at a projected $1.7 billion deficit. Why? Pennsylvania continues…

Memo

Read More: Five Ways to Promote Prosperity & Grow the Economy

Criminal Justice Reform

Pennsylvania State Budget Trends

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 22, 2019

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…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Pennsylvania State Budget Trends

Regulation

How Big is the Pa. State Budget? 17 Million Yoga Rooms

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 22, 2019

Much has been made about a yoga and meditation room in the state Capitol—costing taxpayers about $5,000 to furnish. With an annual state budget that could pay for…

Media

Read More: How Big is the Pa. State Budget? 17 Million Yoga Rooms

State Budget

Budget Outlook: Restrained Spending Growth

  • Nathan Benefield
  • December 12, 2018

On Tuesday, Budget Secretary Randy Albright gave the mid-year budget briefing (slides available here) for the 2018-19 budget. If you’re expecting a repeat of the Wolf Administration’s tax-and-spend rhetoric…

Media

Read More: Budget Outlook: Restrained Spending Growth

Regulation

Our Christmas Wish: A Solvent Pennsylvania

  • Gordon Tomb
  • December 4, 2018

“I’m dreaming of a solvent Penn’s Woods/Just like the one we used to know.” Lyrics not worthy of Bing Crosby, but still music to the ears of a…

Media

Read More: Our Christmas Wish: A Solvent Pennsylvania

Health Care

Welfare Program Restarts with No Proof of Poverty Alleviation & No Budget

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • December 3, 2018

After a six-year hiatus, Pennsylvania's General Assistance program is back in operation…without a budget. The Wolf administration's unilateral decision to resurrect a program, without identifying a funding source, is symbolic…

Media

Read More: Welfare Program Restarts with No Proof of Poverty Alleviation & No Budget

Regulation

Turnpike Toll Hikes Highlight Missed Opportunities

  • Elizabeth Stelle, Nathan Benefield
  • November 30, 2018

There are three things Pennsylvanians have learned to count on: death, taxes, and Turnpike toll hikes. On January 6th, the state toll road will increase rates by another 6…

Media

Read More: Turnpike Toll Hikes Highlight Missed Opportunities

State Budget

2017-18 State Budget & Spending Trends

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 26, 2018

Over the next month, CF will recount what happened on major issues in the 2017-18 legislative session and what policies lawmakers need to prioritize in the 2019-20 session to make…

Media

Read More: 2017-18 State Budget & Spending Trends

Government Accountability

It’s Apparent PA’s Not Transparent

  • Jessica Barnett
  • November 20, 2018

Parties and perks on taxpayers' dime was the headline-grabbing news from Pennsylvania's Auditor General investigation of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC). His findings underscore the need for government transparency. The SRBC,…

Media

Read More: It’s Apparent PA’s Not Transparent

State Budget

IFO Projects $1.7 Billion State Budget Deficit in 2019

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 19, 2018

Last year’s state budget boasted a series of firsts. It was the first budget in four years enacted before the June 30 deadline and represents the only budget Gov.

Media

Read More: IFO Projects $1.7 Billion State Budget Deficit in 2019

Regulation

Corporate Welfare: A Bad Deal for Pennsylvanians

  • October 17, 2018

Hanover company WNS closed its doors for good at the end of September, putting 107 men and women out of work. This news comes just two years after Governor…

Media

Read More: Corporate Welfare: A Bad Deal for Pennsylvanians

Criminal Justice Reform

Pennsylvania’s Financial Condition? Critical

  • October 16, 2018

Despite what you may have heard, Pennsylvania’s fiscal troubles haven’t disappeared. The recent state budget did not address the commonwealth’s short- or long-term financial challenges. It merely papered over them.

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania’s Financial Condition? Critical

State Budget

Refocus on Government Assistance that Transforms Lives for Good

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • August 20, 2018

Six years ago, the Pennsylvania legislature ended the General Assistance program, a monthly cash benefit to disabled adults. In that same bill, Pennsylvania strengthened food stamp work requirements (later rolled…

Media

Read More: Refocus on Government Assistance that Transforms Lives for Good

State Budget

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in Pennsylvania

  • August 14, 2018

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides tax relief to working people across all income levels. Since its passage, more than 660 businesses have announced raises, bonuses, or enhanced retirement benefits…

Fact Sheet

Read More: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in Pennsylvania

Criminal Justice Reform

Spending Trends & Policy Developments Under Gov. Wolf

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 31, 2018

In the last four years Pennsylvania has experienced rapid state spending growth. On the plus side, constant tax hike proposals have been largely rejected and policies like pension reform, school…

Memo

Read More: Spending Trends & Policy Developments Under Gov. Wolf

Government Accountability

State Budget Bill Packed with $35 Million in Earmarks

  • July 24, 2018

July 24, 2018, Harrisburg, Pa.—Nearly 50 obscurely-worded earmarks are buried in Pennsylvania’s fiscal code—amounting to $35 million in hidden expenses—according to a Commonwealth Foundation analysis. Click here for a searchable…

Press Release

Read More: State Budget Bill Packed with $35 Million in Earmarks

State Budget

The Tangible Benefits of Tax Reform

  • July 18, 2018

One of the many benefits of federal tax reform kicked in earlier this month in the form of lower utility bills for Pennsylvania residents. Back in May, the Pennsylvania Public…

Media

Read More: The Tangible Benefits of Tax Reform

Education

School Choice Momentum in Pennsylvania

  • Colleen Hroncich
  • July 5, 2018

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program established Pennsylvania as a school choice leader when it was introduced in 2001. The program helps thousands of students, but it hasn’t kept…

Media

Read More: School Choice Momentum in Pennsylvania

Criminal Justice Reform

Bipartisan Support for a Second Chance

  • June 28, 2018

We all deserve a second chance. This is the core principle underlying “clean slate” legislation, which the legislature overwhelmingly approved last week. The measure, House Bill 1419, sponsored by…

Media

Read More: Bipartisan Support for a Second Chance

Health Care

Hidden Human Services Spending

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 27, 2018

What’s the main driver of spending in Harrisburg? It’s not education. The main driver of costs is the Department of Human Services, which includes Medicaid, child services, nursing home care…

Media

Read More: Hidden Human Services Spending

State Budget

State Budget 2018: Policy Victories & Missed Opportunities

  • June 26, 2018

With a signed state budget, it’s time to review the policy victories and missed opportunities that define the 2018-19 spending package. Victories Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) expansion: Lawmakers approved…

Media

Read More: State Budget 2018: Policy Victories & Missed Opportunities