pennsylvania taxes

Taxes & Economy

We Need to Stop Chasing Residents Out of the State With High Taxes

  • Kevin Kane
  • April 18, 2023

Originally published at Delaware Valley Journal Every April, Pennsylvanians are reminded of their crushing tax burden—one of the highest in the nation. And a growing number of Pennsylvanians have…

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High taxes make for a slow-growing economy. And communities feel the pinch of high taxes as more and more native Pennsylvanians leave the Keystone State to prosper elsewhere. To remain economically competitive, Pennsylvania must lower state taxes and ensure businesses have the opportunity to succeed. Lower taxes will incentivize more individuals to call Pennsylvania their home, ultimately spurring our statewide economy forward.

Prosperity

Jennifer Stefano on Wake Up America on Newsmax

  • Jennifer Stefano
  • February 14, 2022

Commonwealth Foundation’s Executive Vice President Jennifer Stefano joins Newsmax to discuss the state of the American economy.SHOW MORE…

Media Hit

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Prosperity

Pennsylvania’s Population Problems

  • February 8, 2022

The Problem New data[1] from the United States Census Bureau shows Pennsylvania’s population problems remain: Pennsylvania’s population decreased by 25,000 from July 2020 to July 2021. Natural population…

Fact Sheet

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Prosperity

How Government Overspending Hurts Pennsylvania Families

  • Andrew Holman, Nathan Benefield
  • January 31, 2022

Key Points Excessive government spending and borrowing is causing record-setting inflation and severe supply chain shortages.Voters want fiscal restraint from their government.High taxes and spending are making Pennsylvania uncompetitive, costing…

Backgrounder

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Prosperity

Jennifer Stefano on Wake Up America on Newsmax 1.29.2022

  • Jennifer Stefano
  • January 29, 2022

Commonwealth Foundation’s Executive Vice President Jennifer Stefano discusses President Biden’s meeting with business leaders over his progressive agenda.

Media Hit

Read More: Jennifer Stefano on Wake Up America on Newsmax 1.29.2022

Prosperity

Op-Ed: Pa.’s out-of-control spending is driving away residents

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 25, 2022

Originally published in the Pittsiburgh Tribune-Review Gov. Tom Wolf recently declared 2022 a “magical year” for the Pennsylvania budget, citing the possibility of a surplus. However, Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal…

Media Hit

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Criminal Justice Reform

Why Pennsylvania Needs Probation Reform

  • Brandon Van Dyck
  • December 15, 2021

Pennsylvania has an overburdened probation system that delivers substandard results. The commonwealth’s recidivism rate is 41 percent—one of the highest in the nation.

Backgrounder

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Regulation

Jennifer Stefano on Wake Up America on Newsmax

  • Jennifer Stefano
  • November 30, 2021

Commonwealth Foundation's Executive Vice President Jennifer Stefano discusses ongoing supply chain issues on Newsmax's Wake Up America.

Media

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Prosperity

Top Unemployment Compensation Reforms for Pennsylvania

  • November 3, 2021

Overview Pennsylvania should reform its unemployment compensation system to pay down state debt, incentivize hiring, increase labor participation, and minimize fraudulent claims. Reforms should protect unemployment compensation for the individuals…

Fact Sheet

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Energy

Consequences of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 1, 2021

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a controversial compact designed to tax electricity producers for emitting carbon. The Wolf administration is attempting to join the initiative through regulation in…

Fact Sheet

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Government Accountability

Fiscal Earmarks Reduce State Budget Transparency

  • Jessica Barnett
  • August 19, 2021

The 2021–2022 Fiscal Code contains at least $5.5 billion in federal and state funds earmarked for special projects across the state, up from $120 million last year. Most of this…

Backgrounder

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State Budget

TEL-Tale Heart: Crafting Effective Policies to Reduce Spending

  • Tirzah Duren
  • July 12, 2021

Executive Summary Increases in state spending do not result in greater prosperity for state residents, across an array of measures. In fact, increased state spending can reduce economic growth. Reducing…

Report

Read More: TEL-Tale Heart: Crafting Effective Policies to Reduce Spending

State Budget

2021 Budget Takeaways

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 29, 2021

Last week, the Pa. General Assembly passed a state budget deal that includes $40 billion in the General Fund budget, increases in tax credit scholarships, and a number of policy…

Fact Sheet

Read More: 2021 Budget Takeaways