Independent report shows PA revenues down yet again

WITF reports that with just about two weeks before the governor gives his annual budget address, the state’s Independent Fiscal Office has released an updated revenue report. Like most of the IFO’s reports in the last several months, this one does not contain good news.

David Fillman: Take common-sense approach to eliminating Pa. budget deficit

The Allentown Morning Call posts an op-ed by David Fillman, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 13 and a CLEAR co-founder, who writes, “Lawmakers and the Wolf administration need to focus on genuine government reforms that generate sustainable savings and protect vital services for Pennsylvanians – not one-time, illusory ones. We joined the CLEAR Coalition and identified […]

State Budget Impasse, Funding Woes are Driving Up County Real Estate Taxes

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports, “Hundreds of thousands of property owners in the region stand to pay more in real estate taxes in 2017, as counties across Pennsylvania continue to grapple with the rising cost of services – and continued fallout from last year’s state budget impasse.” The report adds, “Counties are facing increased pressures to fund services – particularly human services, said Lisa Schaefer, director of government relations at the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. Higher demand has combined with lingering effects from the 2015-16 budget impasse.”