# KRC > Working for a more prosperous and equitable Pennsylvania economy. > Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.4, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://keystoneresearch.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Important New Book – With Chapter on “Decent Work” by Keystone Research Center – Maps Out How to Accelerate Progress Towards Sustainable Development Goals](https://keystoneresearch.org/important-new-book-with-chapter-on-decent-work-by-keystone-research-center-maps-out-how-to-accelerate-progress-towards-sustainable-development-goals/): HARRISBURG - Sustainable development may be one of the most important and potentially transformational ideas to come out of the last century. The ultimate objectives of sustainable development are freedom, opportunity, justice, and quality of life for everyone in this and future generations. While the United States has a substantial body of environmental and social - [RELEASE: New PA Jobs Report Shows Another Month of a Strong PA Economy, Keystone Research Finds](https://keystoneresearch.org/release-new-pa-jobs-report-shows-another-month-of-a-strong-pa-economy-keystone-research-finds/): HARRISBURG - With the release of April job numbers for Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry this morning, Keystone Research executive director Stephen Herzenberg and policy analyst Maisum Murtaza released the following statement: “Pennsylvania’s economy remained strong in April, moving steadily forward like the U.S. economy. Pennsylvania added 13,000 jobs and unemployment - [We The People--People's Budget Presentation](https://keystoneresearch.org/we-the-people-peoples-budget-presentation/): Click here to read full-screen or print - [We The People PA 2020 Annual Report](https://keystoneresearch.org/we-the-people-pa-2020-annual-report/): Click here to read full screen or print. - [Making PA's Undocumented Immigrants Mobile](https://keystoneresearch.org/making-pas-undocumented-immigrants-mobile/) ## Pages - [Home](https://keystoneresearch.org/): Welcome to your site! This is your homepage, which is what most visitors will see when they come to your site for the first time. - [Pittsburgh Fair Share Tax Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/pittsburgh-fair-share-tax-resource-page/): Pittsburgh needs steady revenue to keep essential city services running and to invest in its neighborhoods. Right now, the city taxes wages and business profits but leaves several kinds of income from wealth untaxed. This new Keystone Research Center report looks at a proposed Pittsburgh Fair Share Tax: a 2% tax on income from capital - [Job Opportunities](https://keystoneresearch.org/about-us/job-opportunities/): OPEN POSITIONS Industrial Decarbonization Research and Policy Specialist Keystone Research Center (KRC) is an independent, nonpartisan, research and policy organization, the mission of which is to promote more broadly shared prosperity. KRC seeks an industrial decarbonization research and policy specialist who can lead KRC’s responsibilities as a subawardee on a significant Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - [Paid Sick Leave in Allentown, Pennsylvania Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/research-and-publications/paid-sick-leave-in-allentown-pennsylvania-resource-page/): Paid sick leave is on the ballot in Allentown this November. Keystone Research Center analyzed what the proposal could mean for workers, employers, and the local economy. We estimate that the proposed mandate would extend paid sick leave to an additional 9,822 people employed in Allentown. Each newly covered worker would use an average of - [RISE PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/risepa/): October 2026 Update- Keystone Research Center is Hiring an Industrial Decarbonization Research and Policy Specialist Keystone Research Center (KRC) is an independent, nonpartisan, research and policy organization, the mission of which is to promote more broadly shared prosperity. KRC seeks an industrial decarbonization research and policy specialist who can lead KRC’s responsibilities as a subawardee - [Board of Directors](https://keystoneresearch.org/about-us/board-of-directors/): The following are the current members of the Keystone Research Center Board of Directors: Officers President: Ken Mash, Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) Vice President: Rachel Tabachnick Secretary: Mike Maguire, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 13 Treasurer: Dan Mercer, Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) Members Bailey Childers, Bipartisan Policy - [State of Working Pennsylvania 2026 Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/research-publications/state-of-working-pennsylvania-2026-resource-page/): On September 2nd, 2026, Keystone Research Center released its annual "State of Working Pennsylvania" report. A PDF Copy is available here. Links To Report Materials Report PDF | Press Conference Recording | Press Presentation Slides | Press Release Key Findings: Growth slowed and narrowed Pennsylvania added 31,900 nonfarm jobs between July 2025 and July 2026, an - [Solar on Warehouses](https://keystoneresearch.org/solar-on-warehouses/): Release: New research shows warehouses in PA could power 924,421 homes by going solar Solar energy is the fastest growing source of new electricity in America and relatively short construction timelines make solar a key component of effort to get enough electrons on the grid to avoid brownouts. Supportive public policies are key to solar - [Allegheny County Paid Parental Leave- Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/research-publications/allegheny-county-paid-parental-leave-resource-page/): Keystone Research Center Data Analysis: Paid Parental Leave Would Strengthen Allegheny County Families and Economy at Minimal Cost New Keystone Research Center report finds the economic cost of County Executive Innamorato's proposed paid parental leave mandate is minimal — just 0.08% of county GDP — while delivering significant savings and public health benefits. A new - [2024 “State of Working Pennsylvania” Report Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/2024-state-of-working-pennsylvania-resource-page-2/): On August 27, 2024, the Keystone Research Center released its annual “State of Working Pennsylvania” report. A PDF Copy is available here Key Findings: Pennsylvania's economy is experiencing steady and substantial growth, with output now significantly exceeding pre-pandemic levels, indicating a robust recovery. The state's job growth has been exceptionally strong, frequently outpacing national rates. - [2025 State of Working Pennsylvania Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/state-of-working-pennsylvania-2025-resource-page/): On August 27th, 2025, The Keystone Research Center released its annual "State of Working Pennsylvania" report. A PDF Copy is available here. Links to Report Materials: Report PDF | Press Conference Recording | Press Presentation Slides | Press Release Key Findings U.S. GDP shrank in the first quarter of 2025 and PA output growth flatlined. GDP - [Recent Media Coverage](https://keystoneresearch.org/recent-media-coverage/): KRC in the Press The Philadelphia Inquirer - Labor Day Parade a call to fight for workers; The 38th annual parade in South Philly brought out thousands of teachers, tradespeople, and technicians. Thousands of union workers marched in Philadelphia’s annual Labor Day Parade, calling for unity in the face of growing challenges to workers’ rights. The Keystone Research - [Minimum Wage Fact Sheets](https://keystoneresearch.org/fact-sheets/): View these fact sheets to learn how many people would benefit from a minimum wage increase in PA and who they are. CLICK THE DROP-DOWN MENUS TO CHOOSE FACT SHEETS BY COUNTY. TO CHOOSE ANOTHER FACT SHEET, PLEASE CLICK THE “RESET” BUTTON. - [Factsheets: Federal Investments Build Prosperity in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/factsheets-federal-investments-build-prosperity-in-pennsylvania/): New Keystone Research Center fact sheets profile the positive impacts of federal climate and infrastructure funding on Pennsylvania as a whole and on SE PA, and the threats posed by cuts in the House Reconciliation Bill. Scroll below for: the June 16 digital press conference releasing the fact sheets (See below) or DOWNLOAD - Passcode: - [KRC In The News](https://keystoneresearch.org/in-the-news/) - [About Us](https://keystoneresearch.org/about-us-krc/): The Keystone Research Center was created in 1995 to broaden public discussion on strategies to achieve a more prosperous and equitable Pennsylvania economy. The Keystone Research Center conducts original research, produces reports, and promotes public dialogue to address important economic and civic problems, proposes new policies to help resolve those problems, and engages in strategic communications, advocacy, - [Donate to Keystone Research Center](https://keystoneresearch.org/donate-to-krc-3/) - [Pennsylvania Economy Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/pennsylvania-economy-resource-page/): Welcome to the Pennsylvania Economy Resource Page, launched October 3rd, 2024. This page gives you access to Keystone Research Center (KRC) research that provides valuable context for understanding how the Pennsylvania economy is performing. At the top of the page, we provide easy access to Pennsylvania county-level data, and interactive maps on jobs, wages, unemployment, - [2023 “State of Working Pennsylvania” Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/2023-state-of-working-pennsylvania-resource-page/): On August 30, 2023, the Keystone Research Center released its annual “State of Working Pennsylvania” check-in on the Pennsylvania economy, a report with a simple message: a tight labor market, rising wages, and federal and state investments in workers have been good for families in Pennsylvania, but rising inequality is a call to action for - [2024 KRC Annual Awards Reception](https://keystoneresearch.org/2024-krc-annual-awards-reception/): Please join us for an evening of celebration and good cheer at Keystone Research Center’s 2024 awards reception, Thursday, June 6th at 5:30 PM, at the AFSCME Council #13 Conference Center in Harrisburg. As well as mingling with others committed to shared prosperity and a Pennsylvania that works for all, you’ll have a chance to - [](https://keystoneresearch.org/blog/): Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque vel augue lorem. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean dignissim purus sed arcu fermentum porttitor. Maecenas posuere umsan neque id varius. Nullam accumsan non eros vitae tristique. Ut, nunc ac eleifend pellentesque, nisl acus iaculis tortor, quis laoreet justo nulla eu libero. Donec egestas - [Contact Us](https://keystoneresearch.org/about-us/contact-us/): For press inquiries, contact John Neurohr at jneurohr@clearpointpa.com. - ["Construction Past and Present - and How We Build Forward Better in Pennsylvania" Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/contruction-past-and-present-resource-page/): On September 27, 2023, the Keystone Research Center released "Construction Past and Present - And How We Build Forward in Pennsylvania" a Pennsylvania-focused report based on a book sparked by Keystone Research Center's project the "Future of Work" entitled The Way We Build: Restoring Dignity to Construction Work written by Mark Erlich, a former Executive - [Calendar Test](https://keystoneresearch.org/calendar-test/) - [Take Action-Tell PA Legislators to Close the Opportunity Gap for PA Students](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-tell-pa-legislators-to-close-the-opportunity-gap-for-pa-students/): SEND AN EMAIL TO GOVERNOR SHAPIRO AND YOUR LEGISLATORS TO SAY THAT ALL KIDS DESERVE FULLY-FUNDED SCHOOLS! Investing in public education excellence that allows students to succeed is the path to thriving communities, a stable economy, and a more competitive workforce. Every child, regardless of zip code, has a right to an excellent public education, - [Take Action](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action/): https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-tell-pa-legislators-to-help-pennsylvanians-not-the-ultra-rich-corporations/ - [Hiring Local on Transportation Infrastructure Projects in Pennsylvania Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/hiring-local-on-transportation-infrastructure-projects-in-pennsylvania/): The Report https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report-hiring-local-on-transportation-infrastructure-projects-in-pennsylvania/ The Press Release https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/18711/?preview_id=18711&preview_nonce=d8d2e76b21&_thumbnail_id=18208&preview=true The Presentation https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/presentation-the-value-of-hiring-local-on-infrastructure-projects-in-pennsylvania/ - [About the Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center](https://keystoneresearch.org/about-the-pittsburgh-budget-policy-center/): The Pittsburgh Budget and Policy Center is an arm of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center that focuses on budget and other economic issues in the City of Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. Budget and policy analyst Nthando Thandiwe focuses on Pittsburgh’s economic policies and how they can lead to greater economic justice and racial equity in - [An Unemployment Insurance Agenda for Pennsylvania’s Next Governor – Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/an-unemployment-insurance-agenda-for-pennsylvanias-next-governor-resource-page/): On November 29, 2022, during simultaneous press conferences in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Keystone Research Center released a report highlighting the many problems of Pennsylvania’s unemployment system and called on Governor-elect Shapiro to fix the ongoing issues and restore workers’ confidence in the system upon taking office. The report shows that problematic technology and staffing cuts - [An Unemployment Insurance Agenda for Pennsylvania’s Next Governor](https://keystoneresearch.org/an-unemployment-insurance-agenda-for-pennsylvanias-next-governor/): An Unemployment Insurance Agenda for Pennsylvania’s Next Governor: Fix What’s Broken and Create a New National Model—a Trampoline and a Repaired Safety Net - [2022 “State of Working Pennsylvania” Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/2022-state-of-working-pennsylvania-resource-page/): On August 30, 2022, the Keystone Research Center released its annual “State of Working Pennsylvania” check-in on the Pennsylvania economy, a report with a simple message: a tight labor market and new union organizing offer new possibilities for Pennsylvania workers. With smart and worker-friendly policies over the next several years, Pennsylvania could enjoy a return to shared - [SIGN THE PETITION: Tax the Ultra-Rich NOW!](https://keystoneresearch.org/sign-the-petition-tax-the-ultra-rich-now/) - [2022 “State of Working Pennsylvania” Resource Page old](https://keystoneresearch.org/temp2/): On August 30, 2022, the Keystone Research Center released its annual “State of Working Pennsylvania” check-in on the Pennsylvania economy, a report with a simple message: a tight labor market and new union organizing offer new possibilities for Pennsylvania workers. With smart and worker-friendly policies over the next several years, Pennsylvania could enjoy a return to shared - [We The People PA Narrative and Agenda 2022--Draft](https://keystoneresearch.org/we-the-people-pa-narrative-and-agenda-2022-draft/) - [Take Action – Tell PA Legislators to Help Pennsylvanians, not the Ultra-Rich & Corporations](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-tell-pa-legislators-to-help-pennsylvanians-not-the-ultra-rich-corporations/) - [Take Action - Tell PA Legislators What You Think About Their Inflation Reduction Act Votes](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-pass-a-budget-for-the-people/) - [Poll: Should Corporations and Billionaires Pay More in PA Taxes?](https://keystoneresearch.org/should-corporations-and-billionaires-pay-more-in-pa-taxes/): Projected opinion in each Pennsylvania House and Senate district for likely midterm voters. From May 27 to June 13, 2022, Data for Progress conducted a survey of 1,134 likely voters in Pennsylvania using SMS and web panel respondents. The sample was weighted to be representative of likely voters by age, gender, education, race, and voting history. - [Poll: Should the PA Minimum Wage Be Raised to $15 Per Hour Over Four Years?](https://keystoneresearch.org/poll-should-the-pa-minimum-wage-be-raised-to-15-per-hour-over-four-years/): Projected opinion in each PA House and Senate district for likely midterm voters. From May 27 to June 13, 2022, Data for Progress conducted a survey of 1,134 likely voters in Pennsylvania using SMS and web panel respondents. The sample was weighted to be representative of likely voters by age, gender, education, race, and voting history. - [Test RSS Template](https://keystoneresearch.org/test-rss-template/) - [Take Action — Tell Your State Legislators to Support Brighter PA!](https://keystoneresearch.org/tell-your-state-legislators-to-support-brighter-pa/) - [2022 Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Summit](https://keystoneresearch.org/2022-pennsylvania-budget-summit/): PBPC's 2022 Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Summit: "Advancing Democracy for Pennsylvania's Future" If you weren't able to join us March 17 – April 7, here's where you can catch up on what you missed! We designed our sessions to focus on public policies that make it possible for all of us to thrive and highlighted - [Test RSS Feed](https://keystoneresearch.org/test-rss-feed/) - [Take Action to Fund Our Elections](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-to-fund-our-elections/): Pennsylvanians’ fundamental right to democracy hinges on the ability of the state’s 67 counties to efficiently and effectively run our elections. Counties currently carry the entire cost of elections outside of sporadic funding from the federal and state governments. In order to modernize and maintain the necessary equipment, personnel, and space to deliver free, fair, and - [](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-20/): Fund Our Elections: Tell your legislator to support reliable state funding for elections so that county elections officials have the support to run fair elections and to ensure that every voter is able to have their voice heard. Judicial Gerrymandering: House Bill 38 is a constitutional amendment to elect Pennsylvania’s appellate court judges and justices by - [Take Action - Old](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-old/): Voting Rights and Access: The General Assembly is planning to vote on PA House Bill 1800 — a bill that would reduce voter access. HB 1800 is a new proposal that would make it harder for voters to vote in a secure, convenient, and accessible manner and that would place barriers and additional burdens on - [PDF Test](https://keystoneresearch.org/pdf-test/) - [DRAFT WTP Statement The best way to help people deal with high prices—including gas prices—is with cash](https://keystoneresearch.org/draft-wtp-statement-the-best-way-to-help-people-deal-with-high-prices-including-gas-prices-is-with-cash/): For a year the Republican-led General Assembly has failed to use American Rescue Plan funds to help the people of our state. It’s time to do so. It’s time to help families and small businesses afford the higher costs of food, housing, child care and gas that are result of temporary conditions including Russia’s war - [Privacy Policy](https://keystoneresearch.org/privacy-policy/): Privacy Policy Last updated: February 17, 2022 This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using - [Take Action — Defend the Right to Vote in PA!](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-defend-the-right-to-vote-in-pa/) - [Take Action! Help Save Our Democracy!](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-save-our-democracy/) - [Take Action! Stop Legislative Gerrymandering](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-20/take-action-stop-hb-2207/) - [Take Action! Stop Judicial Gerrymandering](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-20/take-action-stop-judicial-gerrymandering/) - [Take action template-Congress web](https://keystoneresearch.org/take-action-template/) - [Test Feed Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/test-feed-page/) - [Tell your Republican member of Congress to support Build Back Better](https://keystoneresearch.org/tell-your-republican-members-of-congress-to-support-build-back-better/) - [Thank your Democratic congress member for supporting Build Back Better](https://keystoneresearch.org/thank-your-democratic-congressman-for-supporting-build-back-better/) - [Our History](https://keystoneresearch.org/about-us/our-history/): The Keystone Research Center was created to broaden public discussion on strategies to achieve a more prosperous and equitable Pennsylvania economy. As a research and policy development organization, the Keystone Research Center conducts original research, produces reports, promotes public dialogue that addresses important economic and civic problems, and proposes new policies to help resolve those - [Videos](https://keystoneresearch.org/media/videos/) - [PERI Report - The Economic Impact of the PASSHE Employment Reductions](https://keystoneresearch.org/peri-report-the-economic-impacts-of-the-passhe-employee-reductions/): Click for The Economic Impact of the PASSHE Employment Reductions page, which includes a link to the PDF file. April 26, 2021 Authors: Michael Ash, Shouvik Chakraborty, Robert Pollin Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst ABSTRACT The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) comprises 14 public universities across the state. The PASSHE - [Statement on the Derek Chauvin Case Verdict](https://keystoneresearch.org/statement-on-the-derek-chauvin-case-verdict/): While we continue to mourn the life of George Floyd and feel for his family, we are relieved by the verdict of guilty on all counts in the Derek Chauvin case. We recognize that much work remains to be done to eliminate the influence of white supremacy on policing in America. Justice has begun to - [2021 Pennsylvania Budget Summit](https://keystoneresearch.org/2021-budget-summit/): About the PA Budget Summit Budgets are moral documents—and complex ones—and that’s why KRC/PBPC’s annual Budget Summit event and analysis of the PA Executive Budget form a central part of our mission. The Summit is an indepth look at the governor’s budget proposal, including what it means for education, health and human services, the environment, and - [Blog](https://keystoneresearch.org/blog-2/) - [Know The Issues](https://keystoneresearch.org/know-the-issues/): Coming Soon! - [Defend democracy in Pennsylvania--Allow Senator Brewster to Take His Seat](https://keystoneresearch.org/defend-democracy-in-pennsylvania-allow-senator-brewster-to-take-his-seat/) - [OPEN MEMO TO PA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION: PANDEMIC RELIEF — NOW!](https://keystoneresearch.org/open-memo-on-pandemic-relief-to-pa-congressional-delegation/): DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT HERE. - [ReImagine Appalachia Coalition Releases Plan for Almost 500,000 New Jobs](https://keystoneresearch.org/reimagine-appalachia-coalition-unveils-path-to-nearly-half-million-new-jobs/): The ReImagine Appalachia Coalition, in partnership with Policy Matters Ohio and the Keystone Research Center, released a report today that highlights a path for Ohio and Pennsylvania to gain nearly half a million new jobs. The virtual press conference released findings from the Political Economy Research Institute’s (PERI) economic and job impact analysis of the - [Newsletter Subscription Confirmation](https://keystoneresearch.org/newsletter-subscription-confirmation/): Thanks for subscribing to our Newsletter! Back to Home - [MEMO FROM STATE LEGISLATORS: Federal Pandemic Relief and Recovery to State Governments](https://keystoneresearch.org/memo-from-state-legislators-federal-pandemic-relief-and-recovery-to-state-governments/): MEMO TO: The United States Congressional Delegation from Pennsylvania FROM: Members of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania DATE: Monday, July 20, 2020 RE: Federal pandemic relief and recovery to state governments On behalf of our constituents and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we the undersigned write to thank you for your leadership in Congress in addressing - [Federal COVID-19 Relief, What's in the McConnell Plan?](https://keystoneresearch.org/federal-covid-19-relief-whats-in-the-mcconnell-plan/): After months of inaction, and with the previously enacted federal moratorium on evictions expiring TODAY July 24, the U.S. Senate still has not taken action on the HEROES Act, which the House passed in May—nor have Senate Republicans put forward their own pandemic relief and recovery package! Even worse, media reports and sources inside the - [OPEN LETTER FROM PA ORGANIZATIONS TO SENS CASEY/TOOMEY: Federal Relief & Recovery to State Governments](https://keystoneresearch.org/open-letter-from-pa-organizations-to-sens-casey-toomey-federal-relief-recovery-to-state-governments/): Dear Senator Casey and Senator Toomey, We are grateful for your efforts to help people in Pennsylvania and across the country who have been hit so hard by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting deep recession. The relief packages enacted to date include important measures that are helping millions of people, but far more is needed - [TALKING POINTS: Judicial Gerrymandering](https://keystoneresearch.org/talking-points-judicial-gerrymandering/): Senator Russ Diamond has proposed HB 196, a constitutional amendment that changes how we elect judges to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Commonwealth Court and Superior Court. Instead of electing judges statewide, we would elect them in districts created by the General Assembly. This would allow legislators to gerrymander districts to give one or another party - [marc test page.](https://keystoneresearch.org/marc-test-page/) - [Staff Resources](https://keystoneresearch.org/staff-resources/) - [General Information—Economics That Works for All](https://keystoneresearch.org/general-information-economics-that-works-for-all/): GENERAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS Student Projects and Presentations: Course completion requires students to write a policy paper (15 pages maximum) on a topic of their chance and make a 20-30-minute presentation in-person or online. Students—both in person and online—can make their presentations in person in the afternoons or evenings on Monday, December 9 to - [Call Your Legislator: Tell Them How Important General Assistance Is](https://keystoneresearch.org/call-your-legislator-tell-them-general-assistance-important/): Enter the basic information below (or simply call 833-730-5882) and we’ll call to connect you to your state representative so you can tell them how important General Assistance is in Pennsylvania. On August 1, 2019, the PA General Assembly voted to eliminate this critical program, but we still need to let our elected officials know - [Budget Summit 2020](https://keystoneresearch.org/budget-summit-2020/): *** POSTPONED *** Thursday, March 19, 2020 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg The 2020 Pennsylvania Budget Summit is POSTPONED due to the escalating COVID-19 crisis. We will be posting details about rescheduling the Summit, as well as our plans for a series of online, interactive versions of - [Our Partners](https://keystoneresearch.org/99percentpa/our-partners/) - [99percentPA](https://keystoneresearch.org/99percentpa/) - [We appreciate you.](https://keystoneresearch.org/donate-thank-you/): Thank you for donating! Your generous gift will help us continue our work of producing rock-solid research and analysis, providing strategic communications, and working with citizens, labor unions, advocacy groups, and human service providers to protect Pennsylvania’s working families. We can't do it alone, and we're honored to have you join us on the journey. - [FACT SHEET: Five Misconceptions About the Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/fact-sheet-five-misconceptions-about-the-minimum-wage/): But, in our advocacy to raise the minimum wage over the past few years, we've heard a number of misleading, incorrect talking points over and over in response to our efforts. We wanted to address the most common of those quickly and concisely: (DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE) - [Press Releases](https://keystoneresearch.org/media/press-releases/): For Immediate Release July 19, 2018 Contact: John Neurohr, neurohr@pennbpc.org, 717-364-6452 REPORT: Income Inequality in Pennsylvania Skyrocketing Since 1973, the top 1 percent in Pennsylvania have captured 45.7 percent of overall income growth: As of 2015, Pennsylvania is the 14th most unequal in the nation Read the full report here. Download County Level Data and Charts - [Talking Points: Opposing Elimination of General Assistance](https://keystoneresearch.org/talking-points-opposing-elimination-of-general-assistance/): Thank you for being willing to call your legislator about the importance of General Assistance in Pennsylvania! If you get disconnected from the call, you can get back on the line by dialing: 833-730-5882 Why General Assistance is so important: This critical program provides a small amount of assistance to several thousand of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable - [Podcasts](https://keystoneresearch.org/media/podcasts/): View more podcasts on our Soundcloud Page! - [About Us](https://keystoneresearch.org/about-us/): Coming Soon test text - [No Sidebar](https://keystoneresearch.org/no-sidebar/): Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. 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KRC is a progressive think tank founded thirty years ago by labor. In one workshop, representatives from public sector unions talked about their struggles to protect their members from the intrusions, speedups and job displacement that the current implementation of AI is causing. These union - [September 2026 Jobs Statement- Pennsylvania Unemployment Hits Two-Year Low, But Leaves Some Workers Behind ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/september-2026-jobs-statement-pennsylvania-unemployment-hits-two-year-low-but-leaves-some-workers-behind/): Pennsylvania Unemployment Hits Two-Year Low, But Leaves Some Workers Behind HARRISBURG – Following this morning’s release of the Pennsylvania August Employment Situation report, Keystone Research Center economist Maisum Murtaza released the following statement: “This morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry released its preliminary employment situation for August 2026. Pennsylvania continues to outperform - [Pennsylvania Adds Jobs in June, but Growth Remains Modest and Unequal](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-adds-jobs-in-june-but-growth-remains-modest-and-unequal/): Reporters with questions or who want to interview KRC economists, contact: John Neurohr, Clear Point Communications, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com; 717-364-6452 Harrisburg, July 17: Following this morning’s release of the Pennsylvania June Employment Situation report, Keystone Research Center economist Maisum Murtaza released the following statement: “This morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry released its preliminary employment situation for June 2026. Pennsylvania continues to outperform the nation on key labor market indicators. Overall, Pennsylvania added 1,000 jobs from May to June 2026, fewer than the 9,000 added between April-May 2026. Pennsylvania added 34,500 jobs since June 2025. Pennsylvania’s overall - [COMEBACK: More Americans Approve of Unions, Want Them to Grow, and Think They WILL Grow](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/americans-believe-unions-make-the-economy-stronger/): This blog draws partly from Keystone Research Center’s “State of Working Pennsylvania 2024,” accessible at https://keystoneresearch.org/2024-state-of-working-pennsylvania-resource-page/ Each year, right before Labor Day, Gallup releases poll results about what Americans think of unions. This year’s poll came out on Friday, August 30. The results revealed that Americans strongly support unions. A growing share believe that increasing - [More Good News on Inflation in August](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/more-good-news-on-inflation-in-august/): Upon the release of August inflation numbers by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Keystone Research Center economist and executive director Stephen Herzenberg issued the following statement: “The September update from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that the U.S. inflation rate over the past 12 months ticked down to 2.5% in August. This compares - [Inflation in Last 12 Months Down to 2.5%](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/inflation-in-last-12-months-down-to-2-5/): The September update from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that U.S. inflation rate ticked down to 2.5% in August, the fifth consecutive month that it has fallen. Figure 1 shows the near round-trip taken by inflation since the beginning of the pandemic. In a podcast for the Financial Times, Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank President - [More Good News on Pennsylvania Jobs in August…and for Three-Plus Years Now](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/more-good-news-on-pennsylvania-jobs-in-augustand-for-three-plus-years-now/): After the steep jobs drop in the brief COVID-19 recession, the number of Pennsylvania nonfarm jobs began to rebound in May 2020. The state surpassed the pre-pandemic jobs levels and added over 1 million jobs by August 2024. The Commonwealth hit a 13-month consecutive record high nonfarm jobs number—6,200,000 jobs—in August 2024. Figure 1 Since - [Statement: More Good News on Pennsylvania Jobs in August…and for Three-Plus Years Now](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-more-good-news-on-pennsylvania-jobs-in-augustand-for-three-plus-years-now/): To arrange interviews with KRC economists: John Neurohr, Jr. jneurohr@clearpointpa.com; 717-364-6452 KRC Jobs Statement September 20, 2024 KRC blog on jobs online at URL HERE More Good News on PA Jobs in August, Keystone Research Finds Unemployment Still at 3.4%, Continuing Its Record-Low Run Harrisburg, PA: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released - [PA’s Unemployment Rate Has Been at Record Lows for 2+ Years](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pas-unemployment-rate-has-been-at-record-lows-for-2-years/): The unemployment rate is an important indicator of economic health. Low unemployment gives workers leverage in the job market. They can shift to a new, higher paid job more readily, or they can bargain for a pay raise at a current employer who wants to retain experienced workers. Low unemployment also gives workers collective power: - [“Median” Rare! PA Median Wage Heats Up—Nearly $1 more than the National Median in 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/median-rare-pa-median-wage-heats-up-nearly-1-more-than-the-national-median-in-2023/): “Median” Rare! PA Median Wage Heats Up—Nearly $1 more than the National Median in 2023 Figure 1 - [Cash Me If You Can! PA Wages Outpace Inflation Over the Past Decade, but Policy Choices Are Holding Low-Wage Workers Down](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/cash-me-if-you-can-pa-wages-outpace-inflation-over-the-past-decade-but-policy-choices-are-holding-low-wage-workers-down/): Wages have risen, but so have prices. How does this shake out for a typical Pennsylvania worker? In this blog, we show that PA workers’ wages have risen faster than inflation in recent years. Table 1 shows that workers throughout the PA earnings distribution saw their inflation-adjusted wages rise by at least $2 per hour - [Minding the Gap: Wages of PA Black and Hispanic Workers Are on the Right Track, But Still Below Those of White Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/minding-the-gap-wages-of-pa-black-and-hispanic-workers-are-on-the-right-track-but-still-below-those-of-white-workers/): Like wages for Pennsylvania workers generally, wages of Black and Hispanic workers in Pennsylvania are rising. Figure 1 shows the inflation-adjusted median wage (2023 dollars) for Pennsylvania’s Black and Hispanic workers since 2015, a recent low. From 2015 to 2023, Hispanic workers earned a $3.83 per hour increase, and Black workers a $3.12 per hour - [Keystone Research Center Releases "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2024" Report](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-releases-the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2024-report/): HARRISBURG, PA - The Keystone Research Center (KRC) today released its annual "State of Working Pennsylvania" report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the Commonwealth's economic landscape as we approach Labor Day. The report highlights significant economic progress while also highlighting ongoing challenges faced by working families. Claire Kovach, Keystone Research Center senior research analyst, and - [Pennsylvania Employment Report for May 2026 Shows Some Gains, Mostly Making Up for Recent Losses](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-employment-report-for-may-2026-shows-some-gains-mostly-making-up-for-recent-losses/): Reporters with questions or who want to interview KRC economists, contact: John Neurohr, Clear Point Communications, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com; 717-364-6452 Harrisburg, June 18: Following this morning’s release of the Pennsylvania May Employment Situation report, Keystone Research Center economist Maisum Murtaza released the following statement: “This morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry released its preliminary employment situation report for May 2026. The overall May report was stronger than expected, though elevated unemployment - [Statement from Bernie Gallagher, Executive Director, Keystone Research Center, on the Pennsylvania House Passage of the PA Promise (HB 2084)](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-from-bernie-gallagher-executive-director-keystone-research-center-on-the-pennsylvania-house-passage-of-the-pa-promise-hb-2084/): HARRISBURG – Following the passage of HB 2084, the PA Promise higher education plan, Keystone Research Center Executive Director Bernie Gallagher made the following statement: "Today, the Pennsylvania House took a historic step toward making college affordable for working families by passing House Bill 2084, the PA Promise, with strong bipartisan support. The hard truth is that - [Bringing the Allegheny County Reassessment Saga to an End](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/bringing-the-allegheny-county-reassessment-saga-to-an-end/): The report below, Bringing the Reassessment Saga to an End, by Jake Pawlak, analyzes Allegheny County Council Bill 13892-26 — legislation that would mandate a countywide property reassessment in 2028 and set a standardized schedule of reassessments every three years thereafter. On March 24, 2026, Allegheny County Councilmembers Bethany Hallam, Lissa Geiger-Shulman, and Dan Gryzbek - [The Fifteen-Year Cliff: How Much Revenue Is Pennsylvania Losing Because It Has No Natural Gas Severance Tax?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-fifteen-year-cliff-how-much-revenue-is-pennsylvania-losing-because-it-has-no-natural-gas-severance-tax/): Over a decade ago, Pennsylvania became the nation’s second-largest natural gas producer in the U.S. and still is — behind only Texas. In 2024, gas production approached 7.5 trillion cubic feet. Yet Pennsylvania is the only major gas-producing state that lets companies drill for gas without paying tax that rise as more gas is taken - [Use It or Lose It- Accelerating the Growth of Solar in Appalachia Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/use-it-or-lose-it-accelerating-the-growth-of-solar-in-appalachia-resource-page/): Keystone Research Center and ReImagine Appalachia released new state fact sheet and regional cover brief outlining remaining eligibility, key deadlines, and steps to accelerate solar projects in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. These fact sheets show how if half of the solar capacity in the PJM queue receives the federal Investment Tax Credit, it - [Use It or Lose It- Accelerating Solar in Pennsylvania Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/use-it-or-lose-it-accelerating-solar-in-pennsylvania-resource-page/): The Keystone Research Center (KRC) today released a new report, Use It or Lose It: Why Pennsylvania Should Accelerate Solar Projects to Capture Federal Tax Credits, that documents the six-fold growth of solar energy in Pennsylvania since 2019 and lays out a roadmap for Pennsylvania to capture billions of dollars in remaining federal Inflation Reduction - [Pennsylvania Employment Report for March 2026 Shows Some Gains, Mostly Making Up for Recent Losses](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-employment-report-for-march-2026-shows-some-gains-mostly-making-up-for-recent-losses/): Harrisburg, May 1: Following this morning’s release of the Pennsylvania March Employment Situation report, along with data revisions included in the February report, Keystone Research Center economist Maisum Murtaza released the following statement: “This morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry released its preliminary employment situation report for March 2026. The overall March report was stronger than expected, but those gains were partly offset due to the losses shown in the - [Keystone Research Center Statement on 2026 RISE PA Grant Awards](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-statement-on-2026-rise-pa-grant-awards/): $267 Million in New Awards Will Cut Industrial Pollution, Lower Energy Costs, and Strengthen Pennsylvania Manufacturing HARRISBURG — The Keystone Research Center (KRC) today welcomed the announcement of $267,825,160 in new Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) grants for 31 manufacturing projects across the commonwealth, a major step forward for Pennsylvania's industrial future - [COVID-19 exposed the cracks in our system. We have to fill them, not just paper them over](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/covid-19-exposed-the-cracks-in-our-system-we-have-to-fill-them-not-just-paper-them-over/): Originally published in the PA Capitol-Star on April 28, 2020 We can learn a great deal from moments of crisis, not just about ourselves and other people but about our political community. And that’s very much true of the COVID-19 crisis. The first critical lesson the pandemic teaches us is that in a modern political - [Paid Sick Days Can Help Make Philadelphia a High Road City of Opportunity](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/paid-sick-days-can-help-make-philadelphia-a-high-road-city-of-opportunity/): Last week, I wrote that when you look at the positive benefits and the low costs of Philadelphia’s proposed paid sick days legislation, it could end up paying for itself. As I wrote that, I could almost hear a collective gasp from neoclassical economists: “If it paid for itself, employers would already do it!” Employers - [Residential Property Tax Rates Are on the Rise. What About the Big Five?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/residential-property-tax-rates-are-on-the-rise-what-about-the-big-five/): Residential Property Tax Rates Are on the Rise. What About the Big Five? Updated Estimates of the Property and Payroll Tax Exemptions of the Big Five Nonprofits A PDF of this report is available here On January 29, 2026, in his first month in office, Mayor O’Connor announced that the city had - [Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 Budget Proposal](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/54376/): The Upshot: The Governor unveiled his budget yesterday, framing it against a fragile national economy shaped by federal policy: uncertainty fueled by erratic tariff policies, slowing job growth nationally (but less so in PA), uncertainty around federal employment, and declining consumer confidence. To offset reduced federal aid (e.g., for Medicaid in 2027), he urges the - [Pennsylvania Employment Report for December Echoes National Trend of Higher Unemployment and a Weaker Labor Market](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-employment-report-for-december-echoes-national-trend-of-higher-unemployment-and-a-weaker-labor-market/): HARRISBURG, PA — With the release of the Pennsylvania December Employment Situation, Keystone Research Center economist Maisum Murtaza released the following statement: “This morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry released its preliminary employment situation report for December 2025. While overall changes from the previous employment situation (November 2025) were relatively minor, the Pennsylvania data from the - [SNAP Decisions: Understanding Food Assistance In Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/snap-decisions-understanding-food-assistance-in-pennsylvania/): Operations across many federal agencies have halted as the United States continues its longest federal government shutdown ever. Americans are suffering the effects and families who live paycheck-to-paycheck find themselves in an especially precarious position. The record-length shutdown has thrown the near-term future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) into uncertainty. Social service providers - [STATEMENT: U.S. Employment Report for October and November Shows Rising Unemployment and Slow Job and Wage Growth ​](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-u-s-employment-report-for-october-and-november-shows-rising-unemployment-and-slow-job-and-wage-growth/): HARRISBURG, PA — With the release of delayed national job numbers for October and December, Keystone Research Center economist Maisum Murtaza released the following statement: “The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its national employment report for October and November this morning after an unusual delay. The BLS release was relatively brief and emphasized selected - [Statement: Delayed September jobs report shows slight uptick in PA unemployment rate and continued steady job growth](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-delayed-september-jobs-report-shows-slight-uptick-in-pa-unemployment-rate-and-continued-steady-job-growth/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2025 CONTACT: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 Delayed September jobs report shows slight uptick in PA unemployment rate and continued steady job growth HARRISBURG, PA - This morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry issued the first monthly jobs report for Pennsylvania since the federal government shutdown, covering September 2025. In response, Keystone Research - [The Update - October 2025](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-october-2025/): Dear Friends, With October behind us, the numbers tell only part of the story -- and lately, we don’t even get those. A state budget impasse here at home and a federal shutdown in Washington have choked off basic labor data that workers, advocates, and policymakers rely on to make smart, timely decisions. When the - [Workers Face a Weakening Market, but PA Outperforms the Nation ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/workers-face-a-weakening-market-but-pa-outperforms-the-nation/): The State of Working Pennsylvania 2025 showed that the U.S. and Pennsylvania labor markets in mid-2025 were somewhat less favorable for workers than from 2022 to 2024. This blog updates that analysis with data for August 2025 on hiring rates, quit rates, and unemployment. September data would typically be available by now, but it has - [Stephen Herzenberg Testimony on PA HB 1260 - 10/05/2025](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/stephen-herzenberg-testimony-on-pa-hb-1260-10-05-2025/): Written Testimony of Stephen Herzenberg, Keystone Research Center to the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee Hearing on HB1260, October 5, 2025 Chair Fiedler and members of the House Energy Committee, thank you for the opportunity to provide written testimony on HB1260, the solar-ready warehouse bill. I hold a PhD in economics from MIT and am an - [Paychecks and Prices: What the Latest Data Tell Us About Wages, Inflation, and Consumer Sentiment](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/paychecks-and-prices-what-the-latest-data-tell-us-about-wages-inflation-and-consumer-sentiment/): Newly released Census Bureau data show that median household income in Pennsylvania rose slightly in 2024, to $77,545. Nationally, median household income increased to $83,730 but was not statistically different from the 2023 estimate. Pennsylvania’s modest increase in household median income shows that households barely stayed ahead of inflation, a sign of progress, but also - [The Update: August 2025](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-august-2025/): Dear Friends, The last couple of months have been difficult ones nationally and in Pennsylvania if you care about policies that benefit working families. At the national level, despite efforts by KRC and many labor, community, and environmental stakeholders, the U.S. Congress passed, and President Trump signed, a reconciliation bill that benefits only a thin - [Cuts to Clean Energy and Manufacturing: What’s at Stake for PA’s Economy?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/cuts-to-clean-energy-and-manufacturing-whats-at-stake-for-pas-economy/): The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act sparked an unprecedented boom in private manufacturing investment in the U.S. Between 2021 and mid-2024, annual private construction spending on U.S. manufacturing facilities tripled, rising from about $80 billion to nearly $240 billion. Pennsylvania stood to benefit directly from - [Keystone Research Center Releases The State of Working Pennsylvania 2025 Report](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-releases-the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2025-report/): Report Details Weakening Labor Market and Declining Worker Leverage; Policy Support and Union Organizing Essential to Prevent Further Economic Pain HARRISBURG, PA - The Keystone Research Center (KRC) today released its annual "State of Working Pennsylvania" report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the Commonwealth's economic conditions as Labor Day approaches. The report highlights a weakening - [Why We Need a $15 Per Hour Minimum Wage with SNAP's New Work Requirements](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/wage-reform-and-work-requirements/): Why We Need a $15 Per Hour Minimum Wage with SNAP's New Work Requirements New eligibility rules took effect for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on September 1, 2025, and will become more restrictive in coming months. Similar Medicaid changes are scheduled to follow in late 2026. These sweeping federal changes now being implemented - [New Data Show That Americans Support Unions, but Political and Employer Opposition Stalls Workers’ Momentum](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-data-show-that-americans-support-unions-but-political-and-employer-opposition-stalls-workers-momentum/): Gallup released the results of a new poll last Friday (August 29, 2025) showing that the majority of Americans continue to support unions. Union approval was 68% in 2025, the fifth year in a row that support for organized labor was between 67%-71%. This level of union support is historic, only passed by support in - [2025 State of Working Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-august-27th-2025-the-keystone-research-center-released-its-annual-state-of-working-pennsylvania-report/): Research and Reports, State of Working Pennsylvania, Workers, American Workers, Pennsylvania Economy - [Labor Day Matters More Than Ever](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/labor-day-matters-more-than-ever/): Labor Day is more than a holiday. It is a living reminder of the strikes, marches, and organizing drives working people led to support their families and build the very foundation of the American middle class. The Keystone Research Center’s State of Working Pennsylvania makes clear: Labor Day is not only about remembering past victories - [KEYSTONE RESEARCH CENTER APPLAUDS ALLEGHENY COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S NEW OFFICE OF WORKER PROTECTIONS](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-applauds-allegheny-county-executives-new-office-of-worker-protections/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 HARRISBURG, PA - The Keystone Research Center strongly supports County Executive Sara Innamorato's executive order establishing an office of worker protections in Allegheny County especially in the wake of the Clairton Plant explosion which killed two and injured 10. "This is a landmark step for protecting workers' rights - [Keystone Research Statement on UPMC-Magee Womens Hospital Nurses Union Vote ​ ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-statement-on-upmc-magee-womens-hospital-nurses-union-vote/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2025 CONTACT: John Neurohr, 717-364-6452, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com ​HARRISBURG, PA - In response to a strong majority of nearly 800 nurses at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital voting to unionize, KRC Executive Director Bernie Gallagher made the following statement: "Keystone Research Center applauds Magee-Womens Hospital nurses for exercising their right to unionize. This is a - [Nippon Steel and USS: Politics and Jobs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/49764/): Done right, the 100% purchase of the U.S. Steel Corporation (USS) by Nippon Steel will secure for the long-term western Pennsylvania’s central place in the steel industry of the future. Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick and President Donald Trump just demonstrated in a Pittsburgh Energy and Innovation summit that they have the power to ensure that - [STATEMENT: Keystone Research Notes That PA Employment Ticked Up in July, But National Cooling Concerns Persist](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-keystone-research-notes-that-pa-employment-ticked-up-in-july-but-national-cooling-concerns-persist/): ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** To arrange interviews, contact Maisum Murtaza at murtaza@keystoneresearch.org; 732-887-5441. Keystone Research Notes That PA Employment Ticked Up in July, But National Cooling Concerns Persist — Stay Tuned for Aug. 26 Release of KRC's “State of Working PA” Harrisburg, August 19—The Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning released its monthly State Employment and - [Labor and environmental leaders demand swift action from Harrisburg to send transit and infrastructure funding to Governor Shapiro’s desk](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/labor-and-environmental-leaders-demand-swift-action-from-harrisburg-to-send-transit-and-infrastructure-funding-to-governor-shapiros-desk/): Contact: Anthony Campisi Anthony@WalnutLaneStrategies.com (732) 266-8221 A statewide coalition of labor and environmental leaders have joined together to demand swift action from Harrisburg to pass legislation funding Pennsylvania’s public transportation systems, highways, roads and bridges. This coalition has united to emphasize the importance of transit for both environmental advocates and labor unions whose jobs rely - [STATEMENT: The Keystone Research Center Announces Bernie Gallagher as New Executive Director](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-the-keystone-research-center-announces-bernie-gallagher-as-new-executive-director/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 Keystone Research Announces New Executive Director ### Harrisburg – The Keystone Research Center (KRC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernard “Bernie” Gallagher to be KRC’s new Executive Director, effective today, Monday, August 11th, 2025. Gallagher succeeds our founding Executive Director, Stephen Herzenberg, who will move into - [The Importance of Being Honest](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-importance-of-being-honest/): President Trump’s Firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics head renews concerns about data integrity. Given the pervasive political polarization of our time, it is important to stay focused on the facts. Accurate federal data are essential for understanding how the economy is performing and for guiding smart policy decisions at every level of government. One - [STATEMENT: Keystone Research Center Statement on President Trump’s Firing of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-keystone-research-center-statement-on-president-trumps-firing-of-the-commissioner-of-the-bureau-of-labor-statistics/): In the wake of President Trump’s firing of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday, KRC executive director and economist Stephen Herzenberg put out the following statement: “Following President Trump’s firing of BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, it has been heartening to see Republican Senators join the chorus of economists, other policymakers, and - [STATEMENT: Weak Jobs Report Could Indicate Coming Recession](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-weak-jobs-report-could-indicate-coming-recession/): CONTACT (including to arrange interviews): John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 HARRISBURG - Keystone Research Center Executive Director Stephen Herzenberg made the following state after the release of the July federal jobs report: "Today's U.S. jobs report for July reveals a deeply concerning trend that demands urgent attention. With just 73,000 jobs added nationally in July and dramatic downward - [(With ReImagine Appalachia) Ohio’s Clean Energy Renaissance: A Model for Economic Growth](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/with-reimagine-appalachia-ohios-clean-energy-renaissance-a-model-for-economic-growth/): In Ohio, a quiet industrial revolution is brewing. From the Ohio River to the shores of Lake Erie new manufacturing facilities for batteries and electric vehicles are being built, and solar arrays are sprawling. This is all part of a broader economic renaissance reshaping the State’s industrial and energy landscape. Through strategic federal investments in - [STATEMENT: Keystone Research Center Releases New Analysis of Federal Clean Energy Investments Across Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new_analysis_of_federal_clean_energy_investments/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2025 CONTACT: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 Keystone Research Center Releases New Analysis of Federal Clean Energy Investments Across Pennsylvania HARRISBURG, PA - The Keystone Research Center today released two comprehensive fact sheets analyzing the impact of federal investments from recent legislation – investments now at risk because of the impending reconciliation - [Keystone Research Center Statement on the June 2025 PA Jobs Report ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-statement-on-the-june-2025-pa-jobs-report/): To arrange interviews with KRC researchers, contact John Neurohr at jneurohr@clearpointpa.com; 717-364-6452. With the release this morning of the Pennsylvania employment situation report for June 2025 by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Keystone Research Center economist Maisum Murtaza released the following statement: “Pennsylvania’s job growth remains positive notwithstanding economic uncertainty nationally, though with - [Who Benefits? The Demographic Impact of a Higher Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/who-benefits-the-demographic-impact-of-a-higher-minimum-wage-in-pennsylvania/): From the Keystone Research Center The minimum wage is an essential labor standard. The United States first established a federal minimum wage to ensure a fair wage for the lowest paid workers in this country. The declining value of the minimum wage contributes to growing income inequality and widens pay disparities by gender and race. - [The Big Ugly Truth behind President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-big-ugly-truth-behind-president-trumps-big-beautiful-bill/): President Donald Trump signed his “Big Beautiful Bill”, also known as the Senate Reconciliation Bill, into law on July 4th. Although he touts the bill as a win for middle- and working-class Americans, that could not be further from the truth. Analysis from the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy, a non-partisan tax policy organization - [PRESS RELEASE: PA Minimum Wage Increase Would Benefit over 865,000 Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-pa-minimum-wage-increase-would-benefit-over-865000-workers/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2025 CONTACT: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 NEW REPORT: Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Increase Would Benefit Over 865,000 Workers HARRISBURG, PA - The Keystone Research Center today released a comprehensive new report showing that a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour would directly benefit 865,600 Pennsylvania workers from diverse demographic backgrounds. - [Skilled Union Crafts - The Key to High Performance Construction Today](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/skilled-union-crafts-the-key-to-high-performance-construction-today/): An Alternative to the Traditional College Path Union apprenticeship programs, especially those in partnership with higher education, are now a powerful, modern alternative/compliment to traditional college educations. Here, we profile three Philadelphia-based unions, IBEW98 (Electricians), UA420 (steamfitters) and IUPAT DC21 (Finishing Trades) which have partnered with New Jersey's Rowan University to provide apprentices with the - [Pushing the Borders or Crossing the Line?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pushing-the-borders-or-crossing-the-line/): Employment and Wage Growth in New York & New Jersey Outpace Pennsylvania Border Counties Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour. The commonwealth remains alone in the region, as all the states bordering Pennsylvania have raised their minimum wage—and many have raised it substantially and committed to further regular increases. Pennsylvanians can look across - [If You Fund It, They Will Come](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/if-you-fund-it-they-will-come/): Download the Full Report Here How Federal Clean Energy and Manufacturing Funds Spurred Private Spending, Doubling Appalachia’s Climate Infrastructure Investment in Coal Country Executive Summary North Central Appalachia, a region hard hit by the boom and bust of extractive industries and the loss of manufacturing jobs over decades, has benefited from recent federal investments in - [The Update: June 2025](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-june-2025/): Dear friends, Since our last newsletter, KRC’s work has focused on critical federal, as well as state priorities. On the federal front, we have been making the case for retaining climate infrastructure funding (e.g., in the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) creating good union jobs across our state, coal country Appalachia, and the - [KRC Celebrates Pride Month 2025 with some LGBTQI+ Titans of Labor](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/krc-celebrates-pride-month-2025-with-some-lgbtqi-titans-of-labor/): Bayard Rustin A key strategist of the 1963 March on Washington, Bayard Rustin was a gay Black civil rights leader (and West Chester, PA local) whose deep commitment to nonviolence and labor rights shaped the civil rights movement. He was a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. and a lifelong member of the pacifist - [A PA Fair Share Tax could fill the budget hole left by the Reconciliation Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-pa-fair-share-tax-could-fill-the-budget-hole-left-by-the-reconciliation-bill/): Residents and state lawmakers across the country are pushing back against anti-tax measures and looking for ways to raise additional state revenue in progressive ways. These efforts respond to the imminent danger federal policy, including a “reconciliation” bill under consideration by the U.S. Senate poses to federal funding for states. States are combatting the potential - [Guest Blog: Reconciliation - An Overview](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/guest-blog-reconciliation-an-overview/): Also known as the Tax Reform Package (or “The One Big Beautiful Bill” in recent media), reconciliation is a specific legislative process used to quickly pass certain types of bills related to taxes, spending, and the debt limit. This process allows the Senate to pass legislation with a simple majority of 51 votes, bypassing the - [STATEMENT: Raising the Minimum Wage is a No-brainer for Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-raising-the-minimum-wage-is-a-no-brainer-for-pennsylvania/): ​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 4, 2025 CONTACT: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 STATEMENT: Raising the Minimum Wage is a No-brainer for Pennsylvania HARRISBURG, PA - Following Governor Shapiro's budget address, where he again proposed raising the state minimum wage, Keystone Research Center Executive Director Stephen Herzenberg made the following statement: "The proposed minimum wage increase to - [Deju Vu for Pennsylvanians? Cuts to Government Employment Could Hurt Job Growth for Everyone](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-one-two-punch-in-the-gut-for-working-people-punch-two-cuts-in-federal-employment/): Over the past few weeks, national attention has focused on the unprecedented threats of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to federal government employment. This blog hones in on the potential impact of slashing federal employment in Pennsylvania. Based on a new Economic Policy Institute resource that went live two days go, the map - [NEW REPORT RELEASE: If You Fund It, They Will Come](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-report-release-if-you-fund-it-they-will-come/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2025 CONTACT: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 If You Fund It, They Will Come: Federal Clean Energy Investments Spark Private Spending, Doubling Appalachia’s Clean Energy Economy Harrisburg, PA — A new report from Keystone Research Center and ReImagine Appalachia reveals that federal investments in clean energy have catalyzed a major - [STATEMENT: KRC on PA Jobs Report - March 2025](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-jobs-pa-report-q1/): To arrange interviews with KRC researchers, contact John Neurohr at jneurohr@clearpointpa.com; 717-364-6452. Keystone Research Center Statement on the March 2025 PA Jobs Report With the release this morning of the Pennsylvania employment situation report by March 2025 by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Keystone Research Center economist and executive director Stephen Herzenberg released - [From ReImagine Appalachia: If You Fund It, They Will Come: How Federal Investments Are Sparking a Clean Energy Revival in Appalachia](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/from-reimagine-appalachia-if-you-fund-it-they-will-come-how-federal-investments-are-sparking-a-clean-energy-revival-in-appalachia/): On April 9, 2025 ReImagine Appalachia and the Keystone Research Center released a new study “If You Fund It, They Will Come,” examining public and private investment numbers for the Ohio River Valley Region of Appalachia, and revealing how wide-reaching the impact of those investments is. Co-author Diana Polson dove into the data showing that - [The Update - May 2025](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-may-2025/): Dear friends, Greetings from Keystone Research Center (KRC). In recent months, KRC and Reimagine Appalachia have been tracking databases showing where federal climate and infrastructure funds have gone, and the private investment that results. On April 9th, based on this tracking, we released “If You Fund it, They Will Come.” This new report documents the - [Testimony For the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing: Raise the Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/testimony-for-the-pennsylvania-house-democratic-policy-committee-hearing/): Monday May 5th, 9:00 AM, 523 Irvis Claire Kovach, Ph.D., Senior Research Analyst at the Keystone Research Center Contact: kovach@keystoneresearch.org Good Morning, my name is Claire Kovach and I am a senior research analyst at the Keystone Research Center, the mission of which is to promote a more prosperous and equitable Pennsylvania. I hold a - [Follow the Money: How the Inflation Reduction Act is Rebuilding Appalachia](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/follow-the-money-how-the-inflation-reduction-act-is-rebuilding-appalachia/): Inflation Reduction Act ‣ Trump ‣ Appalachia ‣ American Manufacturing ‣ Ohio ‣ Pennsylvania ‣ Kentucky ‣ West Virginia ‣ If You Fund It They Will Come ‣ KRC RAP - [Policy Memo: Updated Information and Resources about the Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/policy-memo-updated-information-and-resources-about-the-minimum-wage/): To: Pennsylvania Lawmakers and Staff From: Keystone Research Center, Claire Kovach, kovach@keystoneresearch.org Date: May 8, 2025 Subject: Updated information and resources about the minimum wage An increase in the Pennsylvania minimum wage appears to be receiving serious attention this year within the state Capitol. In response, Keystone Research Center has updated some facts about the - [Keystone Research Center: House Reconciliation Bill Would Harm Pennsylvania Working Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-house-reconciliation-bill-would-harm-pennsylvania-working-families/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 HARRISBURG - May 22, 2025 - Stephen Herzenberg, Executive Director of Keystone Research Center, issued the following statement regarding the House reconciliation bill: "The reconciliation bill passed by House Republicans today is a disaster for working Pennsylvanians. This legislation would increase inequality by making the Trump tax - [The Worker and the Pope - Labor and the Church](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-worker-and-the-pope-labor-and-the-church-how-leo-xiii-and-rerum-novarum-continue-to-shape-the-modern-labor-movement/): Pope Leo XIII; Pope Leo XVI; Union; Labor Union; Rerum Novarum; History; Church History - [A Not-So-Sweet 16: Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage Is Turning 16 Years Old](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-not-so-sweet-16-pennsylvanias-minimum-wage-is-turning-16-years-old/): With no balloons, cake, or candles in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s $7.25 per hour minimum wage has nearly reached a birthday milestone: it has been 16 years since the minimum wage was last increased for Pennsylvania workers. It is not a “sweet” 16, but rather a somber occasion. Continued failure to raise the minimum wage is - [American Solidarity Forever](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/american-solidarity-forever/): May Day Yesterday and Today On May 1st, much of the world pauses to recognize International Workers’ Day, a celebration of the labor movement’s hard-fought gains and an affirmation of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights. Though it is often associated with rallies in Europe and parades in Latin America, May Day’s origins are unmistakably - [The Labor Movement and Earth Day](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-labor-movement-and-earth-day/): The first Earth Day, held on April 22, 1970, wasn’t an instantaneous explosion of environmental concern—it was a coordinated political moment backed by powerful institutions, including the United Auto Workers and other Labor Unions. Under the leadership of UAW President Walter Reuther, the union not only endorsed Earth Day, but provided funding and logistical support - [Workers are Players Too - How Organized Labor Build Major League Baseball](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/workers-are-players-too-how-organized-labor-build-major-league-baseball/): We have finally reached that part of the year where (in the northeast at least), spring finally peeps out and has its first look around. The sun is warm, but the wind remains nippy. Nature begins to show her entrepreneurial side with every little bud poking through her thawed soil. These changes can only mean - [Union Organizing in the Southern Auto Industry and Beyond: An Update](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/union-organizing-in-the-southern-auto-industry-and-beyond-an-update/): For decades, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has struggled to establish a foothold outside the “Big Three” (GM, Ford, and Stellantis, formerly Chrysler), especially in the U.S. South. Foreign automakers have fiercely resisted unionization. About 11 months ago, on April 18 2024, the labor movement scored a historic victory: workers at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant - [The Impacts of Cutting Medicaid to Pay for Tax Cuts for the Rich ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-one-two-punch-in-the-gut-for-working-people-punch-one-cutting-medicaid-to-pay-for-tax-cuts-for-the-rich/): One legislative priority of the Trump administration and the Republican-led Congress is to keep taxes low for the richest households and corporations. To help pay for tax cuts for the rich and corporations--by extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)—the Republican House on February 25 passed a budget resolution that calls for $2 billion in spending - [A Very Brief History of African American Labor Leaders](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-very-brief-history-of-important-african-american-labor-leaders/): As KRC joins the rest of the United States in observing Black History Month, we thought it would be a good opportunity to talk about some important African American organized labor leaders. Often, Black Americans’ efforts to bring about positive change are overlooked, and this needs to change. Isaac Myers (1835-1891) "I speak today for - [Residents and Interns in Many PA Hospitals are Unionizing. Here's Why That Matters.](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/residents-and-interns-in-many-pa-hospitals-are-unionizing-heres-why-that-matters/): A healthy working life is good for both providers and patients. The phrase “Medical resident” conjures a mental picture of someone exhausted, overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated. The image of bedraggled, baggy-eyed new doctors, dragging themselves through hospital halls, coffee in hand, has become an enduring image of the American healthcare system. Up until - [Keystone Research Center 2024 Media Highlights](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-2024-media-highlights/): KRC received a fair amount of attention for our work in 2024. Here are some of the highlights! Click on any of the links to read the full articles (some may have a paywall) Philadelphia Inquirer: What is the ‘Trump sales tax’? A look at tariffs and how they might affect Pennsylvania - Layla Jones - [KRC's 2024 - A Year In Review](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/krcs-2024-a-year-in-review/): KRC’s 2024 – A Year in Review Wondering what KRC has been up to this past year? Well, here it is, all in one place Papers: 2024 State of Working Pennsylvania Pennsylvania’s Track Record on Private School Vouchers: Still No Accountability Who Benefits? The Demographic Impact of a Minimum Wage Increase in Pennsylvania Blogs: - [Workers are Players Too - How Organized Labor built the NFL](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/workers-are-players-too-how-organized-labor-built-the-nfl/): The National Football League was founded on September 17th, 1904. Consisting of 14 teams from around the Midwest. Today, only two of those teams remain, and only one by its original name. The Decatur Staleys are today better known as the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers are known as the Green Bay Packers. - [Organized Labor and Human Rights - Celebrating Human Rights Day, 2024](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/organized-labor-and-human-rights-celebrating-human-rights-day-2024/): Organized Labor and Advancement of Human Rights in the United States On December 10th, 1948, the United Nations released their Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, December 10th has been celebrated internationally as Human Rights Day. Though we in the United States have a long way to go to reach the ideals laid out - [PA Unemployment Down in EVERY PA County Since Pre-Pandemic](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-unemployment-down-in-every-pa-county-since-pre-pandemic/): Keystone Research Center routinely tracks the performance of the PA economy, including in our annual “State of Working Pennsylvania." In response to media hunger for the facts on the PA economy—given its status as a swing state—we recently decided to go beyond statewide data. We unveiled a new “PA Economy Resource Page” that leads with - [Memo Oct 9th, 2024](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/memo-oct-8th-2024/): MEMO _____________________________________________________________________________________ To: Editorial Page Editors and Other Media From: Stephen Herzenberg, economist and executive director, Keystone Research Center (KRC) Subject: Resources on the Performance of the Pennsylvania Economy To arrange interviews with KRC researchers or request KRC assistance accessing additional data, contact John Neurohr, Jr. at jneurohr@clearpointpa.com; 717-364-6452) __________________________________________________________________________________________ Because of the upcoming elections, - [Continuing Good Economic News with Release of 2.4% September Inflation Number, Keystone Research Finds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/continuing-good-economic-news-with-release-of-2-4-september-inflation-number-keystone-research-finds/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 10, 2024 CONTACT: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 HARRISBURG, PA - Upon the release of the national inflation number for September, Keystone Research Center economist and executive director Stephen Herzenberg issued the following statement: “The steady stream of positive news on the economy continued today with the announcement that the average U.S. - [NEW DATA: Keystone Research Center Economist Praises Continued Decline in Inflation, Urges Policy Actions to Support Working Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-data-keystone-research-center-economist-praises-continued-decline-in-inflation-urges-policy-actions-to-support-working-families/): Harrisburg, PA - Upon the release of July inflation numbers by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Keystone Research Center economist and executive director Stephen Herzenberg issued the following statement: ​“Economists expected today’s continuing good news on inflation, which dipped below 3%—to 2.9%—over the 12 months since July 2023. We explained two years ago in The State - [RELEASE: Economic Performance in Pennsylvania Is Stronger When Democrats Hold the White House, Research Finds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-economic-performance-in-pennsylvania-is-stronger-when-democrats-hold-the-white-house-research-finds/): HARRISBURG – The Keystone Research Center (KRC) today released a policy brief examining whether Pennsylvania’s economy does better under Democrats or Republicans, finding all but one of key economic indicators perform better when Democrats control the White House. The brief uses economic indicators such as Real GDP since 1998, Unemployment rate and Employment growth starting - [Economic Performance in Pennsylvania Is Stronger When Democrats Hold the White House](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/economic-performance-in-pennsylvania-is-stronger-when-democrats-hold-the-white-house/): When polled by Gallup in Spring 2024, more than half of Americans reported that they worry “a great deal” about the economy. 12 Given the importance of the economy to voters, pollsters also closely track which party or presidential candidate is most trusted on the economy. In April, the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) addressed a - [President of a Pittsburgh-Based Concrete Company Highlights the Benefits of Partnering With Unions](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/president-of-a-pittsburgh-based-concrete-company-highlights-the-benefits-of-partnering-with-unions/): President of a Pittsburgh-Based Concrete Company Highlights the Benefits of Partnering With Unions - [Pennsylvania Sees Record High Jobs in June, Keystone Research Finds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-sees-record-high-jobs-in-june-keystone-research-finds/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2024 Contact: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 Pennsylvania Sees Record High Jobs in June, Keystone Research Finds Unemployment Remains at 3.4% Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its preliminary jobs report for June 2024 this morning. In response, Keystone Research Center (KRC) released the following - [The Update - July 2024](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-july-2024/): Dear friends, We hope you're all having a wonderful summer. Below, you can read KRC activities over the past month. In June, KRC continued to tell the story of the benefits of federal climate and infrastructure legislation, we testified before the Pennsylvania house on the critical issue of worker misclassification, and we released a summary - [Pennsylvania’s Economy Remains Strong in May, Keystone Research Finds Unemployment Remains at 3.4%, Continuing Its Record-Low Run](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-economy-remains-strong-in-may-keystone-research-finds-unemployment-remains-at-3-4-continuing-its-record-low-run/): The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its preliminary jobs report for May 2024 this morning. In response, Keystone Research Center released the following statement: “Pennsylvania added 19,800 jobs in May, and the labor force and resident employment both hit record highs last month,” said KRC Senior Research Analyst Claire Kovach. “A consistently - [BREAKING: Pennsylvania’s Economy Remains Strong in May, Keystone Research Finds Unemployment Remains at 3.4%, Continuing Its Record-Low Run](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/breaking-pennsylvanias-economy-remains-strong-in-may-keystone-research-finds-unemployment-remains-at-3-4-continuing-its-record-low-run/): HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its preliminary jobs report for May 2024 this morning. In response, Keystone Research Center released the following statement: “Pennsylvania added 19,800 jobs in May, and the labor force and resident employment both hit record highs last month,” said KRC Senior Research Analyst Claire Kovach. - [IRA tax credit grows good IAM union jobs in York, Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/ira-tax-credit-grows-good-iam-union-jobs-in-york-pennsylvania/): Diana Polson, June 18, 2024 The York-based hydropower manufacturer, Voith Hydro, and their workers’ union, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1400 (District 98) have partnered to benefit from a federal clean energy manufacturing tax credit. The result? Greater worker safety, increased productivity, and likely the expansion of good-paying, union jobs. Voith - [The Prevalence and Cost of Worker Miscalculation and How to Rein It In - Abbreviated](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-prevalence-and-cost-of-worker-miscalculation-and-how-to-rein-it-in-abbreviated/): Testimony of Stephen Herzenberg, Executive Director, Keystone Research Center House Labor & Industry Committee, 523 Irvis Office Building, June 11, 2024 FULL TESTIMONY HERE Good morning. My name is Stephen Herzenberg, I am the executive director of Keystone Research Center (https://keystoneresearch.org/) and hold a PhD in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Thank you - [TESTIMONY: The Prevalence and Cost of Worker Misclassification and How to Rein It In](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/testimony-the-prevalence-and-cost-of-worker-misclassification-and-how-to-rein-it-in/): Testimony of Stephen Herzenberg, Executive Director, Keystone Research Center House Labor & Industry Committee, 523 Irvis Office Building, June 11, 2024 DOWNLOAD THE TESTIMONY HERE (PDF) Good morning. My name is Stephen Herzenberg, I am the executive director of Keystone Research Center (https://keystoneresearch.org/) and hold a PhD in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. - [Abbreviated: Pennsylvania's Track Record on Private School Vouchers - Still No Accountability](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/abbreviated-pennsylvanias-track-record-on-private-school-vouchers-still-no-accountability/): After decades of chronic underfunding, the Commonwealth Court has ruled that Pennsylvania’s current K-12 education funding system is unconstitutional and must be rectified. The Basic Education Funding Commission released a report in January 2024 recommending $5.1 billion in state investment over the next seven years to ensure students have the resources necessary to meet state - [Pennsylvania’s Economy Continued Steady Growth in April](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-economy-continued-steady-growth-in-april/): Pennsylvania’s Economy Continued Steady Growth in April, Keystone Research Finds Unemployment Remains at 3.4%, Continuing Its Record-Low Run The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its preliminary jobs report for April 2024 this morning. In response, Keystone Research Center (KRC) released the following statement: “The job market in April remained the strongest since the - [Mark Erlich: Is this Labor's Comeback Moment?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/guest-blog-is-this-labors-comeback-moment/): [Mark Erlich is a fellow at Harvard Law School’s Center for Labor and a Just Economy and the retired head of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters. A longer version of this blog was published by the CommonWealth Beacon and is available at this link. He co-authored the KRC report, “Construction Past and Present - [Keystone Research on President Biden’s Earth Day Announcement of New Details Regarding the American Climate Corps Program](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-on-president-bidens-earth-day-announcement-of-new-details-regarding-the-american-climate-corps-program/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Neurohr, jneurohr@clearpointpa.com, 717-364-6452 Keystone Research on President Biden’s Earth Day Announcement of New Details Regarding the American Climate Corps Program HARRISBURG (April 22, 2024) – President Biden today issued an Earth Day announcement with new details on his new American Climate Corps, which will create 2,000 new positions across 37 - [Pennsylvania's Track Record on Private School Vouchers: Still No Accountability](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-track-record-on-private-school-vouchers-still-no-accountability/): READ THE FULL REPORT BELOW OR DOWNLOAD HERE (PDF) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Decades of chronic underfunding and inequitable funding have been spiraling Pennsylvania’s public school system into crisis—failing our kids and threatening the future of the Commonwealth. Luckily, the root problem has been recognized by Commonwealth Court, which has ruled that our state’s current funding system - [New Report Highlights Pennsylvania’s Poor Track Record with Educational Vouchers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-report-highlights-pennsylvanias-poor-track-record-with-educational-vouchers/): HARRISBURG – Keystone Research Center today released a comprehensive report examining Pennsylvania's troubling track record on existing Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) private school voucher programs. Entitled “Pennsylvania’s Track Record on Private School Vouchers,” the report identifies several areas of concern for the programs – among other issues, these - [Pittsburgh Mayor's Update on Effort to Get Non-profits to Pay Their Fair Share of Property Taxes](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pittsburgh-mayors-update-on-effort-to-get-non-profits-to-pay-their-fair-share-of-property-taxes/): Last week, Keystone Research Center’s Pittsburgh project, the Pittsburgh Budget and Policy Center, released this short brief outlining the importance of big “eds and meds” non-profits in the city contributing more to city revenues (in “payments in lieu of property taxes” or “PILOT” payments). We followed that up with publication of this op ed in - [Getting Big Nonprofits to Pay Fair Share Can Keep City on Track to a Pittsburgh for All](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/getting-big-nonprofits-to-pay-fair-share-can-keep-city-on-track-to-a-pittsburgh-for-all/): Like cities across the country, Pittsburgh faces lost revenue because American Rescue Plan dollars run out this year and because of the post-COVID spike in teleworking and plunge in office building occupancy rates and commercial property values. As the city considers its response to this one-two punch, it is critical not to exaggerate its impact - [PA Job Growth is Strong](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-job-growth-is-strong-2/): How is the Pennsylvania economy performing from the perspective of regular workers? Pretty well. This blog will focus on on the simplest and most widely used measure of our economy’s performance: job growth. As with today's report on inflation in January (down to 3.1% over the past 12 months), the news is good. Pennsylvania now - [Who Benefits? The Demographic Impact of a Minimum Wage Increase in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/who-benefits-the-demographic-impact-of-a-minimum-wage-increase-in-pennsylvania/): In January 2024, Pennsylvania’s elected executives, legislators, and judges saw their pay increase 3.5% thanks to a 1995 law that requires Pennsylvania government salaries be tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of inflation. This raise occurs yearly unless it is frozen by lawmakers. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has stagnated at $7.25 per - [Fair Taxation Can Help Achieve a More Just Pittsburgh](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fair-taxation-can-help-achieve-a-more-just-pittsburgh/): Over the past several years, federal funding via the American Rescue Plan (ARP) has temporarily boosted City of Pittsburgh revenues and allowed increased investment in affordable housing, workforce training, healthy and accessible food programs, public safety, and public transportation. ARP funds, however, will expire in 2024, leaving a $30.6 million shortfall in the city budget. - [Federal Climate Infrastructure Funds Spur Job-Creating Investments in PA, OH, WV and KY](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/federal-climate-infrastructure-funds-spur-job-creating-investments-in-pa-oh-wv-and-ky/): At the end of 2023 more than 16 months have passed since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on August 16, 2022. We are beginning to see the impact of this legislation on the ground, including in coal country Appalachia. As we do, we take the first steps from imagining a north central - [The Early Returns Show Big Clean Manufacturing Investments in Coal Country](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-early-returns-show-big-clean-manufacturing-investments-in-coal-country/): As we come to the end of 2023, 16½ months have passed since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on August 16, 2022. We are beginning to see the impact of the IRA, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the CHIPS+ act on the ground, including in north central Appalachia – coal country. - [In 2024, Will PA Finally Forge Ahead, Like Our Neighbors, By Raising Our Minimum Wage?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/in-2024-will-pa-finally-forge-ahead-like-our-neighbors-by-raising-our-minimum-wage/): As we close out 2023 and usher in the new year, Pennsylvania stands out in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region for what we haven’t done—we haven’t raised our minimum wage above the federal minimum wage of 7.25 per hour. Five of our neighboring states (Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware) are among 22 states (and - [STATEMENT: Keystone Research Center Lauds UAW Deals with Automakers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-keystone-research-center-lauds-uaw-deals-with-automakers/): HARRISBURG, PA—Following the announcement that the United Auto Workers union has reached agreement with General Motors – after agreements with Ford and Stellantis – Keystone ResearchCenter Executive Director Stephen Herzenberg made the following statement: “The news of the agreements between UAW and large automakers over the past few days is welcome news for the thousands of - [Despite a claim to the contrary, the Commonwealth Court’s decision precisely said Pennsylvania needs to provide additional resources to low-wealth school districts](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/11/): The Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC), a bipartisan group made up of 12 legislators and three members of Governor Shapiro’s administration, is charged with reviewing the state’s distribution of funding for basic education to Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts and producing a report for the General Assembly. In light of the Commonwealth Court decision earlier in - [Despite Contractors’ Claims, Outsourcing School Food Programs Does Not Save School Districts Money](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/1/): Meeting students’ basic food and nutrition requirements is an essential role of public schools and critical to student learning. Yet, as with other support services in schools – such as transportation and janitorial services – school boards and school administrators who are worried about the bottom line may turn to outside companies to manage or - [Other States Enact Pro-Worker, Pro-Union Laws in 2023 That Pennsylvania Should Consider](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pro-worker-laws/): Other States Enact Pro-Worker, Pro-Union Laws in 2023 That Pennsylvania Should Consider In early November, the Center for American Progress released an article (accessible here) entitled Workers Want Unions: How States have Strengthened Worker Power in 2023. This scan of state-level legislation provides reasons for optimism about the future of workers’ rights in the United - [The Update - October 28, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-october-28-2023/): Dear Friend, Keystone Research Center has been busy recently. Since our last e-newsletter, we’ve issued releases and events related to three key priorities for our organization. On the economy, we released our annual The State of Working Pennsylvania, with an updated policy agenda that would promote shared prosperity. On education from birth to adulthood, we - [RELEASE: Report Details Erosion of Pennsylvania Construction Industry Job Quality and Proposes Path Forward](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-report-details-erosion-of-pennsylvania-construction-industry-job-quality-and-proposes-path-forward/): Author of “The Way We Build: Restoring Dignity to Construction Work” Lays Out Strategies to “Build Forward” in Pennsylvania’s Construction Sector HARRISBURG – A new report, based on the book The Way We Build: Restoring Dignity to Construction Work by Mark Erlich, a fellow at Harvard Law School's Center for Labor and A Just Economy - [Keystone Research Center Lauds Introduction of President Biden’s American Climate Corps Program](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-lauds-introduction-of-president-bidens-american-climate-corps-program/): HARRISBURG, PA—Today, President Biden announced the launch of the American Climate Corps, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing job training and service opportunities to young Americans in the clean energy and climate resilience sectors. As part of his commitment to addressing the climate crisis and expanding pathways to good-paying careers, President Biden is mobilizing a - [Annual “State of Working Pennsylvania” Report Finds Strong Labor Market and Workers Poised for More Wage Gains](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/annual-state-of-working-pennsylvania-report-finds-strong-labor-market-and-workers-poised-for-more-wage-gains/): Annual “State of Working Pennsylvania” Report Finds Strong Labor Market and Workers Poised for More Wage Gains HARRISBURG – The Keystone Research Center (KRC) today released its annual “State of Working Pennsylvania” report, finding that the labor market remains tight, with fewer unemployed Pennsylvanians than job openings. Even while inflation was high, workers’ earnings kept - [2023 State of Working Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/2023-state-of-working-pennsylvania/): DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE REPORT HERE. - [GUEST POST — Getting Unions Connected to Orphaned Well Clean Up: A Second Bite at the Apple](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/guest-post-getting-unions-connected-to-orphaned-well-clean-up-a-second-bite-at-the-apple/): Last month, the Department of Interior (DOI) released its application guidance for Phase 1 state formula grants for orphaned well clean up under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The formula grants are one of three grant programs included in the infrastructure law for orphaned wells site plugging, remediation and restoration. Altogether, 26 states are eligible for about $660 million - [STATEMENT: The Right to Have an Abortion Is Critical to the Well-Being of PA and Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-the-right-to-have-an-abortion-is-critical-for-the-well-being-of-pa-and-pennsylvanians/): Among the rights that are critical to all human beings is the right to personal autonomy—that is the right to make fundamental choices about our bodies and the course of our lives. There is no choice as life-defining as that of whether to bring a new child into the world. Without the right to have - [The FY2021-22 PA State Budget: The People's Budget & Tracking ARP Funds in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-fy2021-22-pa-state-budget-the-peoples-budget-tracking-arp-funds-in-pa/): This is a recording of a Zoom meeting hosted by the PA Budget & Policy Center on Thursday, April 15, 2021, to provide updates related to PA's state budget and the allocation of the $7.3 billion in assistance that the American Rescue Plan delivered to PA's state government. PBPC director Marc Stier talks about the - [PBPC’s Initial Analysis of Governor Wolf’s Proposal for Pennsylvania's 2021-22 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pbpcs-analysis-of-governor-wolfs-proposal-for-pennsylvanias-2021-22-budget/): Watch our initial response to Governor Wolf’s 2021-22 budget proposal and February 3, 2021, budget address. Participating in this discussion: Marc Stier (Director, PA Budget and Policy Center), Reesa Kossoff (Executive Director, SEIU PA State Council), Susan Spicka (Executive Director, Education Voters of PA), and Morgan Plant (Veteran Lobbyist). https://youtu.be/EGQLzWnFtoI - [Response to Governor Wolf's 2017-18 Budget Proposal](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/response-to-governor-wolfs-2017-18-budget-proposal/): Marc Stier, director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, responds to Governor Tom Wolf's budget address and his 2017-18 proposed budget. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADxJYnLXncw - [Initial Response to Gov. Wolf's Proposed 2021-22 PA State Budget | Thursday, February 4, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/initial-response-to-gov-wolfs-proposed-2021-22-pa-state-budget-thursday-february-4-2021/): The Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Center's director Marc Stier and senior policy analyst Diana Polson provide an initial overview of Gov. Wolf's proposed FY 2021-22 state budget, highlighting some of the governor's key initiatives & priorities and identifying some of the challenges that are likely to impact budget negotiations. Marc & Diana respond to questions - [ANALYSIS: Governor Wolf's Proposed 2020-21 State Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-governor-wolfs-proposed-2020-21-state-budget/): The Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Center's analysis of Governor Tom Wolf's proposed state budget for FY2020-21 will be presented as a webinar at 9 am this Monday, March 23. The presenters will be PBPC director, Marc Stier, and PBPC's senior policy analyst, Diana Polson, along with Stephen Herzenberg, the executive director of the Keystone Research - [An Open Letter to State Representative Russ Diamond](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/an-open-letter-to-state-representative-russ-diamond/): Dear Representative Diamond, The other day you publicly shared an article about the possible dangers of the mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. I read it and the underlying scientific article. While one can raise some quibbles about the scientific competence of computer scientists writing about viruses and vaccines, I actually think it is an excellent example - [Statement on Governor Wolf's Imposed Mask Mandate](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-governor-wolfs-imposed-mask-mandate/): HARRISBURG, PA — The following statement was released by Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget and Policy Center: The PA Budget and Policy Center supports Governor Wolf’s decision to require teachers, staff, and students to wear masks in all K-12 schools and in child care centers for four reasons. First, this is a measure that is necessary - [We The People – PA Statement on Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee Actions](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/we-the-people-pa-statement-on-senate-intergovernmental-operations-committee-actions/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org; 215.510.9336 We The People PA Statement on Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee Actions Harrisburg, PA — the following is a statement from Marc Stier, director of the PA Budget and Policy Center and chair of the We The People PA campaign. Pennsylvania Senate Republicans are unwilling to address the - [RELEASE: "Build Back Better: A Transformative Plan for 21st-Century America"](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-build-back-better-a-transformative-plan-for-21st-century-america/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org; 215.510.9336 Build Back Better: A Transformative Plan for 21st-Century America President Biden’s Build Back Better framework is an unprecedented and transformative plan to better the lives of all Americans—Black, brown, and white; those with low, moderate, or high incomes; the youngest children and the oldest seniors. It will - [What to Expect When You're Expecting New Districts](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/what-to-expect-when-you-are-expecting-new-districts/): Sometime in the next ninety days—and perhaps much sooner—we expect to see the Legislative Redistricting Commission (LRC) release its first draft of a plan for the redistricting of Pennsylvania’s state House and Senate districts. This policy brief aims to give Pennsylvania’s citizens, community leaders, media, and advocates some idea of what to expect from the - [In Pennsylvania Schools, The Kids Who Need the Most Get the Least](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/in-pennsylvania-schools-the-kids-who-need-the-most-get-the-least/): On Friday, a trial will begin in Commonwealth Court to determine whether Pennsylvania is meeting its constitutional responsibility to give every student an adequate and equitable education. By the standards the state of Pennsylvania sets for itself, it does not. Only 16% of school districts provide an adequate level of funding. And our analysis of the distribution of school funding relative to the - [MEMO: PA House Bill 1800 Is Voter Suppression and Its Amendments Are Shameful](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/memo-hb1800-is-voter-suppression-and-its-amendments-are-shameful/): To: Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly From: Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget and Policy Center Re: HB 1800 and proposed amendments The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center opposes nearly all the provisions of HB 1800 and urges members of the House to vote against it. We evaluate the legislative proposals about elections with three - [A Quarter Century of Decline: School Funding In Pennsylvania 1993-94 to 2019-2020](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-quarter-century-of-decline-school-funding-in-pennsylvania-1993-94-to-2019-2020/): After controlling for inflation in education costs, Pennsylvania’s public school districts are funded below the funding level they were 26 years ago. How far school funding has fallen depends on how we measure spending on education and what measures of inflation we use. But no matter how you measure these things, by and large, the - [The Update: What’s Important in Harrisburg and DC – May 5, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-may-5-2023/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Last week featured the PBPC Budget Summit, our first in-person summit since the COVID-19 pandemic and our first-ever hybrid event. We’re uploading PPTs and videos from the Summit to this resource page. Check out the sessions you missed—we had some great presentations. As always, thank you for supporting our work—and for - [The Update: What’s Important in Harrisburg and DC – June 29, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-june-29-2023/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR In June, KRC’s releases have focused on the opportunities the legislature and Governor Shapiro have to enact a budget that addresses critical priorities that benefit working families. One priority is an overdue increase in the Pennsylvania minimum wage. The compromise proposal that passed the Pennsylvania House earlier in June would benefit - [The Update: What’s Important in Harrisburg and DC – May 25, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-may-25-2023/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR As Pennsylvania state budget negotiations and national discussions about lifting the U.S. debt ceiling both enter more critical stages, KRC in the past week continued its signature efforts to promote long-term policies that will deliver shared prosperity. We made the case for strengthening rights to join unions, promoting worker- and union-friendly - [Still No Accountability with Taxpayer-Funded Vouchers for Private and Religious School Tuition](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/still-no-accountability-with-taxpayer-funded-vouchers-for-private-and-religious-school-tuition-3/): Despite Pennsylvania's structural deficit and Governor Wolf's proposal to cut tax credits by $100 million in 2017-18, lawmakers are currently considering expanding two programs that already provide $125 million in taxpayer-funded vouchers to attend religious or other private schools. This report highlights why this expansion is problematic and why additional accountability is necessary for the - [NEW REPORT: Keystone Research Center Finds Food Service Contractors Don’t Save Money for PA School Districts](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-report-keystone-research-center-finds-food-service-contractors-dont-save-money-for-pa-school-districts/): HARRISBURG – The Keystone Research Center today released a new report that details how outsourcing food services is not saving school districts money, as is often promised by food service contractors, and results in higher costs for school districts on average. Diana Polson, PhD, and Claire Kovach, PhD, co-authors of the new report “False Promises: - [ANALYSIS: Minimum Wage Increase in PA House Bill Would Benefit 1.34 Million Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-minimum-wage-increase-in-pa-house-bill-would-benefit-1-34-million-pennsylvanians/): HARRISBURG – The Keystone Research Center today released an analysis of HB 1500, a bill to raise Pennsylvanian’s minimum wage for the first time since 2009 that passed through the PA House recently. Overall, more than 1.34 million Pennsylvania workers would see their wages rise by 2026, the vast majority of whom are adults (89%) - [ANALYSIS: Raising PA's Minimum Wage Via HB1500 Would Benefit 1.34 Million Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-raising-pas-minimum-wage-via-hb1500-would-benefit-1-34-million-pennsylvanians/): On June 20th, 2023, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed H.B.1500. This bill is now under consideration in the Pennsylvania Senate. If passed, this legislation would raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $15 per hour by 2026 in a series of steps: $11 per hour by January 1st, 2024 $13 per hour by January - [RELEASE: Data Suggest Pennsylvanians Living Near State Border Commute to Higher Wage Jobs in Surrounding States](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-data-suggest-pennsylvanians-living-near-state-border-commute-to-higher-wage-jobs-in-surrounding-states/): HARRISBURG – The Keystone Research Center today released an updated analysis of economic activity near the New York/Pennsylvania border and the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border to determine how vast differences in the minimum wage between the states would affect employment and wages in two low-wage sectors, along with leisure and hospitality, and retail. The analysis finds - [When Low-Wage PA Border County Workers Want a Living Wage Job, What Do They Do? Cross Over Into New York or New Jersey.](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/when-low-wage-pa-border-county-workers-want-a-living-wage-job-what-do-they-do-cross-over-into-new-york-or-new-jersey/): The US and Pennsylvania minimum wages are currently $7.25 per hour and have not been changed since 2009. Meanwhile, the minimum wages in neighboring New York and New Jersey are at least $14.13 per hour. Back in 2019, researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York used the “natural experiment” created by the contrasting - [ANALYSIS: PA House Budget Makes Vital Upgrades to 2023-24 Budget Proposal for Higher Education](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-pa-house-budget-makes-vital-upgrades-to-2023-24-budget-proposal-for-higher-education/): HARRISBURG – The Keystone Research Center today released an analysis of higher education investments in the recently-passed Pennsylvania House budget amendment (HB 611). “The Governor’s recognition of the long-term problems of Pennsylvania higher education is extremely important,” said Keystone Research Center Executive Director Stephen Herzenberg. “But the chronic underfunding of public higher education means that - [PA House Budget Makes Vital Upgrades to the 2023-24 Budget Proposal for Higher Education](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-house-budget-makes-vital-upgrades-to-the-2023-24-budget-proposal-for-higher-education/): In our analysis of Governor Shapiro’s first budget proposal, we highlighted the governor’s recognition that higher education in Pennsylvania is in crisis. The governor stated bluntly in his budget address “…it’s on us to rethink our system of higher education – because what we’re doing isn’t working… I’ve tasked Acting Education Secretary Mumin to immediately - [False Promises: Food Service Contractors Don't Save Pennsylvania School Districts Money](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/false-promises-food-service-contractors-dont-save-pennsylvania-school-districts-money/): View the webinar about this report here. Download a PDF of the report here. Meeting students’ basic food and nutrition requirements is an essential role of public schools and critical to student learning. Yet as with other support services in schools – such as transportation and janitorial services – school boards or school administrators - [New PA Jobs Report Shows Another Month of a Strong PA Economy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-pa-jobs-report-shows-another-month-of-a-strong-pa-economy/): With the release of April job numbers for Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry this morning, Keystone Research executive director Stephen Herzenberg and policy analyst Maisum Murtaza released the following statement: “Pennsylvania’s economy remained strong in April, moving steadily forward like the U.S. economy. Pennsylvania added 13,000 jobs and unemployment dropped again, - [STATEMENT: PA Senate Hijacks Justice for Sexual Abuse Survivors With Passage of Constitutional Amendments Package](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-senate-hijacks-justice-for-sexual-abuse-survivors-with-passage-of-constitutional-amendments-package/): In passing SB 1, the Pennsylvania Senate has hijacked the issue of providing relief to victims of sexual abuse to pass other constitutional amendments. It used a noncontroversial, bipartisan proposal to help pass controversial and partisan amendments that are bad policy and the subject of litigation. The proposal to provide a window for sexual abuse - [Analysis of Education Funding in Gov. Shapiro’s 2023 Executive Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-of-education-funding-in-pa-gov-shapiros-2023-executive-budget/): ACCESS FULL-SCREEN AND DOWNLOADABLE VERSION HERE. - [On The Inaction by State Senate to Fund Unemployment Compensation Call Centers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-the-inaction-by-state-senate-to-fund-unemployment-compensation-call-centers/): Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Director Marc Stier made the following statement after the state Senate failed to vote for additional funding for the Department of Labor and Industry’s unemployment compensation call centers during its only scheduled post-election session day: "If you have received unemployment insurance or know anyone who has, you know how important - [On the General Assembly Passing a Revenue Bill (HB 1198)](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-the-general-assembly-passing-a-revenue-bill-hb-1198/): Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Director Marc Stier made the following statement on the General Assembly Passing a Revenue Bill (HB 1198): "The General Assembly finally acted today to meet its constitutional responsibility by voting to raise the $1.3 billion in revenues needed to fund the recently passed appropriations law. But while the revenue package - [Diverse Coalition of Organizations Launch "PA's Choice" Budget Campaign](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/diverse-coalition-of-organizations-launch-pas-choice-budget-campaign/): A diverse coalition of groups from across the state, including education advocates, community service organizations, faith-based groups, environmental groups and labor organizations launched the "Pennsylvania's Choice" campaign today to bring attention to the devastating consequences of budget cuts across the commonwealth and to advocate for a Pennsylvania budget that best serves the people. If Pennsylvania - [Governor's 2018-19 Budget Overview](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governors-2018-19-budget-overview-2/): In 2018-19, Governor Wolf has presented another austere budget that, within the political limits of Harrisburg, makes progress on issues critical to Pennsylvanians. But because of those political limits- and through no fault of the governor- it does not make fast enough progress. This document presents an overview of the Governor's proposed 2018-19 budget, and - [STATEMENT: On the State of PA Budget Negotiations](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-state-of-pa-budget-negotiations/): Marc Stier, director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, made the following statement on the current state of PA budget negotiations: "If news reports are accurate, enough members of the House Republican caucus heard the voices of their constituents who contacted them in the last 24 hours to demand new recurring revenues to balance - [Alternative Approaches to Making a Down Payment on Education Equity](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/alternatives-approaches-to-making-a-down-payment-on-education-equity/): ACCESS A VERSION TO READ FULL-SCREEN OR DOWNLOAD HERE. - [Pa. Rep. Zabel’s resignation highlights need for systemic change in Harrisburg](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-rep-zabels-resignation-highlights-need-for-systemic-change-in-harrisburg/): We need reparative and restorative justice instead of just punitive justice Originally published in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star on March 13, 2023 We are heartened to hear that Mike Zabel has resigned from his position as state representative. His resignation is necessary at this moment for many reasons, including that we have no other way to - [2023 Pennsylvania Budget Summit Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/2023-pennsylvania-budget-summit-resource-page/): Thank you to all who joined us for the 2023 Pennsylvania Budget Summit! This year was our first in-person Pennsylvania Budget Summit since 2019. It featured an in-depth look at Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2023-24 Executive Budget proposal and an examination of bold policy ideas to address the long-term challenges facing the people and economy of - [More Money Needed to Deliver on Pennsylvania's Top Budget Priorities: Analysis of Governor Shapiro's First Executive Budget 2023-24](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/more-money-needed-to-deliver-on-pennsylvanias-top-budget-priorities-analysis-of-governor-shapiros-first-executive-budget-2023-24/): ACCESS FULL-SCREEN AND PRINTABLE VERSION HERE. - [Governor Shapiro’s First Budget: The Right Priorities But Inadequate Funding](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governor-shapiros-first-budget-the-right-priorities-but-inadequate-funding/): FOR FULL-SCREEN AND PRINTABLE VERSION CLICK HERE. - [PA Budget and Policy Center Statement on Governor Wolf’s 2022-2023 Executive Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-and-policy-center-statement-on-governor-wolfs-2022-2023-executive-budget/): For Immediate Release February 8, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org PA Budget and Policy Center Statement on Governor Wolf’s 2022-2023 Executive Budget Most news reports from Harrisburg today will start by saying that Governor Wolf presented the final budget of his administration, one in which he put forward proposals that continue to reflect the priorities - [New Report Outlines Job Impacts of "Green Locomotives" at Plant in Erie, PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-report-outlines-job-impacts-of-green-locomotives-at-plant-in-erie-pa/): For Immediate Release Date: April 25, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org NEW REPORT OUTLINES JOB IMPACTS OF “GREEN LOCOMOTIVES” AT PLANT IN ERIE, PA PA Can Have Cleaner, Safer Rail System and Thousands More Manufacturing Jobs Erie, PA—In the context of East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment that vividly illustrated the need to upgrade - [The Danger of Changing the Regulatory Process in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-danger-of-changing-the-regulatory-process-in-pennsylvania/): Click here to read full screen or print. - [Resource Page: PERI Study of Jobs Impact of Wabtec Green Locomotive Production in Erie, PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/resource-page-peri-study-green-locomotive-production-in-erie/): • Link to the Final Report • Link to the One-Pager Report Summary • Link to the Press Release • Watch the Recorded Press Conference • Watch the Recorded Webinar - [The March Jobs Report Shows PA Economy and Job Market Are Now in Good Shape](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/march-jobs-report-shows-pa-economy-and-job-market-now-in-good-shape/): It has been just over three years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The just-released March jobs report for Pennsylvania indicates that our labor market, like the nation’s, has now fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Our state now has more non-farm jobs than it ever has. Unemployment was 4.2% in March of 2023 in - [Shapiro Budget Proposes Intriguing Investments in a PA Learning and Career Infrastructure](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/shapiro-budget-proposes-intriguing-investments-in-a-pa-learning-and-career-infrastructure/): Ten days ago, Governor Shapiro’s unveiled his proposed state budget for 2023-24. In one priority area for Keystone Research Center (KRC), workforce training and career supports, we’re excited by what we see in the budget. The amounts of money proposed are modest; but the outlined targeted investments hint at an appetite for “systemic reform” for - [It’s Long Past Time to Answer the Call for a $15 Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/its-long-past-time-to-answer-the-call-for-a-15-minimum-wage/): This month marks the 50th anniversary of the first cell phone call. On April 3, 1973, co-inventor Martin Cooper left his Motorola office and headed to midtown Manhattan to use the first cell phone to call his competitor and counterpart at Bell Labs/AT&T to brag. The pioneering, two-pound block of a cell phone would be - [RELEASE: Governor Tells Legislature to “Do Right By Our Kids” in Wake of Court Decision Affirming PA Schools Aren’t Funded Fairly](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-governor-tells-legislature-to-do-right-by-our-kids-in-wake-of-court-decision-affirming-pa-schools-arent-funded-fairly/): For Immediate Release, April 11, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org RELEASE: Governor Tells Legislature to “Do Right By Our Kids” in Wake of Court Decision Affirming PA Schools Aren’t Funded Fairly New PBPC Report: Legislature Must Improve on Governor’s School Funding Proposal to Meet That Standard Harrisburg,PA—Today the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center (PBPC) - [America’s Food Security Program in Danger](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/america‰uas-food-security-program-in-danger/): Cutting SNAP will increase hunger and poverty, hurt our local economy, and shift the pain of budget cuts onto children. Without SNAP, families throughout the commonwealth—a majority of whom are working but earn low wages—would be unable to put food on the table. - [PA Pensions Inject Millions into Local Economies](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-pensions-inject-millions-into-local-economies/): Pension benefits earned by retired teachers, first responders, and public health workers inject millions of dollars into regional and local economies across Pennsylvania, according to a new report from the Keystone Research Center. Statewide, $7.6 billion in pension benefits were paid out to Pennsylvania residents, generating an estimated $13.2 billion in economic activity. This is a - [Press Release: Analysis of New Pension Bill Shows No Savings for State, Major Benefit Cuts for Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-analysis-of-new-pension-bill-shows-no-savings-for-state-major-benefit-cuts-for-workers/): As GOP lawmakers ready a new "three-way hybrid" pension bill, the Keystone Research Center released a report that shows that the bill would not generate meaningful savings for the state, but would deeply cut retirement benefits for future employees. HARRISBURG – As GOP lawmakers ready a new “three-way hybrid” pension bill, the Keystone Research Center - [The Update: What’s Going on in Harrisburg and DC – March 31, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-going-on-in-harrisburg-and-dc-march-31-2023/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR This week, senior research associate, Claire Kovach, testified before the Democratic Policy Committee on why it's long past time we raised the minimum wage in Pennsylvania. Take a look below at her testimony about who in Pennsylvania would benefit from raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, - [Testimony for the PA House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing: Raise the Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/testimony-for-the-pa-house-democratic-policy-committee-hearing-raise-the-wage/): Testimony For the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing: Raise the Wage March 27, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Room G-50, Irvis Office Building, Pa. Capitol Complex Claire Kovach, Ph.D., Senior Research Analyst at the Keystone Research Center Contact: kovach@keystoneresearch.org Good afternoon. I am a senior research analyst at the Keystone Research Center, the mission - [The Update: What's Going On in Harrisburg and DC – March 24, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-going-on-in-harrisburg-and-dc-march-24-2023/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR At a time when Pennsylvania's leaders have to make a choice to invest in public schools and ensure a quality education for all children in our commonwealth, there is a solution: create a fair tax system that ensures all people are paying their fair share, which would give us the resources - [RELEASE: The 99% PA and PBPC Celebrate 13th Anniversary of Affordable Care Act, Call for Universal Affordable Coverage to Finish the Job](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-the-99-pa-and-pbpc-celebrate-13th-anniversary-of-affordable-care-act-call-for-universal-affordable-coverage-to-finish-the-job/): For Immediate Release March 24, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org RELEASE: The 99% Pennsylvania Campaign and PA Budget and Policy Center Celebrate 13th Anniversary of Affordable Care Act, Calls for Universal Affordable Coverage to Finish the Job Harrisburg, PA – On the 13th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act becoming law, Jeff Garis, - [Economic, Racial, and Ethnic Inequality in Pennsylvania School Funding](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/inequity-in-school-funding-in-pennsylvania/): It is well known that Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools are inadequately and inequitably funded. But the extent of the problem is not fully understood. This paper uses new data and methods to demonstrate just how unfair—and morally unsustainable—the funding of elementary and secondary education is in the Commonwealth. Click here to print or read the - [A Necessary First Step: Governor Wolf’s Proposal to Provide Adequate and Equitable Funding of PA Schools](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-necessary-first-step-governor-wolfs-proposal-to-provide-adequate-equitable-funding-of-pa-schools/): ACCESS PDF VERSION HERE FOR DOWNLOAD. - [Recorded Press Conference: Initial Response to Gov. Shapiro's Proposed 2023-2024 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/recorded-press-conference-initial-response-to-gov-shapiros-proposed-2023-2024-budget/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNrgj4sSbok - [A Response to Our Critics on Philadelphia Taxes](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-response-to-our-critics-on-philadelphia-taxes/): Click here to print or read full screen. - [How Can a Fair Share Tax Support Public Investment in Pennsylvania?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-can-a-fair-share-tax-support-public-investment-in-pennsylvania/): Click here to print or read the paper full screen. - [The Fair Share Tax Proposal is Uniform Under the PA Constitution](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-fair-share-tax-proposal-is-uniform-under-the-pa-constitution/): For a number of years, the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center has been proposing a replacement for Pennsylvania's Personal Income Tax, which we call the Fair Share Tax. This plan is one of a number of ideas that include corporate tax reform and a natural gas severance tax and are designed to reverse the horrible - [The Update: What’s Important in Harrisburg and DC – March 17, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-march-17-2023/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR After the release of Governor Shapiro's budget, we are looking at specific recommendations in the budget and what the implications of those changes would be. Take a look at the first in that series looking at investments in workforce development. Thank you for supporting our work, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director - [RELEASE: Pennsylvania’s Career Pathway System Needs Support to Prepare Students for the Future](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release/): Pennsylvania’s career pathway system needs support to prepare students for the future Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a proven method to set high school students on a path to future career and educational success. Data shows that students with exposure to CTE are more likely to graduate from high school, gain employment, and earn - [Building the Human Capital Infrastructure of a Productive and Equitable 21st-Century Economy: Lessons from Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/building-the-human-capital-infrastructure-of-a-productive-and-equitable-21st-century-economy-lessons-from-pennsylvania/): SEE A FULL-SCREEN AND PRINTABLE VERSION HERE. - [A Workforce Development Agenda for PA’s Next Governor: Building the Infrastructure of a Learning Economy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-workforce-development-agenda-for-pas-next-governor-building-the-infrastructure-of-a-learning-economy/): SEE FULL-SCREEN AND PRINTABLE VERSION HERE. - [Bipartisan: the Word of the Year](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/bipartisan-the-word-of-the-year/): PBPC director Marc Stier made these remarks to the Press Club of Pennsylvania on Monday, March 13, 2023. “Bipartisan” is the word of the year in Pennsylvania. Leaders such as Governor Shapiro, President Pro Tem Ward, and Speaker McClinton are extolling bipartisanship. And how could they not do so? The extreme and growing partisan division - [99% PA Statement on Pres. Biden’s Budget Proposal for 2023–2024](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/99-pa-statement-on-pres-bidens-budget-proposal-for-2023-2024/): Today, President Joe Biden visited Pennsylvania to unveil a bold 2023-24 budget proposal that makes crucial investments in our communities and builds broadly shared prosperity. The president's plan would lower the cost of child care, pharmaceutical drugs, housing, and education and would fund these investments by making the ultra-rich and wealthy corporations pay something closer - [Governor’s Budget 2023 – Resource Page](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governors-budget-2023-resource-page/): On March 7, 2023, the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center released its annual analysis of the Governor's Budget. In short, PBPC agrees with Governor Shapiro's priorities but was hoping for increased funding in order to truly meet the needs of Pennsylvanians. Read the report or watch the recorded presentation for details. The Report The Recorded - [RELEASE: PA Budget and Policy Center to Hold Press Briefing on Gov. Shapiro's First Budget Proposal](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-pa-budget-and-policy-center-to-hold-press-briefing-on-gov-shapiros-first-budget-proposal/): For Immediate Release March 6, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org ADVISORY- 2 PM TOMORROW- PA Budget and Policy Center To Hold Press Briefing Breaking Down Gov. Shapiro's First Budget Proposal Harrisburg, PA—TOMORROW, at 2 PM, the PA Budget and Policy Center will hold a press briefing to outline and break down Governor Shapiro's first - [PBPC Supports Senator Vincent Hughes's K-12 Funding Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pbpc-supports-senator-vincent-hughes-k-12-funding-plan/): Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center joined a press conference on Thursday in support of Senator Vincent Hughes’s plan to invest $3.1 billion in K-12 education. The plan would add over $2 billion in K-12 funding from general operating funds, including $750 million in basic education funding; $400 milllion for additional for the Level Up program, - [Meeting the Demand for New Workers: Investing in Career-Related Learning for High School Students](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/meeting-the-demand-for-new-workers-investing-in-career-related-learning-for-high-school-students/): SEE FULL-SCREEN AND PRINTABLE VERSION HERE. - [PRESENTATION – Time to Stop Losing the Revenue We Need: A Severance Tax Is Still a Good Idea](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/presentation-time-to-stop-losing-the-revenue-we-need-a-severance-tax-is-still-a-good-idea/): SEE A FULL-SCREEN AND PRINTABLE VERSION HERE. - [Friday’s Five Fast Facts about Federal Priorities: What’s Been Happening in Washington, DC, this Week?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fridays-five-fast-facts-about-federal-priorities-whats-been-happening-in-washington-dc-this-week-2/): Friday’s Five Fast Facts about Federal Priorities: What’s Been Happening in Washington, DC, this Week? | Friday, January 27, 2023 by Jeff Garis Washington, DC, and Wall Street are focused on the need for congressional action this summer to raise the debt ceiling amid threats by House MAGA Republicans that economists say could destroy the - [Friday’s Five Fast Facts about Federal Priorities: What’s Been Happening in Washington, DC, this Week | February 17, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/friday-five-federal-blog-post/): During the difficult three years since the arrival of COVID-19, Americans have been aided by federal policies and programs that have helped us face the public health and global economic crises of the pandemic. In the coming weeks and months, many of these policies are being phased out, and people around the nation and across - [STATEMENT: PA Budget and Policy Center Lauds Passage of PA House Bills on Sexual Abuse](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-pa-budget-and-policy-center-lauds-passage-of-pa-house-bills-on-sexual-abuse/): For Immediate Release: February 24, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, Communications Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center snow@pennbpc.org STATEMENT: PA Budget and Policy Center Lauds Passage of PA House Bills on Sexual Abuse by Marc Stier, Director Today the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center applauds the two bipartisan bills passed to allow those who have been - [Time to Stop Losing the Revenue We Need: A Severance Tax Is Still A Good Idea](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/time-to-stop-losing-the-revenue-we-need-a-severance-tax-is-still-a-good-idea/): SEE A FULL-SCREEN AND PRINTABLE VERSION HERE. - [There's No Need for More Voter ID Requirements in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/voter-identification-in-pennsylvania/): Additional voter ID requirements would restrict the forms of personal identification voters can use to register and to vote, which would reduce voter participation, especially among marginalized communities. Analysis has shown that voter ID laws have a disproportionate impact on certain groups of people, including older adults, people with lower incomes, people of color, - [On the PA School Funding Lawsuit: Don’t Change the Subject](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-the-pa-school-funding-lawsuit-dont-change-the-subject/): Originally published in the PA Capital-Star, August 11, 2021 In September, a group of students and school districts will make a case in state court that Pennsylvania is not meeting its constitutional responsibility to give every student an adequate and equitable education. The conservative Commonwealth Foundation, a Harrisburg think-tank, has called the funding lawsuit misguided. - [STATEMENT on Rep. Joanna McClinton's New Role as Speaker of the PA House of Representatives](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-joanna-mcclintons-new-role-as-pa-speaker-of-the-house-of-representatives/): We at the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center are thrilled by the vote to elect Representative Joanna McClinton to be Pennsylvania’s speaker of the House of Representatives. Rep. McClinton is not only a dynamic leader but has been a long-time supporter of many of the policies we have put forward. She is also one of - [Friday’s Five Fast Facts about Federal Priorities: What’s Been Happening in Washington, DC, this Week | February 10, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fridays-five-fast-facts-about-federal-priorities-whats-been-happening-in-washington-dc-this-week-february-10-2023/): The big news this week was President Biden's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. The president used the speech to highlight the policy accomplishments of the last two years and outline his goals for the future, calling on senators and representatives to “finish the job.” Here are - [Friday’s Five Fast Facts about Federal Priorities: What’s Been Happening in Washington, DC, this Week | February 3, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fridays-five-fast-facts-about-federal-priorities-whats-been-happening-in-washington-dc-this-week-3/): February has arrived. Temperatures in Pennsylvania are plummeting, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, and President Biden will deliver his State of the Union Address on Tuesday evening, February 7. The biggest event in Washington this week was the closed-door meeting between President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy, and much like the reporters who jockeyed for - [PRESS RELEASE/NEW REPORT: Andy Warhol Bridge Project Study Underscores Vital Need for Local Hire Provisions to Maximize Value for Pennsylvania on Infrastructure Projects](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/18711/): For Immediate Release February 15, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, PA Budget and Policy Center snow@pennbpc.org ADVISORY—TOMORROW 1 PM—New Report/Press Conference: Andy Warhol Bridge Project Study Underscores Vital Need for Local Hire Provisions to Maximize Value for Pennsylvania on Federal Infrastructure Spending Projects Keystone Research Center and Affiliated Researchers Find Out-of-State Subcontractor Employed NO PA - [REPORT: Hiring Local on Transportation Infrastructure Projects in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report-hiring-local-on-transportation-infrastructure-projects-in-pennsylvania/): TO PRINT OR READ FULL-SCREEN, GO HERE. - [PRESENTATION: The Value of Hiring Local on Infrastructure Projects in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/presentation-the-value-of-hiring-local-on-infrastructure-projects-in-pennsylvania/): FOR FULL-SCREEN VIEW OF THE PRESENTATION, GO HERE. - [RELEASE: New Data — Update on Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Status and Surplus for 2023; Looming Deficits Ahead](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-new-data-update-on-pennsylvanias-fiscal-status-and-surplus-for-2023-looming-deficits-ahead/): For Immediate Release: February 15, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, Communications Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center snow@pennbpc.org RELEASE: New Data — Update on Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Status and Surplus for 2023; Looming Deficits Ahead Includes impacts of the recent Commonwealth Court school funding lawsuit Harrisburg, PA—Today, the PA Budget and Policy Center released new data - [PRESENTATION: Pennsylvania Budget Outlook: Short-Term and Long-Term](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/presentation-pennsylvania-budget-outlook-short-term-and-long-term/) - [Pennsylvania Budget Outlook: Short-Term and Long-Term](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-budget-outlook-short-term-and-long-term/): FOR A FULL-SCREEN VERSION OR TO PRINT, GO HERE. - [These Are the Rules the Pennsylvania House Needs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/these-are-the-rules-the-pennsylvania-house-needs/): Click here for a full-screen and printable version. - [What Is the Fair Share Tax?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/what-is-the-fair-share-tax/): The main reason that Pennsylvania’s tax system is so upside down — with the top 1% paying only 4.3% of their income in taxes while the middle 20% pays 10% — is that the Pennsylvania Constitution prohibits us from enacting a graduated personal income tax. Sales and property taxes tend to take a higher percentage - [KRC Statement on Temple U’s Decision to Withhold Aid and Benefits From Grad Students on Strike](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/krc-statement-on-temple-us-decision-to-withhold-aid-and-benefits-from-grad-students-on-strike/): For Immediate Release: February 10, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, Communications Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center snow@pennbpc.org Keystone Research Center executive director and economist Stephen Herzenberg issued the following statement today in response to the decision by Temple University to withhold tuition, healthcare benefits from graduate students who struck January 31, 2023, after a year - [Exploring Fines and Fees in the Youth Criminal Justice System](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/exploring-fines-and-fees-in-the-youth-criminal-justice-system/): In Pennsylvania, children are subject to the imposition of fines, fees, and restitution, just as adults involved in the criminal justice system are. Juveniles “are required to pay fines and Court costs and may be required to pay restitution,” according to a judge’s determination (see Figure 1). While the legislature and the Superior Court have - [Testimony to Speaker Rozzi’s Workgroup on House Rules](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/testimony-to-speaker-rozzis-workgroup-on-house-rules/): Testimony by Marc Stier, director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, to Speaker Rozzi’s Workgroup on House Rules. St. Joseph’s University, Friday, January 27, 2023 My name is Marc Stier. I’m the director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, and I live in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. I want to thank - [Inequity and Inadequacy in K-12 Education Funding in Pennsylvania: Fiscal Year 2022-23 Update](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/inequity-and-inadequacy-in-k-12-education-funding-in-pennsylvania-fiscal-year-2022-23-update/): This paper updates the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center’s analysis of the inadequacy and inequity in school funding to take into account the 2022-23 budget enacted at the end of June 2022. Our conclusion is that, despite the substantial $850 million addition to basic education funding and Level Up funding this year, Pennsylvania’s K-12 school - [Statement in Response to the 2023 State of the Union Address](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-in-response-to-the-2023-state-of-the-union-address/): For Immediate Release: February 7, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, Communications Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center snow@pennbpc.org Statement in Response to the 2023 State of the Union Address President Biden Outlines Historic Accomplishments and Identifies Goals for the Future Harrisburg, PA — Following President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech this evening, - [Statement on Victory in the Education Funding Lawsuit](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-victory-in-the-education-funding-lawsuit/): We are deeply gratified that Commonwealth Court Justice Renée Cohn Jubelirer has ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in the education funding lawsuit, which sought to have Pennsylvania’s system of funding K-12 schools declared unconstitutional on the grounds that it did not meet the requirement that “The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and - [A Citizens’ Overview of the Approved Pittsburgh 2023 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-citizens-overview-of-the-approved-pittsburgh-2023-budget/): On December 19, 2022, Pittsburgh City Council passed the 2023 final budget for the city. This enacted budget is similar to Mayor Gainey’s first proposed budget presented to the Council in mid-November. Recognizing that the actual budget is a large and dense document, this brief provides a short and, we hope, more accessible overview of - [The Update: What's Going on That's Important in Harrisburg and DC – January 30, 2023](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-going-on-thats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-january-30-2023/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR We are starting 2023 off with a reminder that Pennsylvania still has the lowest minimum wage of all of its surrounding states -- and the gap is getting wider. Let's work together this year to raise the minimum wage. It's long overdue. Thank you for supporting our work, Stephen Herzenberg - [Down Memory Lane: Larry Summers on Why Some People Mow Lawns and Others Don't](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/memory-lane-larry-summers-on-why-some-people-mow-lawns-and-others-dont/): While searching for something else online, I just tripped over a letter to the editor from 1988. The letter was published during the 1988 presidential campaign, in response to a New York Times profile of the economists' advising George H.W. Bush ("Poppy") and Michael Dukakis ("Tankman"). Larry Summers was the economist advising Mr. Dukakis. The - [PBPC STATEMENT: On the Murder of Tyre Nichols](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pbpc-statement-on-the-murder-of-tyre-nichols/): The murder of Tyre Nichols by five Memphis police officers took place in another state far from Pennsylvania. But it reveals a basic truth about structural racism in policing that sadly characterizes every state in the entire country, including Pennsylvania. Black people are not the only ones who are unjustly attacked and murdered by police - [STATEMENT: Protect Medicare and Social Security](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/protect-medicare-and-social-security/): Statement by PBPC director Marc Stier at a press conference with US Representatives Brendan Boyle and Mary Gay Scanlan, and Dan Adcock, policy director of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, held in Philadelphia on January 23, 2023. If you are a member of the U.S. House of Representatives or a political - [Racism in America and the Current Moment](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/racism-in-america-and-the-current-moment/): The attention of the public and political leaders in our state and country has understandably been focused in the last few days on the civil disturbances in our cities and how to quell them. We write, however, to urge that we all return our attention as soon as possible to the profound issues facing our - [Friday’s Five Fast Facts about Federal Priorities: What’s Been Happening in Washington, DC, this Week?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fridays-five-fast-facts-about-federal-priorities-whats-been-happening-in-washington-dc-this-week/): Friday, January 20, 2023 The US House and Senate have been in recess this week, but there have been plenty of announcements and actions that further reveal the priorities of the MAGA Republican majority in the US House and the promises Kevin McCarthy made to become the speaker. Here are five major developments and moments - [Keystone Research Center Statement on UPMC's Negative Impact on Healthcare Industry in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-statement-on-upmcs-negative-impact-on-healthcare-industry-in-pa/): For Immediate Release January 20, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, Communications Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center snow@pennbpc.org Keystone Research Center Statement on UPMC's Negative Impact on Healthcare Industry in PA In response to the release of a new report documenting the negative impacts of UPMC’s size and industry dominance on Pennsylvania healthcare consumers and - [STATEMENT: On Inauguration of Governor Josh Shapiro](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-inauguration-of-governor-josh-shapiro/): For Immediate Release January 17, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, Communications Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center snow@pennbpc.org Statement by PA Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier on inauguration of Governor Josh Shapiro The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center welcomes our new governor Josh Shapiro. We are gratified that his inaugural address - [The Five Actions Taken by House Speaker McCarthy This Week Reveal Top Priorities for the Republican House](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-five-actions-taken-by-house-speaker-mccarthy-this-week-reveal-top-priorities-for-the-republican-house/): After 14 failed attempts and numerous concessions to MAGA Republicans, Kevin McCarthy was elected US speaker of the House for the 118th Congress on a 15th vote last week. With that behind them, Speaker McCarthy and the Republican-controlled House got down to business this week, assigning chairs for committees, enacting rules to govern the chamber - [99% PA Campaign Statement: US House MAGA Republicans’ Top Priority is Protecting Ultra-Rich Tax Cheats, Not Supporting Hard-Working Americans](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-us-house-republicans-top-priority-is-protecting-ultra-rich-tax-cheats-not-supporting-hard-working-americans/): For Immediate Release January 11, 2023 Contact: Kirstin Snow, Communications Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, snow@pennbpc.org 99% PA Campaign Statement: US House MAGA Republicans’ Top Priority is Protecting Ultra-Rich Tax Cheats, Not Supporting Hard-Working Americans Despite failing on the first 14 votes, Kevin McCarthy was elected as the speaker of the U.S. House of - [Towards a Pittsburgh for All: An Analysis of Mayor Gainey’s First Budget Proposal](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/towards-a-pittsburgh-for-all-an-analysis-of-mayor-gaineys-first-budget-proposal/): Access a version that's easy to read and you can download. - [RELEASE: Using Federal Broadband Funding to Create a ReImagined Appalachia](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-using-federal-broadband-funding-to-create-a-reimagined-appalachia/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org, or Virginia Alvino Young, virginia@sequalconsulting.com, 714-267-1623 Read the report here. Web version of this release. Link to a recording of the press conference. RELEASE: USING FEDERAL BROADBAND FUNDING TO CREATE A REIMAGINED APPALACHIA New, essential principles guide states to maximize broadband rollout in a way - [Inventory of Pre-apprenticeship Programs Across Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/18583/): Access a copy to download. - [An Unemployment Insurance Agenda for PA’s Next Governor: Fix What’s Broken and Create a New National Model](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/an-unemployment-insurance-agenda-for-pa-paper/): You can download/read the pdf here. - [Report: PA’s Next Governor Must Fix the State’s Broken Unemployment System to Protect Workers and Economy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-report-pas-next-governor-must-fix-the-states-broken-unemployment-system-to-protect-workers-and-economy/): For Immediate Release November 29, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, Communications Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, snow@pennbpc.org Report: Pa’s next governor must fix the state’s broken unemployment system to protect workers and economy Pittsburgh/Philadelphia - A new report released today at simultaneous press conferences in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia highlighted the myriad, continuing problems - [A minimum wage hike would reverse 40-year pay stagnation for working people](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-minimum-wage-hike-would-reverse-40-year-pay-stagnation-for-working-people/): Originally published in The Morning Call on March 11, 2021 Raising the minimum wage is about helping low-income workers do better — but not just that. It is about changing the rules of our economy so that we all do better, now and in the future. To all do better we must reverse the 40-year - [PBPC Statement on PA House Elections 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pbpc-statement-on-pa-house-elections-2022/): While we are still waiting for final election results in a number of districts, all indications point to the Democrats taking control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. If they do, Rep. Joanna McClinton will become the Speaker of the House, the first Black woman to do so. For the last twenty years, gerrymandered legislative - [If PA Republicans Were Serious About Crime in Philly They Would Actually Fight It](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/if-pa-republicans-were-serious-about-crime-in-philly-theyd-actually-fight-it/): Originally published by the Pennsylvania Capital Star on October 24, 2022 Violent crime—especially murder—shocks us all. Not only does it directly harm the victims but it also undermines the sense of security we all want to have. And, it creates difficulties for our communities. A high crime rate in a community discourages both business investment - [Illegal Labor Practices in the Philadelphia Regional Construction Industry: an Assessment and Action Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/illegal-labor-practices-in-the-philadelphia-regional-construction-industry-an-assessment-and-action-plan-2/): See the downloadable version here. - [Statement Against the Impeachment of DA Larry Krasner](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-against-the-impeachment-of-da-larry-krasner/): A decision by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to impeach Larry Krasner is wrong on so many levels that it’s hard to know where to begin. But perhaps it’s best to start with basic principles. Impeachment in US or Pennsylvania constitutional law was never thought of as a means to pursue policy goals. It is - [Examining Pittsburgh's Finalized 2021 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/examining-pittsburghs-final-2021-budget-a-city-budget-process-that-is-neither-transparent-nor-accessible-will-not-be-responsive-to-residents-most-pressing-needs/): Download document here. - [There’s No Place Like Home: Avoiding a Wave of Evictions in Pittsburgh as Moratoriums End](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/theres-no-place-like-home-avoiding-a-wave-of-evictions-in-pittsburgh-as-moratoriums-end/): DOWNLOADABLE VERSION OF THE REPORT HERE. - [RELEASE: Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center Publishes Analysis of Pittsburgh's 2022 Preliminary Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-pittsburgh-budget-policy-center-publishes-analysis-of-pittsburghs-2022-preliminary-budget/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 27, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow snow@pennbpc.org 215-510-9336 Pittsburgh, PA — The Pittsburgh Budget and Policy Center today released a preliminary response to Mayor Peduto’s proposed $770 million combined operating and capital budget for 2022 with no tax increases, unveiled September 30th. This analysis and a forthcoming more detailed analysis aim to - [PRESS ADVISORY: Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center Releases Brief on how Gainey Administration Can Meet City's Revenue Needs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-advisory-pittsburgh-budget-policy-center-releases-brief-on-how-gainey-administration-can-meet-citys-revenue-needs/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org ADVISORY — Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center Releases Brief on how Gainey Administration Can Meet City's Revenue Needs Calls for fairly raising recurring revenue from the city's richest residents and from its largest employer; sustainable solutions for long term Pittsburgh, PA — TODAY at 1 p.m., - [RELEASE: Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center Releases Brief on how Gainey Administration Can Meet City's Revenue Needs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/17524/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snowsnow@pennbpc.org RELEASE: Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center Releases Brief on how Gainey Administration Can Meet City's Revenue Needs Calls for fairly raising recurring revenue from city's rich and from city's largest employer; sustainable solutions for long term Pittsburgh, PA—Today at a virtual press conference ahead - [RELEASE: Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center Adds New Data to Drive Home Controllers’ Report Conclusion](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-pittsburgh-budget-center-adds-new-data-to-drive-home-controllers-report-conclusion/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center Adds New Data to Drive Home Controllers’ Report Conclusion—It’s Time for Pittsburgh’s Big Nonprofits to Pay Pittsburgh, June 29, 2022: A recent joint report from the Pittsburgh City and Allegheny County Controllers estimates that the city’s five biggest - [Eviction Filings in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Return to Pre-pandemic Levels](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/eviction-filings-in-pittsburgh-and-allegheny-county-return-to-pre-pandemic-levels/): Please go here for a copy to download. - [RELEASE: New Report — Congress must expand the Child Tax Credit or risk 627,000 Pennsylvania children being pushed into poverty or greater hardship](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-new-report-congress-must-expand-the-child-tax-credit-or-risk-627000-pennsylvania-children-being-pushed-into-poverty-or-greater-hardship/): For Immediate Release November 15, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, Communications Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, snow@pennbpc.org For national perspective, contact: Nanci Flores, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, (202) 325-8768, nflores@cbpp.org New Report: Congress must expand the Child Tax Credit or risk 627,000 Pennsylvania children being pushed into poverty or greater hardship HARRISBURG, PA - [RELEASE: Pittsburgh Budget and Policy Center Releases Brief on Evictions' Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-pittsburgh-budget-and-policy-center-releases-brief-on-evictions-returning-to-pre-pandemic-levels/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 15, 2022 To arrange interviews with the author of the new Pittsburgh Budget and Policy Center brief on housing, contact Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org. NEW BRIEF: Rising Eviction Filings and Rental Arrears Sound Warning Bell for Pittsburgh and Importance of Addressing Housing Affordability in City’s 2023 Budget Pittsburgh, PA — With the expiration - [John Fetterman's Stroke Shines New Light on PA's Senate Race](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/john-fettermans-stroke-shines-new-light-on-the-senate-race/): By Ali Feldman, MS, CCC-SLP, Federal Organizing Associate at the PA Budget & Policy Center The Pennsylvania Senate Debate cast Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz in vastly different lights. The debate exposed Fetterman’s courage while it cast a dark shadow on celebrity doctor Oz’s heartlessness. As a speech therapist, I worked with stroke survivors - [Your Vote Matters—Here's How to Make Sure It's Counted](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/18479/): Tuesday, November 8, is Election Day. Please make your plan to vote—and if you have already voted by mail, make sure your vote will be counted! Planning to vote in person? Find your polling place here. When voting at a polling place for the first time, you must show proof of identification. Learn more about the types - [MEMO: Another Blue Shift Coming in PA Election Returns](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/memo-another-blue-shift-coming-in-pa-election-returns/): TO: Editorial Board Writers, Columnists, and Other Interested Parties FROM: Marc Stier, Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center SUBJECT: Another blue shift coming in PA election returns DATE: November 7, 2022 In late October of 2020, we released a paper titled, “2020 Election Expectations: High Numbers of Mail-Votes and the Blue Shift.” We - [SWPA Blog #3: The State of Wage Growth in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/swpa-blog-3-the-state-of-wage-growth-in-pennsylvania/): Keystone Research Center released its annual report on the economy, “State of Working Pennsylvania 2022,” on August 30. This is the fourth installment of our series breaking the report into bite-size pieces. To access the full report and all the resources associated with the "State of Working Pennsylvania," please visit our SWPA 2022 Resource page. - [SWPA Blog #4: The State of Pennsylvania’s Low-Wage Labor Market](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/swpa-blog-4-the-state-of-pennsylvanias-low-wage-labor-market/): Keystone Research Center released its annual report on the economy, “State of Working Pennsylvania 2022,” on August 30. This is the fourth installment of our series breaking the report into bite-size pieces. To access the full report and all the resources associated with the "State of Working Pennsylvania," please visit our SWPA 2022 Resource page. - [Facts and Myths About the Economy and Taxes](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/facts-and-myths-about-the-economy-and-taxes/): See full PDF here. - [Pivoting to a Moral Pittsburgh Economy: New Mayor, New Opportunities](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pivoting-to-a-moral-pittsburgh-economy-new-mayor-new-opportunities/): Download the PDF here. - [Legalize Recreational Marijuana and Pardon Those Imprisoned for Possession](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/18462/): Sometimes it takes some personal experience to recognize a policy problem. My experience securing a medical marijuana card has convinced me that the system we've set up in Pennsylvania is bad public policy. It is in many ways hypocritical; it is biased against those with low incomes and, most likely, people of color; and it - [Editorial Board Memo: PA's Economy Heading into Election](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/editorial-board-memo-pas-economy-heading-into-election/): For Immediate Release - [SWPA Blog #6: The State of Unions in Pennsylvania and the United States](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/swpa-blog-6-the-state-of-unions-in-pennsylvania-and-the-united-states/): Keystone Research Center released its annual report on the economy, “State of Working Pennsylvania 2022,” on August 30. This is the sixth blog that breaks our report into bite-size pieces. To access the full report, including full references for this specific blog, and other “State of Working Pennsylvania” resources, please visit our SWPA 2022 Resource - [SWPA Blog #5: The State of Corporate Profits and Inflation](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/swpa-blog-5-the-state-of-corporate-profits-and-inflation/): Keystone Research Center released its annual report on the economy, “State of Working Pennsylvania 2022,” on August 30. This is the fifth blog that breaks our report into bite-size pieces. To access the full report and other “State of Working Pennsylvania” resources, please visit our SWPA 2022 Resource page. This blog focuses on one of - [SWPA Blog #7: Policy—Pennsylvania’s Choice](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/swpa-blog-7-policy-pennsylvanias-choice/): Keystone Research Center released its annual report on the economy, “State of Working Pennsylvania 2022,” on August 30. This is the final blog breaking our report into bite-size pieces. To access the full report, including full references for this specific blog, and other “State of Working Pennsylvania” resources, please visit our SWPA 2022 Resource page. - [Dems Need to Sell Record](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/dems-need-to-sell-record/): Republished from the Scranton Times-Tribune There are many critical issues on the ballot this year, but a top priority for voters is the economy, especially concerns about inflation. Democrats have a winning story, but they need to tell it. Over the summer, Democrats in Congress passed the transformative Inflation Reduction Act with little support from - [The Truth About Murder in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-truth-about-murder-in-pennsylvania-2/) - [It’s Easier to Vote for PA Legislators Than You Think](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/its-easier-to-vote-for-pa-legislators-than-you-think/): Pennsylvania has a very long ballot. And voters often know little about the candidates for representative or senator in the General Assembly, which leads many of them not to vote at all in these races. Recent trends in our politics—trends we should all regret—does make voting for state legislative candidates a lot easier than it - [Report: Less Than .2% of Pennsylvanians Hold Over $900 Billion in Wealth](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report-less-than-2-of-pennsylvanians-hold-over-900-billion-in-wealth/): For Immediate Release Contact: Kirstin Snow, PA Budget and Policy Center, snow@pennbpc.org or Jon Whiten, ITEP – jon@itep.org or 917-655-3313. Report: Less Than .2% of Pennsylvanians Hold Over $900 Billion in Wealth Tackling wealth inequality through the tax code can boost economic opportunity Harrisburg, PA—A tiny fraction of Pennsylvania families holds a staggering amount of the - [SWPA Blog #2: The Pennsylvania Labor Market—How Great the Resignation?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/swpa-blog-2-the-pennsylvania-labor-market-how-great-the-resignation/): Download a copy here. - [One-and-a-Half Million Workers Would Benefit from Raising Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/one-and-a-half-million-workers-would-benefit-from-raising-pennsylvanias-minimum-wage/): New Keystone Research brief profiles workers who would benefit Harrisburg, PA - Yesterday at a press conference with Sen. Art Haywood, the Keystone Research Center (KRC) released a new brief outlining who would benefit from a minimum wage increase in Pennsylvania. With the governor’s new push to raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2028, - [Controllers’ Report: It’s Time for Pittsburgh’s Big Nonprofits to Pay](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/controllers-report-its-time-for-pittsburghs-big-nonprofits-to-pay/): ACCESS A FULL-READ AND DOWNLOADABLE VERSION HERE. - [The Truth About Pennsylvania Business Taxes Part 1: Are Business Taxes Really High in Pennsylvania?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-truth-about-pennsylvania-business-taxes-part-1-are-business-taxes-really-high-in-pennsylvania/): In this Reports and Briefing Papers, the KRC recommends that the General Assembly establish a 21st Century Pennsylvania Tax Commission to develop recommendations for a much-needed comprehensive overhaul of the Pennsylvania tax system. We believe this overhaul should focus on eliminating inequities in business taxes, shifting educational funding to the state, exploring other ways to - [The Truth About Business Taxes in Pennsylvania, Part 2: Business Tax Burden is Highly Unevenly Distributed](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-truth-about-business-taxes-in-pennsylvania-part-2-business-tax-burden-is-highly-unevenly-distributed/): A previous KRC paper found that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the amount in taxes that Pennsylvania businesses pay, on average, to state and local governments is not high when compared with other states. This Reports and Briefing Papers highlights a second truth about business taxes in Pennsylvania- the uneven distribution of corporate tax burdens. - [STATEMENT: U.S. House Passage of 'Build Back Better' Advances Transformational Investments in U.S. Jobs, Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-u-s-house-passage-of-1-75-trillion-build-back-better-bill-advances-transformational-investments-in-u-s-jobs-families/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org; 215.510.9336 STATEMENT: U.S. House Passage of 'Build Back Better' Advances Transformational Investments in U.S. Jobs, Families The Senate must pass this once-in-a-generation investment in good-paying jobs, affordable housing and childcare, and bold investments in education and health care. Preliminary details of how—and how many—Pennsylvanians will benefit from the - [Corporate Taxes Cuts Without Combined Reporting Are Not Worth The Cost](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/corporate-taxes-without-combined-reporting-are-not-worth-the-cost/): Access full-page and downloadable version of report here. - [Reply to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce's LTE about Corporate Taxes](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/reply-to-the-chamber-of-commerce/): The Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce has responded to our recent op-ed about corporate taxes with a letter to the editor and makes two points, to which I will reply. First, it says that the Delaware loophole was closed a number of years ago by legislation that created some of the add-backs Governor Wolf wants to - [New PBPC Poll on Taxing Corporations and the Ultra-Rich and the Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-pbpc-poll-on-taxing-corporations-and-the-ultra-rich-and-the-minimum-wage/): PBPC commissioned Data for Progress to do a poll of likely voters on a limited number of issues that are at play in the current budget negotiations. The polling memo is below. There are three things to note. First, there is overwhelming support (73%) for putting the minimum wage on a path to $15 per - [The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 — A Major Step Forward for the US and the World](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022-a-major-step-forward/): We are happy to see that a deal has been reached to address growing inflation by reducing prescription health care costs, taxing corporations and the ultra-rich, and combatting climate change and reducing energy costs. We call on the United States Senate and House of Representatives to take immediate action to pass this legislation and send - [STATEMENT: On the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 — What it means for PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022-what-it-means-for-pa/): For Immediate Release Date: July 29, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 — What it means for PA Stephen Herzenberg and Marc Stier We are happy to see that a deal has been reached to address growing inflation by reducing prescription health care costs, taxing corporations and the - [STATEMENT: House Dems Pass Inflation Reduction Act To Lower Drug Prices, Make Health Care & Energy Costs More Affordable](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-house-dems-pass-inflation-reduction-act/): For Immediate Release Date: August 12, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org House Democrats Pass Inflation Reduction Act To Lower Drug Prices, Make Health Care and Energy Costs More Affordable Historic Bill to Curb Big Pharma and Make Corporations Pay What They Owe Moves Towards Passage Harrisburg, PA — Following U.S. House passage of - [The Update: What’s Happening that’s Important in Harrisburg & DC – September 29, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-thats-important-in-harrisburg-dc-september-29-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR We just released the next installment of the "State of Working PA - How Great the Resignation?"—one of a series of blogs that breaks down our full State of Working PA report into bite-size pieces. And if you haven't already, take a look at the entire economic picture of Pennsylvania - [Changes to President Biden’s Student Debt Relief Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/changes-to-president-bidens-student-debt-relief-plan/): Pennsylvanians who are riddled with student debt have been celebrating President Biden’s announcement that $10,000 or $20,000 in student debt will be forgiven for most federal loan holders. However, just last week the US Department of Education revised eligibility guidelines, saying that Federal Family Education (FFEL) program loans, which are held by private institutions, and - [RELEASE: New Report Shows Romney Child Tax Credit Proposal Falls Short](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report/): For Immediate Release: September 7, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow snow@pennbpc.org, 215-510-9336; For ITEP: Jon Whiten, jon@itep.org, 917-655-3313 New Report Shows Romney Child Tax Credit Proposal Falls Short for Low- and Moderate-Income Pennsylvanians Nationally, Plan Would Leave 1 in 4 Children Worse Off Compared to Current Law and Help Half as Many Low-Income Children as the 2021 Expansion - [The Cost of Banning Abortion in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-cost-of-banning-abortion/): Drawing on a few decades of research, this paper shows that banning abortion would severely harm women in the state, especially women of color and women with low incomes. The paper summarizes research showing that the inability to secure an abortion harms women’s physical and mental health, makes it harder for them to secure an - [New Report on the Economic Impact of Access to Abortion from PA Budget and Policy Center](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-report-on-the-economic-impact-of-access-to-abortion-from-pa-budget-and-policy-center/): Total Ban on Abortions Could Reduce Wages by $10 Billion Per Year The PA Budget and Policy Center is releasing a new paper, “The Cost of Banning Abortion.” Drawing on a few decades of research, this paper shows that banning abortion will severely harm women in the state, and especially harm to women of color - [August Numbers Show Steady Job Growth in PA and Lowest Unemployment Rate in More Than 22 Years, Keystone Research Finds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/august-numbers-show-steady-job-growth-in-pa-and-lowest-unemployment-rate-in-more-than-22-years-keystone-research-finds/): For Immediate Release September 19, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org For a new blog analyzing the PA economy using the August numbers, see here. For KRC’s “State of Working Pennsylvania 2022” report and related resources, go to the SWPA 2022 resource page. August Numbers Show Steady Job Growth in PA and Lowest Unemployment Rate in More - [American Rescue Plan - Talking Points for Pittsburgh Advocates](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/15458/): DOWNLOAD HERE. - [Why Pennsylvania Needs Student Debt Relief: A Look at our State’s Student Debt Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/why-pennsylvania-needs-student-debt-relief-a-look-at-our-states-student-debt-crisis/): Download PDF here. - [The State of the Pennsylvania Economy 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-the-pennsylvania-economy-2/): The State of the Pennsylvania Economy Keystone Research Center released the complete “State of Working Pennsylvania 2022” on August 30. The report shows that the economy is performing well from the perspective of regular workers, with wages rising across the board, unemployment low, and many more job openings than unemployed workers, giving workers bargaining power - [2022 State of Working Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/2022-state-of-working-pennsylvania/): FOR A DOWNLOADABLE VERSION, GO HERE. - [The Update: What‘s Important in Harrisburg & DC – September 12, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-dc-september-12-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act we have many tools to move the economy in the right direction. See the op ed from Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey below on how to use those tools to "ReImagine Appalachia." We also have analysis on how - [New Report: Who's Bearing the Burden of Crushing Student Debt in PA and Why](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-report-whos-bearing-the-burden-of-crushing-student-debt-in-pa-and-why/): For Immediate Release September 13, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow snow@pennbpc.org, 215-510-9336 RELEASE: New Report: Why Pennsylvania Needs Student Debt Relief: A Look at our State's Student Debt Crisis — Who's Bearing the Burden of Crushing Debt, and Why? Harrisburg, PA: Today, Keystone Research Center and the PA Budget and Policy Center released a new report,Pennsylvania - [This Year We Need to Pass a Budget for the People, Not the Powerful](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/18011/): Originally published by the PA Capital-Star on June 16, 2021 The General Assembly has two more weeks to pass a budget for next year. This year, the budget can be—and must be—different than recent budgets. This year we are coming out of a pandemic that created vast suffering for workers, local businesses, and our communities. Millions of Pennsylvanians took on hazardous - [Pittsburgh’s City Budget Should Give Priority to Those Most Impacted by our Current Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pittsburghs-city-budget-should-give-priority-to-those-most-impacted-by-our-current-crisis/): This year has redefined what it means to reckon with our past, advocate for better in our present, and expand the possibilities for our future. The COVID-19 pandemic, the mass protests following the ongoing murders of Black Americans by police, the millions of jobs lost, and the growing climate crisis are all rapidly transforming our - [Budgeting our Values in Pittsburgh: An Analysis of Mayor Peduto's 2021 Budget Proposal](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/budgeting-our-values-analysis-pgh-2021-budget-proposal/): Read and download the full report here. Download the one-pagers: Affordable Housing Police Funding Workforce Development Funding The Pittsburgh Budget and Policy Center was established earlier this year to conduct periodic analysis of the City of Pittsburgh budget that lawmakers and advocates can use to achieve a budget that promotes equity, prosperity, and sustainability. Research - [Pittsburgh Budget and Policy Center Statement: American Rescue Plan Funds for City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pittsburgh-budget-and-policy-center-statement-on-american-rescue-plan-funds-for-the-city-of-pittsburgh-and-allegheny-county/): With the American Rescue Plan funds, our county, our state, and our city have a huge opportunity to address immediate and long-standing inequities. We can invest in a future that lifts up communities that have faced historic disinvestment and have been most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. We can create a future in which all working people flourish for the first time in more than four decades. Allegheny - [Achieving a More Equitable Pittsburgh Budget: Treasury Guidance on How the City Can Use American Rescue Plan Funds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/achieving-a-more-equitable-pittsburgh-budget-treasury-guidance-on-how-the-city-can-use-american-rescue-plan-funds/): With the recent influx of $335 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, the City of Pittsburgh has formed the Pittsburgh Recovery Task Force to manage the dispersal of aid to hurting residents of the city. Made up of the Mayor’s Office and Councilmembers Ricky Burgess, Daniel Lavelle, and Theresa Kail-Smith, the group has been - [There’s No Place Like Home: Avoiding a Wave of Evictions in Pittsburgh as Moratoriums End](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/presentation-theres-no-place-like-home-pgh/): Download the presentation here. - [How Will President Biden’s Student Debt Relief Impact Pennsylvania?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-will-president-bidens-student-debt-relief-impact-pennsylvania/): To download, go here. - [Economic Messaging for Progressives](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/economic-messaging-for-progressives/): PBPC has long focused not just on what policies to adopt but how we can build support for them. The policy papers we wrote for our We The People–PA campaign and our Roadmap to a New Pennsylvania, as well as the narrative for the campaign, focus on messaging as well as policy. In this piece, - [2022 "State of Working Pennsylvania" Presentation](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/2022-state-of-working-pennsylvania-presentation/): DOWNLOAD A COPY HERE. - [The Update: What’s Important in Harrisburg & DC – September 6, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-dc-september-6-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR We hope everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labor by celebrating Labor Day. If you missed our State of Working PA report right before the break, take a look at the summary below and some of the great coverage of our analysis of the future of union organizing in Pennsylvania and - [RELEASE: New Report Shows Romney Child Tax Credit Proposal Falls Short](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-new-report-shows-romney-child-tax-credit-proposal-falls-short1/): For Immediate Release: September 7, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow snow@pennbpc.org, 215-510-9336; For ITEP: Jon Whiten, jon@itep.org, 917-655-3313 New Report Shows Romney Child Tax Credit Proposal Falls Short for Low- and Moderate-Income Pennsylvanians Nationally, Plan Would Leave 1 in 4 Children Worse Off Compared to Current Law and Help Half as Many Low-Income Children as the 2021 Expansion - [The Update: What’s Happening that’s Important in Harrisburg & DC – August 31, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-thats-important-in-harrisburg-dc-august-31-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR This week marks the release of our annual "State of Working Pennsylvania" report, often cited by policy professionals and the media as the barometer for Pennsylvania's economic outlook from the perspective of working people. It is of particular importance this year as we will have a new governor and state legislature - [RELEASE: As Pandemic Recovery Continues, Tight Labor Market and Union Organizing Offer New Possibilities for PA Workers, Keystone Research Finds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-as-pandemic-recession-recedes-pa-economy-and-workers-place-in-it-hang-in-the-balance/): For Immediate Release August 30, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow snow@pennbpc.org, 215-510-9336 RELEASE: As Pandemic Recovery Continues, Tight Labor Market and Union Organizing Offer New Possibilities for PA Workers, Keystone Research Finds Worker-Friendly Policies Can Lock In Shared Prosperity Harrisburg, PA—The Keystone Research Center today released its annual “State of Working Pennsylvania” check-in on the Pennsylvania economy, a report with a - [Governor Wolf’s 2018 Severance Tax Proposal Could Bring in $1.7 Billion of Revenue Over the Next Five Years](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governor-wolf‰uas-2018-severance-tax-proposal-could-bring-in-1-7-billion-of-revenue-over-the-next-five-years/): Governor Tom Wolf proposed a severance tax as a part of his 2018-19 Executive Budget. This policy brief presents the rationale for Pennsylvania to establish a severance tax (taxation based on the amount of gas a company extracts) instead of merely relying on the current impact fee model which is based on the number of - [Wolf’s Budget Plan Will Move PA Forward – Here’s How](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/wolfs-budget-plan-will-move-pa-forward-heres-how/): Originally published by the PA Capital-Star on February 12, 2019 By Marc Stier Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2019-2020 budget proposal reflects the unique political moment in which it is presented. Pennsylvania is a state poised between two visions of government in Pennsylvania.The governor’s budget points to a future in which Pennsylvanians act together to create the inclusive - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg & DC – August 17, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-dc-august-17-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on Monday! We are thrilled to see this important policy become law. There are many ways that this bill will positively impact the economy for working families and the fight against climate change. See our statement below for details. See also the - [Pennsylvania’s Financial Outlook for 2022/23 Just Got Better… Again!](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-financial-outlook-for-2022-23-just-got-better-again/): Pennsylvania’s financial outlook for 2022/23 just got better… again! In April 2022, state revenues came in even higher than expected. In March 2022, total revenues were 8.5% higher than they were expected to be at this time of the year, and by the end of April 2022 they rose to 12.4% higher. Our previous estimate, - [From The White House: The Inflation Reduction Act Delivers Affordable Clean Energy for Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-inflation-reduction-act-delivers-affordable-clean-energy-for-pennsylvania/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2022 The Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant legislation in U.S. history to tackle the climate crisis and strengthen American energy security. It will lower energy costs for households and businesses, create manufacturing jobs for American workers, and deliver a clean, secure, and healthy future for our - [The Update: Everything Important Happening in Harrisburg & DC — August 10, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-everything-important-happening-in-harrisburg-dc-august-10-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The Senate voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 over the weekend. Now, the bill needs to pass the House. Take a look at our statement and click on the action to contact your member of Congress. Thank you for supporting our work, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director Senate Democrats Pass - [STATEMENT: Senate Democrats Pass Inflation Reduction Act To Lower Drug Prices, Make Health Care and Energy Costs More Affordable](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/18148/): For Immediate Release: August 7, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org Senate Democrats Pass Inflation Reduction Act To Lower Drug Prices, Make Health Care and Energy Costs More Affordable Historic Bill to Curb Big Pharma and Make Corporations Pay What They Owe Moves Towards Passage Harrisburg, PA — Following the U.S. - [The Update: Everything Happening in Harrisburg and DC — August 4, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-everything-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-august-4-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR We are happy to see that a deal has been reached to address growing inflation by reducing prescription health care costs, taxing corporations and the ultra-rich, and combatting climate change and reducing energy costs. We call on the United States Senate and House of Representatives to take immediate action to pass - [Appalachia Needs Build Back Better, the Climate Infrastructure, Jobs and Workforce Support Package](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/appalachia-needs-build-back-better-the-climate-infrastructure-jobs-and-workforce-support-package/): Originally published on reimagineapplachia.org, December 16, 2021. For more than a century, Appalachia has been exploited by absentee corporations in the extractive industries, leaving our communities impoverished, our workers and neighbors sick, and our lands damaged. The BBB climate infrastructure, jobs, and workforce support package will create good jobs in the region while building - [Ten Ways to Make Apprenticeship Central to Learning & Careers in 21st-Century Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/ten-ways-to-make-apprenticeship-central-to-learning-careers-in-21st-century-pennsylvania/): See a version for downloading here. - [PBPC on the PA Budget: This Is NOT a Budget for the People](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pbpc-statement-on-proposed-pa-budget/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org To: Members of the PA General Assembly, State Legislative Staff, Political reporters, Editorial Board Writers, and Columnists From: Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget and Policy Center Statement on Proposed Budget: PA Budget & Policy Center - This is NOT a budget for the people The - [Frequently Asked Questions about Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Vouchers for Private and Religious Schools](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/frequently-asked-questions-about-pennsylvanias-educational-improvement-tax-credit-eitc-and-vouchers-for-private-and-religious-schools/): FIND THE DOWNLOADABLE VERSION HERE. - [The Update: What's Going On that's Important in Harrisburg and DC – July 28, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-going-on-thats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-july-28-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR As we move into the dog days of summer, we are working with Congress as part of our ReImagine Appalachia campaign to move legislation forward to change our strategy toward revitalizing Coal Country. Take a look below at the first in a series of articles about the new strategy on Route - [The Update: What's Happening that's Important in Harrisburg and DC – July 21, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-thats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-july-21-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Last week the 99% PA campaign released a new report that shows how billionaires in Pennsylvania are having a tremendous influence over our politics. Check out the full report below. And in light of record temperatures this week, take a look at our recommendations for federal climate legislation that will help - [PBPC Statement on Earth Day 2022 about the Biden-Harris Administration’s Environmental Accomplishments](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pbpc-statement-on-earth-day-2022-about-the-biden-harris-administrations-environmental-accomplishments/): PBPC Statement on Earth Day 2022 regarding the environmental accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration For Immediate Release April 22, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org HARRISBURG, PA – Jeff Garis, coordinator of Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center’s federal advocacy campaign, the 99% Pennsylvania, released this statement in observance of Earth Day 2022: “For more - [The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: A Major Step Forward](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act-a-major-step-forwards/): The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: A Major Step Forward Statement from PA Budget and Policy Center, Keystone Research Center, and 99% PA Campaign In passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act last night, the House of Representatives advanced the first of two parts of President Biden’s investment agenda. The over $1 billion infrastructure bill - [The 2021 Top 10 List of Federal Policy Victories](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-2021-top-10-list-of-federal-policy-victories/): President Biden, operating with a razor-thin Democratic majority in the United States Congress, did not get everything he wanted across the finish line in 2021, but he and his allies achieved several historic victories. As the year-end approaches, we put together this top 10 list to highlight some of these significant wins. These demonstrate that, - [RELEASE - 'Power Couple': Labor and Environment Come Together on EV Infrastructure Opportunities in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-power-couple-labor-and-environment-come-together-on-ev-infrastructure-opportunities-in-pa/): 'Power Couple': Labor and Environment Come Together on EV Infrastructure Opportunities in PA KRC/PBPC highlighted Biden's announcement on >$25 million in electric vehicle funding for PA with Congresswoman Susan Wild; President of AFL-CIO; Conservation Groups Allentown, PA — Today the Keystone Research Center, PA Budget and Policy Center, the 99% PA campaign, Congresswoman Susan Wild, PA AFL-CIO, - [RELEASE: This Tax Day, PA Working Families Are Paying Their Fair Share, but PA Billionaires Are Not](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-this-tax-day-pa-working-families-are-paying-their-fair-share-but-pa-billionaires-are-not/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2022 THIS TAX DAY, PENNSYLVANIA WORKING FAMILIES ARE PAYING THEIR FAIR SHARE BUT PENNSYLVANIA BILLIONAIRES ARE NOT Pennsylvania’s 17 Billionaires More Than Doubled Their Wealth During the Pandemic, and Much of That Wealth May Well Go Untaxed, Making Case for Biden’s Proposed Billionaires Income Tax Passage of - [RELEASE: Broadband Access Investment in PA — What it Means for Businesses, Health Care, Education, Jobs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-broadband-access-investment-in-pa-what-it-means-for-businesses-health-care-education-jobs/): For Immediate Release May 4, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org RELEASE: Broadband Access Investment in PA — what it means for businesses, healthcare, education, jobs Event highlighted the profoundly transformative effects, opportunities of high-speed internet infrastructure for the Commonwealth and its residents, particularly in rural communities and in northeastern PA Harrisburg, PA — Today the - [RELEASE: New Report Shows Billionaires Buying Federal Elections, Putting Democracy at Risk](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/18094/): For Immediate Release Date: July 13, 2022 Contact: Jeff Garis, garis@pennbpc.org, 215-694-4783 NEW REPORT SHOWS GROWING TREND: BILLIONAIRES BUYING FEDERAL ELECTIONS, PUTTING DEMOCRACY AT RISK PA’s Wealthiest Billionaire Jeffrey Yass and Other Ultra-Rich Individuals Pump Millions Into 2022 Campaigns, Mostly to Republicans Who Will Cut Their Taxes and Supported Trump’s January 6th - [The Update: What’s Going on in Harrisburg and DC - July 11, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-going-on-in-harrisburg-and-dc-july-11-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The budget is finished, and the legislature has adjourned for the summer. There were some wins and losses, but the big takeaway is that Pennsylvania missed an opportunity to spend the $12-billion surplus to create transformational change. Two elements of transformational change that would have especially benefitted rural districts represented by members - [Make a PA Earned Income Tax Credit Part of the Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/make-an-eitc-part-of-the-budget/): To: Members and staff of the General Assembly, editorial board members, and political writers From: Marc Stier, Director and Diana Polson, Senior Policy Analyst, PA Budget and Policy Center Re: Tax Relief for Working Poor Pennsylvanians in the Next Budget Date: June 29, 2022 Some discussions about providing tax relief for low-income working Pennsylvanians - [OP ED: After Supreme Court Ruling, We Need to Redouble our Efforts on Climate](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/op-ed-after-supreme-court-ruling-we-need-to-redouble-our-efforts-on-climate/): Originally published by The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 9, 2022 The Supreme Court’s ruling is a setback. It will only cause more confusion for power companies by creating uncertainty and taking highly effective measures for reducing carbon pollution off the table. As most observers expected, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week to significantly undermine the - [STATEMENT: We The People – PA on the State Budget Negotiations](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-we-the-people-pa-on-the-state-budget/): It appears that state budget negotiations are continuing and we may have some announcement of a budget deal in the next day or so. We The People – PA will release another short statement when we have some details. But today we want to comment on the last few weeks of public debate in Harrisburg - [STATEMENT: Federal Abandoned Mine Land Guidance](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-federal-abandoned-mine-land-guidance/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2022 Contacts: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org STATEMENT: Federal Abandoned Mine Land Guidance – Stephen Herzenberg The Keystone Research Center (KRC) today saluted draft guidance issued earlier this week by the Biden administration that will govern states’ distribution of funds for Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation. KRC executive director and economist Stephen - [RELEASE: Tax Relief for Working Poor Pennsylvanians in the Next Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-tax-relief-for-working-poor-pennsylvanians-in-the-next-budget/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org To: Members and staff of the General Assembly, editorial board members, and political writers From: Marc Stier, Director and Diana Polson, Senior Policy Analyst, PA Budget and Policy Center Re: Tax Relief for Working Poor Pennsylvanians in the Next Budget Some discussions about providing tax - [STATEMENT: New Poll Results on Corporate Taxes and the Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-new-poll-results-on-corporate-taxes-and-the-minimum-wage/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2022 Contacts: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org To: Members of the PA General Assembly, state legislative staff, political reporters, editorial board writers, and columnists. From: Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget and Policy Center Re: New poll results on corporate taxes and the minimum wage PBPC commissioned Data for Progress to do - [PRESS RELEASE: Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center Publishes New Analysis of Pittsburgh’s 2022 Proposed Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-pittsburgh-budget-policy-center-publishes-new-analysis-of-pittsburghs-2022-proposed-budget/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kirstin Snow snow@pennbpc.org RELEASE: Pittsburgh Budget & Policy Center Publishes New Analysis of Pittsburgh’s 2022 Proposed Budget "Pivoting to a Moral Pittsburgh Economy: New Mayor, New Opportunities" Pittsburgh, PA — The Pittsburgh Budget and Policy Center today released a new, in-depth analysis of Mayor Peduto’s proposed $770 million combined - [Guest Commentary: Is This Really Taxadelphia?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/guest-commentary-is-this-really-taxadelphia/): The director of a state budget and policy organization has an answer that may surprise you BY MARC STIER Originally published in The Philadelphia Citizen, April 21, 2022 “Philadelphia is one of the highest-taxed cities in the United States.” But you knew that, right? It’s common knowledge. Everyone knows it. Everyone also knows that Philadelphia - [Marc Stier: We Need a Budget for All Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/marc-stier-we-need-a-budget-for-all-pennsylvanians/): Originally published at the TribLive.com on July 6, 2022. The last few weeks of public debate in Harrisburg have been deeply revealing of the different approaches of the two parties. One of those parties has been trying to bring people in our state together. The other has been trying to divide us. One party - [Five myths about raising the minimum wage — debunked](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/five-myths-about-raising-the-minimum-wage-debunked/): Originally published by the PA Capital-Star on October 3, 2019. By Marc Stier While raising the minimum wage has been a conversation that continues to reverberate around the capitol, it’s clear that many legislators are apprehensive about raising the wage for the first time in over a decade. Some legislators have told advocates they don’t believe - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and D.C. – August 30, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-everything-thats-going-on-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-august-30-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR This past week, the House of Representatives took an important step toward passing the Build Back Better bill, which will be the largest investment in working people in a generation. The bill includes paid family and medical leave for all, universal pre-K, free community college, and making the child tax credit - [ANALYSIS: A Historic Opportunity to Transform Pittsburgh’s Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-a-historic-opportunity-to-transform-pittsburghs-budget/): On Thursday, September 30, Mayor Peduto submitted a proposed $770 million combined operating and capital budget for 2022 with no tax increases. The proposed budget is comprised of a $611,750,775 operating budget and a $158,615,392 capital budget. This is a 1.5% ($11.6 million) increase over the final 2021 operating and capital budgets. The mayor highlighted - [‘Build Back Better’ Will Create the Pennsylvania We Want and Even Help Reverse Inflation](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/build-back-better-will-create-the-pennsylvania-we-want-and-even-help-reverse-inflation/): Powerful special interests that don’t want to pay their fair share in taxes have latched onto inflation as their latest excuse for the country not to invest in climate action, jobs, and families. Don’t listen to them. Here are three reasons why: • There are enormous benefits of the Build Back Better (BBB) climate infrastructure, jobs, - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – December 5, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-december-5-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR While we await the vote on Build Back Better in the Senate, here's a review of how it will make a big difference to Appalachia. Make sure to contact your representative to tell them what you think about how they voted on Build Back Better in the House. In Solidarity, Stephen - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – December 14, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-december-14-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Happy holidays! Here's the update for this week, we will now be on a break until the New Year. All the best to you and yours. In Solidarity, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director Pivoting to a Moral Pittsburgh Economy: New Mayor, New Opportunities Report | 12/10/21 While ARP funds will provide Pittsburgh - [New Mayor, New Opportunity—for a Pittsburgh That Works for All ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-mayor-new-opportunity-for-a-pittsburgh-that-works-for-all/): On Monday, January 3, 2022, Mayor Ed Gainey was sworn into office as the 61st mayor of the City of Pittsburgh. Mayor Gainey has the opportunity to address historical inequities and create a city that works for all residents. In his inaugural address, Mayor Gainey acknowledged the historical significance of being Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor - [Economic Update: Pennsylvania Economy Maintains Forward Momentum](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/economic-update-pennsylvania-economy-maintains-forward-momentum/): Economic Update—PA Economy Maintains Forward Momentum With the release of state job numbers for April 2022, Keystone Research Center is providing an update on key economic indicators in Pennsylvania. The new data show continued economic momentum, with declining unemployment rates and steady job growth. The recovery now encompasses the industries hardest hit by the pandemic, - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – April 25, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-april-25-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR PA charter schools have been allowed to operate without enough oversight or regulation for too long in the Commonwealth—and our public schools are suffering for it. See below how our assertions about charter school and private school regulations have been reaffirmed by the reputable Network for Education. Also, take a look - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – May 2, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-may-2-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR This week was all about fair taxation. We are now working on all levels: federal, state, and local in our two largest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to make sure that taxation is fair for all Pennsylvanians. We can have the things we need for the people of the Commonwealth—we just - [Bridge Collapse, Biden Visit Highlight Need for Infrastructure Investment, Chance for Pittsburgh Manufacturing Rebound](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pittsburgh-bridge-collapse-biden-visit-highlight-need-for-infrastructure-investment-chance-for-manufacturing-rebound/): The collapse of Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh last week vividly illustrated the dilapidated state of infrastructure in Pennsylvania and the United States in a timely way—on the morning of President Biden's Friday visit to Pittsburgh to highlight the jobs, public safety, and competitiveness benefits of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that - [Another Problem with Judicial Districts: The Threat of Judicial Extremism](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/another-problem-with-judicial-districts-the-threat-of-judicial-extremism/): Originally published by the PA Capital-Star on January 24, 2021 Those of us who have been fighting the judicial gerrymandering constitutional amendment have been focused less on the highly uncertain partisan implications of the proposal but on its implications for the balance of power among the three branches of government in our state. We are - [Yes, the U.S. Constitution could be improved. The process in this Pa. House resolution isn’t a path forward](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/yes-the-u-s-constitution-could-be-improved-the-process-in-this-pa-house-resolution-isnt-a-path-forward/): Originally published by the PA Capital-Star on December 18, 2019. On Monday, the House State Government Committee passed a resolution asking Congress to call a constitutional convention, pursuant to Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It’s not hard to understand the temptation to support this resolution. We live at a time of political division in Pennsylvania - [The Republicans have been dead wrong about reopening](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-republicans-have-been-dead-wrong-about-reopening/): Originally published by the PA Capital-Star on June 30, 2020. For months Republican leaders in Harrisburg have been demanding an early reopening of businesses in the state and have criticized the demand to wear face masks in public. And recently all Republicans and a few Democrats voted to overturn Governor Wolf’s emergency order. Extremists like - [Pa. Senate GOP’s judicial gerrymandering plan is a threat to our democracy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-senate-gops-judicial-gerrymandering-plan-is-a-threat-to-our-democracy/): Originally published by the PA Capital-Star on July 14, 2020. Democracy is threatened from many sides. The dangers include voter ID laws; closures of polling places; gerrymandered legislative districts; and problematic voting rules, especially with regard to vote by mail—not to mention attempts by both the executive branch in Washington and the legislative branch in - [Here’s how we stop the coming eviction and foreclosure tsunami](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/heres-how-we-stop-the-coming-eviction-and-foreclosure-tsunami/): Originally published at the PA Capital-Star on August 28, 2020 Pennsylvania is now facing a housing catastrophe as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf told legislative leaders that he does not have the authority to extend the moratorium on evictions and foreclosure beyond the August 31 deadline. This decision sets - [The minimum wage was created during the Great Depression. We need to raise it during the Pandemic Recession](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-minimum-wage-was-created-during-the-great-depression-we-need-to-raise-it-during-the-pandemic-recession/): Originally published at the PA Capital-Star on March 7, 2021 Opponents of raising the minimum wage seem to have an inexhaustible supply of concerns which they repeat no matter how often we present evidence that refutes them. The latest one is the claim that we cannot raise the minimum wage during the COVID-19 recession. Raising the minimum wage - [How the ‘Fair Share Tax’ will restore fairness to our tax system](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/18015/): Originally published by the PA Capital-Star on April 24, 2019 Pennsylvania politics remains divided. One side, composed of mostly conservatives, believes that the key to prosperity is to cut taxes for the rich, cut spending for everyone else and—although they don’t say it too loudly—keep wages low. The other side, composed of mostly liberals, believe - [Pa. is in the throes of a COVID-19 recession. Wolf, lawmakers need to step up for working families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-is-in-the-throes-of-a-covid-19-recession-wolf-lawmakers-need-to-step-up-for-working-families/): Originally published by the PA Capital-Star on November 17, 2020 No matter where we live, what we look like, whether we are native– born or immigrants, or whether we are struggling or getting by, the COVID-19 recession is a threat to all of us. We need the state government to do more for families and small businesses to meet that threat. Yet the recession will - [Pa. can build a clean electric vehicle future. Wolf, lawmakers must embrace it](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-can-build-a-clean-electric-vehicle-future-wolf-lawmakers-must-embrace-it/): Originally published by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star on November 18, 2021 To protect our economy and lives from devastating climate change, the future of transportation on our roads must be based on electric power. Twenty-nine percent of greenhouse gases nationwide are generated by transportation—the largest percentage of any sector of the economy. The federal government is thus - [The GOP showed us who they are with challenge to Pa. House map](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-gop-showed-us-who-they-are-with-challenge-to-pa-house-map/): Originally published by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star on February 24, 2022 Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre, recently filed suit against the House district map produced by the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission (LRC). Most advocates of fair districting think the new district lines are an enormous improvement over those currently in place for two reasons: they reflect the changing - [Who Runs Harrisburg? You or the Corporate Elite?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/who-runs-harrisburg-you-or-the-corporate-elite/): Originally published in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, June 29, 2022. By Nick Pressley and Marc Stier Every rumor we hear about the state budget negotiations tells us that a reduction in the corporate net income tax (CNIT) rate is possible. It is unclear whether that corporate tax cut also includes some of Gov. Tom Wolf’s “add-back” - [Fair Taxation for Pittsburgh — A Foundation for a More Just City Beyond American Rescue Plan Dollars](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fair-taxation-for-pittsburgh-a-foundation-for-a-more-just-city-beyond-american-rescue-plan-dollars/): PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL-PAGE VERSION AND TO DOWNLOAD OR PRINT. - [Pathway to the PA Promise of Affordable College & Good Paying Careers—With Federal Dollars](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pathway-to-the-pa-promise-of-free-college-tuition-good-paying-careers-with-federal-dollars/): As Pennsylvania state budget negotiations come to a close, our lawmakers could achieve a big win by adopting Governor Wolf’s higher education proposal. This win would be a major step towards the PA Promise of affordable college tuition and good-paying careers—and paid for in significant part with federal dollars. This win would be especially beneficial - [A Guide to the $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan: UPDATE with PA-Specific Data ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-guide-to-the-1-9-trillion-recovery-bill-update-with-pa-specific-data/): The American Rescue Plan, as put forward by President Biden and about to be approved by the U.S. Congress, is a bold and necessary action—not just to restore the American economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but to make it far more just. Here we point to some of the leading features of - [Statement on Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade Decision](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-supreme-courts-roe-v-wade-decision/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2022 Contacts: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org Statement on Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade Decision By Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget & Policy Center The right to abortion is paramount to the right to personal autonomy. There is no choice as life-defining as that of whether to bring a child into - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – June 21, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-june-21-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Will the next state budget put the interests of the people of Pennsylvania first? Or will it help the billionaire owners of corporations? The decision will be made soon enough. Before you look at our analyses of tax policy below, take a minute to take action to tell legislators to - [Keeping Property Taxes Lower in Philly Is the Right Idea](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keeping-property-taxes-lower-in-philly-is-the-right-idea/): Philadelphia is currently debating what to do with the additional revenues generated by the increase in property assessments. One side wants to use those additional revenues to moderate the growth in property taxes by raising the Homestead Exemption amount and expanding the Longtime Owner Occupants Program or “LOOP” (a tax relief program for low- and - [Overview of the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act: How Do We Make Sure These Funds Benefit All Pennsylvanians?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/overview-bipartisan-infrastructure-and-jobs-act-how-do-we-make-sure-these-funds-benefit-all-pennsylvanians/): Click here for full-page and downloadable version. - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC - June 15, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-june-15-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR This month, many important decisions will be made about state policy as the fiscal year draws to a close. See below for our policy recommendations for the minimum wage, taxing corporations, and spending Pennsylvania's $15 billion surplus. And take a look at the great news coverage of the We The People-PA - [How Radical Conservative Policies Are Crushing the Middle Class](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-radical-conservative-policies-are-crushing-the-middle-class/): Testimony to the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee How Radical Conservative Policies Are Crushing the Middle Class - [Pennsylvanians from Across the Commonwealth Joined We The People – PA Campaign & Partners to Call for Fair Budget for All Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanians-from-across-commonwealth-joined-we-the-people-pa-campaign-partners-to-call-for-fair-budget-for-all-pennsylvanians/): Harrisburg, PA – For the first time in years, the Commonwealth will have a surplus of more than $15 billion from state budget surpluses and unspent federal pandemic relief funding at the end of this fiscal year. If this is not the moment to enact a budget that works to help hard-working Pennsylvanians and their - [KRC Research Update Shows BIG Earnings Gains From Higher NY Minimum Wage But No Employment Effects](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/krc-updates-info-from-study-on-the-minimum-wage-increases-effects-on-pa-ny-border-employment/): In 2019, researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a study of minimum wage impacts along the New York-Pennsylvania border.[1] Their study compared employment and wages across adjacent Pennsylvania and New York counties for two low-wage industries and showed how these industries were impacted during New York’s minimum wage increases that begin - [Who Are the 1.46M PA Workers Who'd Benefit from a $15/Hr Minimum Wage Increase by 2028?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/who-are-the-1-4m-pa-workers-whod-benefit-from-a-15-per-hour-minimum-wage-increase-by-2028/): Access the full-page, downloadable version here. - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – June 6, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-june-6-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR As the close of the state's fiscal year draws closer, we are releasing analyses of different proposals from legislators and the governor's office. Take a look below at our analysis of the governor's education funding proposal. Thank you for supporting our work, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director Analysis of Governor Wolf’s - [Expanding the Sales Tax in an Equitable Way](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/expanding-the-sales-tax-in-an-equitable-way/): As the political leaders considers increases in the sales tax, we call on them to expand the base of the sales tax to make if fairer. Because of what in includes and excludes, the PA Sales Tax tends to take a higher percentage of incomes from families with low- and moderate-incomes than those with high-incomes. - [PA Is Flush with Cash and It's Time to Use It](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/17057/): We head into this year’s budget season with one difference from last year: Pennsylvania is flush with cash. What will we do with this opportunity? We are heading into budget week when Governor Wolf proposes the final budget of his administration. For the last 11 years, we have started budget week talking about the “structural - [I'm Homeless. SNAP and Medicaid Have Been My Lifesavers.](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/im-homeless-snap-and-medicaid-have-been-my-lifesavers/): The following is a first-person story written by Colten Osborne, a young man we came across in Erie, Pennsylvania, during one of what we called “Community Conversations” ahead of the launch of a statewide, pro-active issue campaign called We The People–PA. Colten is an incredibly impressive young man with a compelling and important story to - [Analysis of Governor Wolf’s 2022-23 Education Budget Proposal](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-of-governor-wolfs-2022-23-education-budget-proposal/): Please click here to read or download. - [Build A Brighter PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/build-a-brighter-pa/): Thanks to the American Rescue Plan providing grants to all Pennsylvanians, additional funds to Pennsylvania families with children through the child tax credit and higher subsidies for health insurance, we have seen a faster economic recovery than we might have imagined a year ago. And the Infrastructure Bill will help keep the recovery growing by - [Fact Sheet on Voucher Programs—What Does the Evidence Show From Other States?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fact-sheet-on-voucher-programs-what-does-the-evidence-show-from-other-states/): Fact Sheet on Voucher Programs—What Does the Evidence Show From Other States? The Pennsylvania General Assembly is once again considering a voucher bill (HB 2169), which would redirect nearly $144 million of much-needed taxpayer money meant for K-12 public schools to private schools, higher education institutions, and other entities not accountable to the public. - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – May 17, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-may-18-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR We are urging legislators at the state and local levels to invest in all of us and not to give tax breaks to those who profited during the pandemic. Take a look below at our featured columns in the Scranton and Harrisburg newspapers. Thank you for supporting our work, Stephen Herzenberg - [Corporate Tax Cuts Since 2002 Now Cost PA $4.2 Billion Yearly: Pennsylvania Should Pass Worldwide Combined Reporting](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/corporate-tax-cuts-since-2002-now-cost-pa-4-2-billion-yearly-pennsylvania-should-pass-worldwide-combined-reporting/): This paper focuses on the details of one part of this story: the cuts in corporate taxes in Pennsylvania since 2002 that have reduced revenues by what is now $4.2 billion per year and have created a tax system that is among the most unfair in the country. Pennsylvania’s tax-cutting, shaped by the corporate-sponsored narrative, has taken a variety of forms. Under both Republican and Democratic governors, we have entirely eliminated one of our two - [STATEMENT: It's Not the Time or Way to Cut Corporate Taxes](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/not-the-time-or-way-to-cut-corporate-taxes/): Statement on HB 1960, which passed the PA House of Representatives today When the American Rescue Plan (ARP) was enacted, we warned that Republicans in Pennsylvania would use these funds—and the state surplus generated by the faster economic recovery the ARP created—to cut corporate taxes instead of helping Pennsylvanians deal with the effects of the - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – May 10, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-may-10-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR In light of the leaked court opinion on Roe v. Wade, the PA Budget and Policy Center released a statement on the economic effects of restricting and banning access to abortion and other health care. This decision will have economic and other consequences for generations. Let's not go back. Thank you - [Philadelphia Needs to Create Jobs and Reduce Poverty: Tax Cuts Won’t Do It](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/philadelphia-needs-to-create-jobs-and-reduce-poverty-tax-cuts-wont-do-it/): For the last twenty years, discussion about ways to improve the economy of Philadelphia and create jobs has far too often focused on both the wrong goal and the wrong means. The goal has not been to reduce poverty and income inequality and create economic opportunity for those with low incomes, especially Black and brown - [STATEMENT: New Report Affirms PA Charter School Policies Among Nation's Worst](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-new-report-affirms-pa-charter-school-policies-among-nations-worst/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org Statement: New Report Affirms PA Charter School Policies Among Nation's Worst By Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget & Policy Center; Susan Spicka, Executive Director, Education Voters of PA The Network for Public Education, an important national education reform organization, reaffirms what we at - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – April 18, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-april-18-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Since we opened our doors in the mid-1990s, Keystone Research Center has always stood for fair taxation—raising sufficient money from individuals and corporations with the greatest ability to pay in order to invest in our collective future and the common good. In the last few weeks, our various projects and brands - [The Big Lie Is the Problem, Not Nonprofit Funding of PA Elections](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-big-lie-is-the-problem-not-non-profit-funding-of-pa-elections/): Senate Bill 982, introduced by Senators Baker and Phillips-Hill, looks like an innocuous bill to ban “third-party funding” of our elections—that is the grants that nonpartisan, nonprofit groups give county election officials to help run our elections. But in fact, it is a hypocritical attempt to carry out the Republican agenda of supporting the Big - [Cutting Corporate Taxes Hasn’t Worked: Why PA Is Still Short on Necessary Funding - TESTIMONY](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/cutting-corporate-taxes-hasnt-worked-why-pa-is-still-short-on-necessary-funding-testimony/): Click here for downloadable version. - [The Trouble with TABOR](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-problem-with-tabor/): UPDATED April 12: The Republican leadership of the House of Representative is poised to bring a dangerous constitutional amendment, the so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), HB71 tomorrow, April 13, 2022. This amendment, which has been championed in states all over the country by the right-wing American Legislative Exchange Council, would limit the growth in - [A Fair Share Tax Plan for Pennsylvania — 2019 Update](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-fair-share-tax-plan-for-pennsylvania-2019-update/): Read the full proposal here. This paper puts forward the Fair Share Tax plan, a major step toward fixing Pennsylvania’s broken tax system and raising the revenues we need to invest in the public goods that are critical to creating thriving communities and individual opportunity in our state: education, infrastructure, protection for our air and water, - [Use ARP Funds to Help With High Gas Prices](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/time-to-help-people-with-high-gas-prices/): Pennsylvania’s families and economy are currently dealing with rising prices that are the result of the supply chain issues created by an unexpectedly quick economic recovery and the rise in gas prices created by Russia’s war on Ukraine. As we have shown, the state will have an accumulated surplus of $10.2 billion at the end - [It’s Time to Reinstate the Philadelphia Intangible Wealth Tax](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/time-to-reinstate-the-philadelphia-intangible-wealth-tax/): CLICK HERE TO READ IN FULL-PAGE FORM OR PRINT. Wealth inequality in America, in Pennsylvania, and in our region has been growing strikingly since the late 1970s. And wealth inequality continues to increase during the pandemic. The dramatic rise in wealth inequality threatens economic growth, reduces the tax revenues needed to fund vital public institutions, - [PRESS RELEASE: Affordable Rental Housing After the Pandemic](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-affordable-rental-housing-after-the-pandemic/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2022 Contacts: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org, (215) 510-9336 Jodi Hirsh, jodi@sequalconsulting.com, (412) 326-9832 Melissa McCleery, melissa@onrosehill.com, (484) 201-3778 NEW REPORT: Affordable Rental Housing After the Pandemic Where families stand now and what the legislature can do about it Harrisburg — Pennsylvania faced a pre-pandemic housing affordability problem, but the crisis has - [It's Time to Help People, Not Oil Companies](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/time-to-help-people-not-oil-companies/): Pennsylvania’s families and economy are currently being stressed by a rise in prices that’s the result of an unexpectedly quick economic recovery and the supply chain issues it created, the gas price spike created by Russia’s war on the Ukraine, and the determination on the part of multi-national corporations to take advantage of these conditions - [Pennsylvania’s Financial Outlook Just Got Better Again—It’s Time to Help Pennsylvania Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-financial-outlook-just-got-better-again-its-time-to-help-pennsylvania-families/): Pennsylvania’s financial outlook for 2022/23 just got better. In March 2022, state revenues came in higher than expected as they have in nearly every month this fiscal year. Several months ago, we calculated that the state would have an estimated surplus of $10.7 billion at the end of 2021/22. Our revised estimate, after the Pennsylvania - [Housing Affordability in PA During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evictions and Recommendations to Help Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report-draft-housing-affordability-in-pa-in-and-after-covid-19-evictions-and-recommendations-to-help-families/): Click here to read full screen or print. - [Analysis of Pennsylvania’s 2022-2023 Executive Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-of-pennsylvanias-2022-executive-budget/): Please click to read full screen or print. - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – October 25, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-october-25-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR We are closely watching Washington as Build Back Better and the infrastructure bill get closer and closer to the finish line. Stay tuned for updates on this transformational package of bills. In Solidarity, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director BY KRC/PBPC KRC, ReImagine Appalachia Highlight Pivotal Importance of Build Back Better to - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – May 10, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-new-in-harrisburg-and-dc-may-10-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The American Rescue Plan and subsequent proposals from the Biden administration offer great opportunities to move our country in the right direction — and away from just letting working people fend for themselves in a difficult time. Take a look below for specific proposals on high-speed broadband as one example. The - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – November 1, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc-november-1-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Progress has been made in coming together on a deal for Build Back Better and the infrastructure package. See below for what we can expect in the legislation so far. In Solidarity, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director The Build Back Better Framework: A Transformative Plan for 21st-Century America President Biden’s Build - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – November 8, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-november-8-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The bipartisan infrastructure bill crossed the finish line late Friday night! We are happy to see thousands of jobs coming to Pennsylvania to help us improve roads, bridges, railroads, and public transit and to ensure Pennsylvanians have clean drinking water and high-speed internet. Also critical is repairing the damage to our - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC — November 15, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-november-15-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR In Washington, President Biden just signed the bipartisan infrastructure law. Read more here about what it will do for Pennsylvania. Harrisburg was also busy last week with issues such as school funding and democracy. Read more below to catch up on what is going on and how you can engage. In Solidarity, Stephen - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – November 22, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-november-22-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The education funding trial is rolling and we are releasing research that shows how schools have been funded inequitably for decades. Read about our findings as well as updates on the Build Back Better bill moving through Congress. In Solidarity, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director In Pennsylvania Schools, The Kids Who Need - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – November 27, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-november-27-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR KRC KUDOS—This past month, two days into a strike by teachers without a union contract since 2017, a PBPC report analyzed the challenges faced by the Scranton School District, its 10,000 students, and the community at large, as well as opportunities for improvement in the months and years ahead. The report helped shape media coverage and community understanding of - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – January 10, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-january-10-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR This last week, we marked the anniversary of “January 6th” when insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to overturn the results of a presidential election. It's a sad anniversary, but it is also an important reminder that our democracy is fragile and deserves protection. There are also attacks on - [The Update: What’s Happening in Harrisburg and DC – February 8 , 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-going-on-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-that-matters-february-8-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Governor Wolf released his budget this week, and now we enter what we at KRC/PBPC affectionately call "Budget Season." We will see a lot of what we always see in the coverage of the governor’s budget, including that it will be summarily rejected by the legislative majority and the back and - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – February 28, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-that-matters-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-february-28-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The annual PA Budget and Policy Summit registration is open! Take a look below and register today to join us for the virtual summit on the state of Pennsylvania's budget. Thank you for supporting our work, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director Budget and Policy Summit 2022 “Advancing Democracy for Pennsylvania’s Future” is - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – March 3, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-that-matters-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-march-3-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Broadband is a necessity of modern life. That's why it is so critical that we invest in extremely under-resourced broadband infrastructure in the rural parts of the state. We highlighted this critical issue and the funding that would come from the bipartisan infrastructure package to help remedy the issue at a - [The Update: What’s Happening in Harrisburg and DC – March 14, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-everything-going-on-that-matters-in-harrisburg-and-dc-march-14-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Our Budget and Policy Summit is kicking off this Thursday! Take a look below to see why you should register now. We hope to see you there! Click this link to register: https://bit.ly/2022PABudgetSummit.Thank you for supporting our work, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director Our all-virtual 2022 Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Summit kicks - [The Update: What’s Happening in Harrisburg and DC – July 12, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-july-12-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Coming back from the 4th of July holiday this week, I am reminded of how far we have come as a nation and how far we still have to go. If we truly want to create an economy that works for all of us, we must take the opportunity - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – June 21, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-june-21-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR As we celebrated the designation of Juneteeth as a federal holiday for the first time, we still see structural racism being enforced in policies that the Pennsylvania Legislature is enacting today. We must call out all of the ways in which policies reinforce inequity and end those policies one by one - [The Update: What's Happening in Harrisburg and DC – February 4 , 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-your-update-on-whats-going-on-in-harrisburg-and-dc-that-matters-feb-4-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Last Friday, as many of you saw, the Fern Hollow bridge in Pittsburgh collapsed because of age and disrepair. If there were ever a time to reinvest in America, now is that time. The signs are all around us. President Biden gave a speech later that day in Pittsburgh where he said: "Throughout - [The Update: What’s Happening in Harrisburg and DC](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-happening-in-harrisburg-and-dc/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The economic news is looking better in Pennsylvania and around the nation. We are enjoying robust job growth, still-falling unemployment rates, and a faster recovery from the pandemic downturn than in the Great Recession of 2009 thanks to the bipartisan rescue plans passed in 2020 and 2021 and to the American - [STATEMENT: Economic Update—PA Needs Action to Sustain Demand and Make Jobs Worth Taking to Achieve Economic Health Beyond Pre-pandemic Levels](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-economic-update-pa-needs-action-to-sustain-demand-and-make-jobs-worth-taking-to-achieve-economic-health-beyond-pre-pandemic-levels/): Following the release of December job numbers for Pennsylvania last Friday, Keystone Research Center research analyst Maisum Murtaza released the following statement on the health of the state’s economy. FOR A MORE IN-DEPTH BLOG POST, CLICK HERE. “Pennsylvania gained 14,000 jobs in December and 36,000 in the past two months and its unemployment rate fell - [Wanted: A NAFTA and Trade Policy That Helps Unrig the Economy Against Working Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/wanted-a-nafta-and-trade-policy-that-help-unrig-the-economy-against-working-families/): The Lamb-Saccone race in Western Pennsylvania upped the pressure on policymakers of both major political parties on trade. It expands the opportunity for progressives and progressive lawmakers to articulate and advocate for a fundamental change in U.S. trade policy in NAFTA renegotiations. For the Trump administration, the special election suggested that some working families are - [Take Action Now: Food Stamp Work Requirements Will Harm People with Criminal Records Trying to Build New Lives](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/take-action-now-food-stamp-work-requirements-will-harm-people-with-criminal-records-trying-to-build-new-lives/): These work requirements would lead to loss of SNAP and to food insecurity among many low-income Americans not fortunate enough to have work. But one population would be especially hurt: people with criminal records. And, one out of three American adults has a criminal record. Across the country, an average of 26,414 people leave jails and - [It's Not Really About Work: Why Pennsylvania Should Reject Work Requirements](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/its-not-really-about-work-why-pennsylvania-should-reject-work-requirements-2/): Despite false and dangerous stereotypes about the poor being unwilling to work, the majority of SNAP and Medicaid recipients work in any given year. In this report, Marc Stier explains why Pennsylvania should reject Medicaid and SNAP work requirements and how the burden of work requirements will deny health care and SNAP benefits to many - [A $4,000-Pay Raise? Nope. Since Trump’s Tax Cut, Businesses Spending 39 Times as Much on Stock Buybacks than on Wages or Bonuses](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-4000-pay-raise-nope-since-trumps-tax-cut-businesses-spending-39-times-as-much-on-stock-buybacks-than-on-wages-or-bonuses/): “My council of economic advisors estimate that this [tax cut], along with a lower business tax rate, will likely give the typical American household around a $4,000 pay raise. And that is money that will be spent.” – Donald Trump, October 17, 2017 at the Heritage Foundation’s annual President’s Club meeting. A $4,000-pay raise. Sounds - [Let’s Be Honest About Food Stamp Work Requirements…](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/lets-be-honest-about-food-stamp-work-requirements/): The following is a guest blog post from Sheila Christopher, executive director of Hunger-Free Pennsylvania. The post originally appeared here. The House Health Committee recently approved a measure (H.B. 1659) that would impose mandatory work requirements for all able-bodied food stamp recipients. The legislation is now being fast-tracked for consideration before the full House. Mandatory work - [Time to Stop SB 22](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/time-to-stop-sb-22/): Republicans today added a second constitutional amendment to, in effect, gerrymander the Supreme Court to a bill, SB22, that proposed a constitutional amendment to stop gerrymandering of the congressional and state legislative elections. The Supreme Court gerrymandering amendment passed on a party line vote. And it means that today all supporters of redistricting reform, including - [Illegal Labor Practices in the Philadelphia Regional Construction Industry: An Assessment and Action Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/illegal-labor-practices-in-the-philadelphia-regional-construction-industry-an-assessment-and-action-plan/): FIND THE REPORT HERE. - [Some Steps Forward Amid Major Disappointments: Pennsylvania’s Enacted Budget 2019-2020](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/some-steps-forward-amid-major-disappointments-pennsylvanias-enacted-budget-2019-2020/): Pennsylvania enacted a $33.997 billion budget on June 28, 2019. And for the second year in a row, the budget was in place by the June deadline. This year, unlike his first few years in office, Governor Wolf did not seek major spending initiatives and ask for new broad-based revenues. And that made it easier - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and D.C. – April 14, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-new-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-april-14-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR On March 31st, President Joe Biden gave a major policy speech in Pittsburgh outlining his “American Jobs Plan.” The plan will focus on infrastructure and climate and create hundreds of thousands of sustainable jobs. The plan reflects many of the proposals in the ReImagine Appalachia agenda. Take a look below for recent coverage - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg & D.C. – June 28, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-new-in-harrisburg-d-c-june-28-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR This week greets us with profound disappointment. When handed the opportunity to potentially transform the lives of tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who have been devastated by the COVID pandemic, the PA Legislature has chosen the status quo. The leaders of the Legislature decided that it’s more important to save for - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and DC – July 19, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-july-19-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR As we move through the summer, we are seeing more and more of the programs and policies of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) roll-out. Last week, families with children started receiving their Child Tax Credit payments. This program is predicted to cut child poverty nearly in half. Meanwhile, the cities - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and DC – July 26, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-july-26-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR We are very excited to see Senator Casey's introduction of his REVIVE the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) bill. Like FDR’s New Deal CCC, Sen. Casey’s bill is a visionary response to extraordinary challenges—high joblessness, racial and environmental injustice, and climate change. It can help restore opportunity and hope to Pennsylvania, - [New PA Regulation Will Provide a Pay Bump for Some Tipped & Salaried Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-pa-regulation-will-provide-a-pay-bump-for-some-tipped-salaried-workers/): On Monday, March 21, the Pennsylvania Independent Regulatory Review Commission voted 5-0 to enact a modest new Pennsylvania minimum age regulation (regulation #12-106: Minimum Wage) that will benefit low-paid tipped workers and some lower-paid salaried workers, as Governor Wolf outlined in a statement after the vote. KRC senior research analyst Claire Kovach’s “explainer” policy brief - [Counties Need Money to Run Elections: The State Should Provide More Funds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/counties-need-money-to-run-elections-the-state-should-provide-more-funds/): We need to work together to affirm our commitment to elections. Lawmakers should increase funding for elections at both the state and local levels. This is the year to do it. Pennsylvanians’ fundamental right to democracy hinges on the ability of the state’s 67 counties to run our elections efficiently and effectively. With all the - [Majority of PA Minimum Wage Advisory Board Members Recommend That Legislature Raise PA Minimum Wage to $15](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/majority-of-pa-minimum-wage-advisory-board-members-recommend-that-legislature-raise-pa-minimum-wage-to-15/): Two thirds of the members of the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Advisory Board sent a letter to state lawmakers today recommending that they increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, as neighboring New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have already done. The Advisory Board members’ letter also recommended allowing localities to establish higher minimum - [Economic Update: PA Economic Health Approaches Pre-Pandemic Levels on the Back of Sustained Relief, but Actions to Make Jobs Worth Taking Are Still Crucial](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/economic-update-pennsylvania-economic-health-approaches-pre-pandemic-levels-on-the-back-of-sustained-relief-but-actions-to-make-jobs-worth-taking-are-still-crucial-for-economic-health/): Economic Update—PA Needs Action to Sustain Demand and Make Jobs Worth Taking to Achieve Economic Health Beyond Pre-Pandemic Levels For two years, the COVID pandemic has shaped many aspects of Americans’ lives including the health of our economy. Each new variant, and the resulting peaks then valleys of caseloads, leave an unmistakable mark on the - [STATEMENT: Celebrating the 12th Anniversary of the ACA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-celebrating-the-12th-anniversary-of-the-aca/): Tomorrow, March 23, 2022, is the 12th anniversary of the enactment of the Affordable Care Act. This is a day worth celebrating because of the enormous advances it made in enabling Americans, including almost a million Pennsylvanians, to secure quality, affordable health insurance. In just twelve years, the ACA has succeeded in cutting the number - [The PA Department of Labor and Industry’s Newly Proposed Minimum Wage Regulations: An Explainer](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-pa-department-of-labor-and-industrys-newly-proposed-minimum-wage-regulations-an-explainer/): In late November, PA Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Jennifer Berrier announced proposed regulations regarding tipped work and fluctuating workweek schedules in Pennsylvania. The bulk of the proposed regulations address who qualifies as a tipped worker, how tipped workers are paid, and clarify both tipped worker and employer responsibilities regarding tip pools. A separate - [Every Kid Deserves a Chance; Republicans Don’t Agree](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/every-kid-deserves-a-chance-republicans-dont-agree/): Originally published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on February 25, 2022. Before he became the great liberator, Sen. Thaddeus Stevens was, as state representative, the author of the first Pennsylvania legislation to provide public funds to ensure that all children, no matter how rich or poor, could secure a good education. Stevens’s support for universal education - [The GOP Challenge to Legislative and Congressional District Maps Shows Us Who They Are](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-gop-challenge-to-legislative-and-congressional-district-maps-shows-us-who-they-are/): This is a revised version of an op-ed published in the PA Capital-Starr on February 24, 2022 Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court released its ­congressional district map. It meets two of the critical requirements of a congressional redistricting plan: it does not favor one party or another, and it allows shifts in voters’ choices to - [RELEASE: Broadband Access Investment in PA—What it Means for Businesses, Healthcare, Education, Jobs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-broadband-access-investment-in-pa-what-it-means-for-businesses-healthcare-education-jobs/): For Immediate Release March 3, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org RELEASE: Broadband Access Investment in PA — what it means for businesses, healthcare, education, jobs Event highlighted the profoundly transformative effects, opportunities of high-speed internet infrastructure for Commonwealth and its residents Harrisburg, PA — Today the Keystone Research Center, the 99% PA campaign, - [The Update: What Matters in Harrisburg and D.C. – February 22, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-what-matters-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-february-22-2022/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has decided the state's new congressional districts. Take a look at our statement and analysis of the redistricting process. And check out our mentions in the news about investing in our future at the state and federal levels. Thank you for supporting our work, Stephen Herzenberg Executive - [The GOP Design](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-gop-design/): “When people show you who they are, believe them.” It’s time to believe what Pennsylvania Republicans have shown us they are. Begin with what they have shown us they don’t care about: Public health: They have opposed efforts to encourage—not mandate--people to wear masks and be vaccinated. They have not funded programs to make COVID - [STATEMENT: On PA Supreme Court’s Congressional Maps Decision](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-pa-supreme-court-congressional-maps-decision/): For Immediate Release February 23, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow Statement of PA Budget and Policy Center on PA Supreme Court Decision on Congressional Maps by Marc Stier There are two critical requirements of a congressional redistricting plan: it does not favor one party or another, and it allows shifts in voters’ choices to be - [The Update: What Matters in Harrisburg and D.C. – February 14, 2022](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-what-matters-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-february-14-2022/): Don't miss the "Power Couple" Labor and Environment press statement below highlighting the new federal infrastructure funding for electric vehicle charging stations. We are proud to have been a part of this great event in Allentown, showing how rebuilding our nation can help reduce global warming and create good union jobs. Thank you for supporting - [STATEMENT: On the PA Legislative Reapportionment Commission Maps](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-legislative-reapportionment-commission-maps/): For Immediate Release February 4, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org Statement of PA Budget and Policy Center on Legislative Reapportionment Commission Maps by Marc Stier Pennsylvanians will be more fairly represented because the Legislative Reapportionment Commission (LRC) took important steps to adopt maps that are fairer than any time in recent memory. - [STATEMENT: Commonwealth Court Decision on Act 77 Points To Crisis of Democracy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-commonwealth-court-decision-on-act-77-points-to-crisis-of-democracy/): For Immediate Release January 28, 2022 Contact: Kirstin Snow STATEMENT: Commonwealth Court Decision on Act 77 Points To Crisis of Democracy The party-line Commonwealth Court decision declaring mail-in ballots unconstitutional is immediately outrageous and portends a deepening crisis in our democracy. The decision is outrageous for two reasons. As Justice Wojcik’s dissenting opinion - [Economic Update: PA Needs Action to Sustain Demand and Make Jobs Worth Taking to Achieve Economic Health Beyond Pre-pandemic Levels](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/economic-update-pa-needs-action-to-sustain-demand-and-make-jobs-worth-taking-to-achieve-economic-health-beyond-pre-pandemic-levels/): For two years, the COVID pandemic has shaped many aspects of Americans’ lives, including the health of our economy. Each new variant, and the resulting peaks then valleys of caseloads, leaves an unmistakable mark on the labor market and its recovery from the pandemic recession. With the release of the December 2021 job numbers for - [The Outrageous Decision on Vote by Mail](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-outrageous-decision-on-act-77/): The party-line Commonwealth Court decision declaring mail-in ballots unconstitutional is immediately outrageous and portends a deepening crisis in our democracy. The PA Supreme Court must—and we believe will—move quickly to overturn it. The decision is outrageous for two reasons. As Judge Wojcik’s dissenting opinion clearly demonstrates, it is based on a one-sided analysis of the - [Statement: The Democratic Education Funding Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-the-democratic-education-funding-plan/): Senator Vince Hughes, Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Lindsey Williams, Democratic chair of the Senate Ed Committee; Sen. Tim Kearney, member of the Senate Education Committee, and Democratic vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Rep. Matt Bradford. Democratic chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Rep. Michael Schlossberg, House Democratic Caucus Administrator - [BRIEF: Rethinking Philadelphia Taxes to Fund Education](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/brief-rethinking-philadelphia-taxes-to-fund-education/): Last year, Mayor Jim Kenney boldly called for the School Reform Commission (SRC) to be disbanded and for control over our schools to be returned to the city. In doing so, he took on the responsibility to pay for schools at a time when growing deficits are expected over the next five years. We at - [The Ten Worst PA Legislative Initiatives of 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-ten-worst-legislative-initiatives-of-2021/): The year coming to an end will go down as among the worst in the long history of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. At a time when so many Pennsylvanians are struggling to keep body and soul together against the continuing threat of COVID-19 and the economic difficulties created by the pandemic, the Republican-dominated General Assembly - [Analysis of Gov. Wolf's Proposed 2019-20 State Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-of-gov-wolfs-proposed-2019-20-state-budget/): INTRODUCTION Some important things have changed in Pennsylvania politics as a result of the 2018 election. But the basic political dynamic that constrains our budget politics remains. We have a Democratic governor and a Republican-controlled General Assembly. And more importantly, we face an ideological division that partly maps onto the partisan one. On one side - [Governor Wolf's 2019-2020 Budget: A First Take](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governor-wolfs-2019-2020-budget-a-first-take/): Governor Wolf’s 2019-2020 budget proposal reflects the unique political moment in which it is presented. Pennsylvania is a state poised between two visions of government in Pennsylvania. The governor’s budget points to the future being born. But the budget is constrained by another vision that is not dying as quickly as we would like. The - [Minimum Wage and Social Safety Net Programs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/minimum-wage-and-safety-net-progams/): Introduction As Pennsylvania seriously considers raising the minimum wage for the first time in over a decade, concerns have been raised that workers receiving a higher wage also will face a “benefits cliff.” A benefits cliff occurs when individuals get a wage increase but the social benefits they lose and the taxes they pay increase - [PaSW’s 2022-23 School Funding Proposal: A Bigger Step Toward Adequate and Equitable State Funding for Schools](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pasw-school-funding-proposal/): DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT HERE. - [On HB 1596: The Constitutional Amendment Grab-Bag Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-hb1596-the-constitutional-amendment-grab-bag/): House Bill 1596 is a grab-bag of proposed amendments to the PA Constitution. Many of them are will suppress voting in Pennsylvania and compromise the fairness of our elections. To read full screen or print click here. - [Fair Districts 2; Gerrymandering 0](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fair-districts-2-gerrymandering-0/): The Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission released new district maps for the Pennsylvania House and Senate today. As we predicted, the maps look very different from the current ones because they aim to adjust for dramatic population changes over the last ten years and to remedy two decades of Republican gerrymandering. Because they do so, both - [Here’s our Wish List for the 12 Days of Build Back Better!](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/join-us-as-we-celebrate-the-12-days-of-build-back-better/): President Biden’s Build Back Better plan is making its way through Congress now. The Build Back Better bill already passed the House and is now in the Senate. This bill has the potential to be transformative for Pennsylvania and the nation. The provisions of the Build Back Better bill can reverse the trends that make - [Jeff Garis of the Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Center & The 99% PA Talks Sen. Toomey & COVID-19](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/jeff-garis-of-the-pennsylvania-budget-policy-center-the-99-pa-talks-sen-toomey-covid19/): Join Jeff Garis of The 99% Pennsylvania and director of outreach and engagement of the PA Budget and Policy Center for a nonpartisan, statewide policy research project that provides independent, credible analysis on state tax, budget, and related policy matters. We discuss how Pennsylvania can move forward through COVID-19 and what Sen. Toomey must do - [A State EITC Could Help Fix PA's Upside-Down Tax System](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-state-eitc-could-help-fix-pas-upside-down-tax-system/): If one thing has become clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that workers who do essential work—like providing care for the sick, stocking shelves at grocery stores, and cleaning facilities to keep our buildings clean and safe—are undervalued in our society. Despite this life-sustaining work, many Pennsylvanians earn such low wages that they are - [The Folmer Redistricting Commission: Neither Independent Nor Nonpartisan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-former-redistricting-commission-neither-independent-nor-nonpartisan/): Both the political class in Harrisburg and the progressive community around the state are focused today on the redistricting issue. Last week the Senate State Government Committee passed a version of Senate Bill 22 that was crafted by Senator Mike Folmer. Some of the advocacy groups that have been working in favor of a fair - [An End-of-Year Gift for PA Construction Workers: Tens of 1,000s of Jobs from the Infrastructure Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/an-end-of-year-gift-for-pa-construction-workers-tens-of-1000s-of-jobs-from-the-infrastructure-bill/): As 2021 ends, we are taking stock of what the federal government achieved this year. (See our list of 2021’s top 10 federal policy victories.) One major accomplishment was the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). In this blog, we present estimates of the number of jobs the act will create over the next decade. - [Test](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/test/) - [Senate Bill 106 Is Legislative Tyranny in Action](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/senate-bill-106-is-legislative-tyranny-in-action/): MEMO - December 15, 2021 To: Members of the General Assembly, editorial board writers, and other interested parties From: Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget and Policy Center Re: SB 106 Overview: SB 106 Is Legislative Tyranny in Action SB 106 was originally a constitutional amendment to change how the lieutenant governor of the - [For Your Holiday Gift to Working People, Encourage Your Local Starbucks Baristas to Unionize!](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/for-your-holiday-gift-to-working-people-encourage-your-local-starbucks-baristas-to-unionize/): Over the past few weeks, Starbucks workers in and around Buffalo, New York, have begun to unionize. As noted in this Vox story, and experienced bigtime in the 1930s, successful union organizing can be contagious. Consistent with this observation, Starbucks workers in Boston were inspired by the workers in Buffalo and have already started to - [STATEMENT: This Isn't The Redistricting Reform We Need](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-this-isnt-the-redistricting-reform-we-need/): HARRISBURG—Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier made the following statement regarding the resurfacing of SB22, a bill intended to change the way legislative redistricting is done in Pennsylvania: Senator Mike Folmer announced this week that he will be resurrecting last year's failed SB22, a bill to change the way district lines are drawn - [Rep. Grove's Congressional Maps Are Just More Gerrymandering](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/rep-groves-congressional-maps-gerrymandering-redux/): Statement by Marc Stier on Representative Seth Grove's proposed congressional district map. The congressional district map proposed by Representative Seth Grove today is an obvious effort to gerrymander those districts to benefit the Republican Party. The maps would be likely to make it difficult or impossible for Democrats to hold two to four of the - [For the Long-Term Unemployed, the Jobs Just Aren't There](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/for-the-long-term-unemployed-the-jobs-just-arent-there/): The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released new data on the duration of unemployment by state. In 2010, 26% of the people in Pennsylvania who lost a job through no fault of their own had been unemployed for a year or more. The following figure plots the data by state against the average unemployment rate - [Statement in Response to the Arbery Case Verdicts](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-in-response-to-verdict-in-the-arbery-case/): Statement by Marc Stier on behalf of the Keystone Research Center and the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center. "The verdicts in the Ahmaud Arbery case show that the criminal justice system in America can respond appropriately to the most extreme examples of racial injustice. Our task as Americans is to ensure that it does so - [Build Back Better Will Cut Taxes For All But the Top 1% of Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/16742/): Thanks to our friends at the Institute on Tax and Economic Policy, we have new data on the impact of the tax changes in the Build Back Better plan that is under consideration in the House of Representatives as I write. The first table looks at the average change in taxes for families in seven - [MEMO: The Corporate Profits Minimum Tax and Why We Need It](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/what-is-the-corporate-minimum-tax-and-why-do-we-need-it/): Democrats are set to introduce a 15% corporate minimum tax as a funding mechanism for the Build Back Better plan. The Corporate Profits Minimum Tax legislation would ensure that roughly 200 corporations that report more than $1 billion in profits to shareholders pay at least a 15% tax rate on those gigantic profits. It would - [This Is How (and How Many) Pennsylvanians Are Helped by the Build Back Better Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-and-how-many-pennsylvanians-are-helped-by-the-build-back-better-plan/): Updated November 18, 2021. President Biden’s Build Back Better plan is an unprecedented and transformative plan to better the lives of all Americans—Black, brown, and white; those with low, moderate, or high incomes; the youngest children and the oldest seniors. We have given an overview of the whole program—but here we want to focus on - [Uncovering Pennsylvania’s School Funding Disparity by Income](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/uncovering-pennsylvanias-school-funding-disparity-by-income/): Relative to what they need, Pennsylvania’s poorest school districts receive 35% less funding than its richest. The incredible inequities in the economic fortunes of Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts are not overcome by the current attempts by the state and federal government to provide poorer districts with more funding. Need-adjusted total spending per student in the - [Speaker Cutler's Attack on the Principles of the Founding Fathers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/speaker-cutlers-attack-on-the-principles-of-the-founding-fathers/): The State Government Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives plans to take up two proposed constitutional amendments proposed by Speaker Cutler that are a direct and serious attack on the Pennsylvania Constitution and the entire framework of government designed by the founders of our country. Indeed, it is hard to think of any constitutional - [What the Infrastructure Bill Does for Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-the-infrastructure-bill-affects-pennsylvania/): Under the formulas contained in the bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will bring $17.8 billion in new spending to Pennsylvania or over $1,400 for each resident of the state. (The state will be able to apply for additional funds as well that could bring the total of spending in Pennsylvania up to $50 - [PRESS RELEASE: 'What to Expect When You’re Expecting New Legislative Districts: Why the New District Maps Will Look So Different'](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-new-legislative-districts-why-the-new-district-maps-will-look-so-different/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kirstin Snow — snow@pennbpc.org REPORT: What to Expect When You’re Expecting New Legislative Districts: Why the New District Maps Will Look So Different Harrisburg, PA — Today the PA Budget and Policy Center released a report on new legislative district maps and why they'll look different from previous iterations. Marc Stier, - [RELEASE: From Cutback to Comeback: A Path Forward for Scranton and Its School District](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-from-cutback-to-comeback-a-path-forward-for-scranton-and-its-school-district/): For Immediate Release November 4, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org RELEASE: From Cutback to Comeback: A Path Forward for Scranton and Its School District PA Budget and Policy Center Releases New Paper Outlining Challenges Faced by Scranton Schools, Community Harrisburg, PA—The recovery plan developed for Scranton public schools by a state-appointed “Recovery Officer” - [From Cutback to Comeback: A Path Forward for Scranton and Its School District](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/from-cutback-to-comeback-a-path-forward-for-scranton-and-its-school-district/): READ REPORT FULL-PAGE OR DOWNLOAD HERE. - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and DC – October 12, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-october-12-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Build Back Better will help secure the middle class AND make our tax system fairer. Make sure to contact your member of Congress today to help make this plan a reality. See below to take action. In Solidarity, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director BY KRC/PBPC “Build Back Better” Bill Will Help - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and D.C. – October 4, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-october-4-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The coming weeks will be critical to the Build Back Better agenda in Washington. The package of bills will address structural inequities in our economy, critical infrastructure needs, and climate change. If you want to lower child care costs, lower health care costs, lower taxes for families with children, lower taxes - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and DC – Sept. 27, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-sept-28-2021/) - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and D.C. – Sept. 21, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-sept-23-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The pandemic is not over as a public health crisis and an economic crisis. Read below about ways that the federal and state governments can address what working people are facing and help to end these twin crises. In Solidarity, Stephen HerzenbergExecutive Director New Census Data on Poverty, Income, and Health - [The Update: What's Going On in Harrisburg and D.C. – Sept. 13, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-going-on-in-harrisburg-and-d-c-sept-14-2021/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR As Congress debates the best way to address our nation's twin climate and economic crises, ReImagine Appalachia—a coalition of labor, policy experts, and community leaders—is laying out a plan for the future with calls for urgent climate action and good union jobs to create economic justice. Read below about our work - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and DC – August 16, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-update-whats-important-in-harrisburg-and-dc-august-16-2021/) - [The Update: What's Important in Harrisburg and DC – August 10, 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/16049/): MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Recovery from the economic consequences will take a long time, and we need to get the policy solutions right to make it work. Take a look below for our recommendations for housing, small business, and other areas. In Solidarity, Stephen Herzenberg Executive Director NEW REPORT There’s No Place Like - [The Build Back Better Framework: A Transformative Plan for 21st-Century America](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-build-back-better-framework-a-transformative-plan-for-21st-century-america/): President Biden’s Build Back Better framework is an unprecedented and transformative plan to better the lives of all Americans—Black, brown, and white; those with low, moderate, or high incomes; the youngest children and the oldest seniors. It will help families care for children while making quality pre-K available to all 3- and 4-year-olds. It will - [Press Release: KRC, ReImagine Appalachia Highlight Pivotal Importance of Build Back Better to NE PA as Pres. Biden Visits Scranton](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-krc-reimagine-appalachia-highlight-pivotal-importance-of-build-back-better-to-ne-pa-as-pres-biden-visits-scranton/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Keystone Research Center and ReImagine Appalachia Highlight Pivotal Importance of Build Back Better to NE PA as President Biden Visits Scranton Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org, 215-510-9336 Harrisburg, October 20, 2021: President Biden speaks this afternoon at 5:15 pm at the Electric Trolley Museum in the town of his birth, Scranton, Pennsylvania. Keystone Research Center director, - [Latest PA Jobs Report Shows Cutting Unemployment Benefits Won't Drive People Back to Work](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/latest-pa-jobs-report-shows-cutting-unemployment-benefits-wont-drive-people-back-to-work/): Subject: The Latest PA Jobs Report Clearly Shows That Cutting Unemployment Benefits Won’t Drive People Back to Work FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2021 The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry released the preliminary jobs report for Pennsylvania Friday. Keystone Research Center economist and executive director Stephen Herzenberg is available for comment at 717-805-2318 or - [The “Billionaire Tax”: What It Is and Why We Need It](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-billionaire-tax-what-it-is-and-why-we-need-it/): UPDATE: Senator Ron Wyden has released his "Billionaires Income Tax" legislation—read the language of the bill here: https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Billionaires%20Income%20Tax.pdf. As negotiations between President Biden and House and Senate members over the Build Back Better plan have developed in the last few weeks, a new tax proposal to fund the close to $2 billion investment in health - [Sorry, Scrooges, But the Claim That Unemployment Benefits Keep People from Working Is Humbug](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/sorry-scrooges-but-the-claim-that-unemployment-benefits-keep-people-from-working-is-humbug/): When it comes to working people, most big corporations love the stick but can’t abide the carrot—like Scrooge before he was visited by several ghosts. Business advocates want people to work at terrible jobs and stay impoverished, not work at good jobs that pay well. In the short run, driving down wages is good for - [What a Path to Legalization for Undocumented Immigrants Means for Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/what-a-path-to-legalization-for-undocumented-immigrants-means-for-pennsylvania/): Last week, the House Judiciary Committee conducted a markup for a legislative proposal that details a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure holders (DED). This is a $107.5 billion instruction that will eventually be combined with the Build Back Better reconciliation bill federally. The markup focuses on - [Who's Right About Revenue Growth?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/whos-right-about-revenue-growth/): The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) and Corbett administration are at odds over how much Pennsylvania will collect in taxes and other revenue for the remainder of 2013-14 and all of the 2014-15 fiscal year — to the tune of roughly $375 million. That's a little over 1% of what is expected to be spent in - ["Build Back Better" Bill Will Help Build and Secure the Middle Class](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/build-back-better-bill-will-help-build-and-secure-the-middle-class/): Most people in America identify as middle class, even on the lower and higher ends of the income spectrum. One survey found that a third of individuals who have a family income of less than $30,000 a year think of themselves as middle class. On the other end of the spectrum, 51% of those with - [The "Build Back Better" Bill Would Make our Tax System Fairer: A Look at the Impact on Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-build-back-better-bill-would-make-our-tax-system-fairer-a-look-at-the-impact-on-pennsylvania/): The Build Back Better bill, which was recently approved by the House Ways and Means Committee, would make our tax system fairer by raising taxes on the top 5% of income earners in 2022 and cutting taxes for other income groups. It would raise $2.1 trillion over 10 years by raising individual income taxes on - [We The People – PA Statement on Senate Bill 878](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/we-the-people-pa-statement-on-senate-bill-878/): We The People – PA is encouraged by the bipartisan Senate effort to find improvements in our electoral process. We welcome senators’ attention to real problems instead of reinforcing myths about the 2020 election. The bill has some good elements but some that concern us as well. So, we also welcome the opportunity that Senators - [The Prospects for Progress in DC](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-prospects-for-progress-in-dc/): News stories from Washington, D.C., are beginning to remind us of a melodrama with one cliffhanger after another—and they got worse after Speaker Pelosi decided not to hold a vote on the infrastructure bill last night. The key question appears to be: “will division between progressives and moderates in the Democratic party” be overcome so - [On Juneteenth: White Supremacy Survives in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-juneteenth-white-supremacy-survives-in-pennsylvania/): Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday, is a day to remember. It’s a day to remember the end of slavery in the United States. It’s a day to remember the stain of the enslavement of Black people in the United States. And it should also be a day to remember that we haven't overcome the white - [HB 1800: A Partisan Attack on the Voters of PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/hb-1800-a-partisan-attack-on-the-voters-of-pa/): Today, the House State Government Committee, chaired by Representative Seth Grove, will hold a hearing on HB 1800, a bill that is a partisan attack on the right to vote in Pennsylvania. It is not actually designed to—nor will it become—law. It exists so that Representative Grove and other right-wing Republicans can continue to support - [New Census Data on Poverty, Income, and Health Coverage Show Need for Robust Federal Recovery Package](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-census data on-poverty-income-and-health-coverage-show-need-for-robust-federal-recovery-package/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org; 215.510.9336 New Census Data on Poverty, Income, and Health Coverage Show Need for Robust Federal Recovery Package The economic loss and hardship of COVID-19 and its new variants are far from over for Pennsylvania communities – particularly Pennsylvanians of color and those with low incomes. The need for strong public investments - [Keystone Research Center Releases New Brief for Local Governments: 'Considerations on American Rescue Plan Funds for Pennsylvania’s Local Governments'](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-releases-new-brief-for-local-governments-considerations-on-american-rescue-plan-funds-for-pennsylvanias-local-governments/) - [Considerations on American Rescue Plan Funds for Pennsylvania’s Local Governments](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/considerations-on-american-rescue-plan-funds-for-pennsylvanias-local-governments/): DOWNLOAD HERE. - [Visual Event in Allentown, PA: Advocates Rally for the Build Back Better Agenda and Taxing the Rich, Thanking U.S. Rep. Susan Wild for Her Strong Support for the Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/visual-event-in-allentown-advocates-rally-for-the-build-back-better-agenda-and-taxing-the-rich-thanking-us-rep-susan-wild-for-her-strong-support-for-the-plan/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org; 215.510.9336 RELEASE – Visual Event Held at 9th & Hamilton Streets in Allentown: Advocates Rally for the Build Back Better Agenda and Taxing the Rich, Thanking US Rep. Susan Wild for her Strong Support for the Plan [Includes links to video & photos supplied by event organizers] Allentown, PA—Last evening, the - [The 99% PA Joins National Campaign to Hold PA Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick Accountable for Siding with the Rich Instead of Building Back Better](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-99-pa-joins-national-campaign-to-hold-pa-rep-brian-fitzpatrick-accountable-for-siding-with-the-rich-instead-of-building-back-better/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org; 215.510.9336 The 99% PA Campaign Joins National Campaign to Hold Representative Brian Fitzpatrick Accountable for Siding with the Rich Instead of Building Back Better Campaign will be kicked off by a week of action to hold Republicans accountable for their refusal to back popular and necessary economic policies. - [ReImagine Appalachia Implores WV Senator Joe Manchin to Help West Virginians and Support the "Build Back Better" Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/reimagine-appalachia-imploring-wv-senator-joe-manchin-to-help-west-virginians-and-support-the-build-back-better-plan/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org; 215.510.9336 REIMAGINE APPALACHIA FULL-PAGE OPEN LETTER TO SEN. MANCHIN The letter ran as a full-page ad in Sunday’s Charleston Gazette-Mail and implored Sen. Manchin to support a major funding package that would create good union jobs in 21st-century industries for all West Virginians, as well as for those - [On the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee Hearing on the 2020 Election](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-the-senate-intergovernmental-operations-committee-hearing/): Rather than address the needs of Pennsylvania workers, small business owners, and families still suffering from the effect of the pandemic, the Republican-led Pennsylvania Senate begins yet another round of hearings about the 2020 election today—an election that most Pennsylvanians believe was settled in January. It is important to put this hearing in its proper - [PRESENTATION: State of Working Pennsylvania 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/presentation-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2021/): Read the State of Working Pennsylvania 2021 report. - [Doubling of PA Billionaire Wealth—Almost All Tax-Free—Shows Need for Biden's Investment & Tax Plans](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/doubling-of-pa-billionaire-wealth-almost-all-tax-free-shows-need-for-bidens-investment-tax-plans/): Download here. - [Keystone Research Center Releases Annual Report on Working Families, COVID-19 Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-releases-annual-report-on-working-families-covid-19-crisis/): For Immediate Release September 1, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow snow@pennbpc.org 215-510-9336 Keystone Research Annual State of Working PA Highlights Critical Need for Continued Federal and State Action on the Economy HARRISBURG — Today the Keystone Research Center released its annual State of Working PA report. Stephen Herzenberg, economist and executive director of Keystone Research Center, - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2021/): DOWNLOAD REPORT HERE. See the State of Working Pennsylvania 2021 presentation. - [The PA Budget: A Disgrace and Dereliction of Duty](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-disgrace-dereliction-of-duty/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2021 Contact: Adrienne Standley standley@pennbpc.org 717-805-8466 Statement by Marc Stier, Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center The General Fund budget being presented today is a disgrace and a dereliction of duty. The state is flush with more than $10 billion in our federal and state tax dollars which could be - [Reps. Madeleine Dean and Dwight Evans Join the 99% PA and Advocates to Rally for the Build Back Better Agenda and Taxing the Ultra-Rich](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/reps-madeleine-dean-and-dwight-evans-join-the-99-pa-and-advocates-to-rally-for-the-build-back-better-agenda-and-taxing-the-ultra-rich/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org text 215-510-9336 RELEASE- TODAY 7:45 PM- Visual Event Held at 5th and Arch: Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Congressmen Dwight Evans and Brendan Boyle, Advocates Rally for the Build Back Better Agenda and Taxing the Ultra-Rich Philadelphia, PA—Today Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Congressmen Dwight Evans and Brendan Boyle, - [U.S. House Adoption of $3.5 Trillion Budget Resolution Advances the Build Back Better Agenda's Enactment of Investments in American Jobs, Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/u-s-house-adoption-of-3-5-trillion-budget-resolution-advances-the-build-back-better-agendas-enactment-of-investments-in-american-jobs-families/): U.S. House adoption of $3.5 trillion budget resolution advances the Build Back Better agenda toward enactment of transformational investments in American jobs, families Senate and House committees must protect and deliver on a once-in-a-generation investment in good-paying jobs, affordable housing and childcare, and bold investments in education and health care HARRISBURG, PA – Jeff Garis, - [A Crisis of the Heart and Home: The Supreme Court Striking Down Eviction Moratoriums Will Lead to Another Housing Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-crisis-of-the-heart-and-home-the-supreme-court-striking-down-eviction-moratoriums-will-lead-to-another-housing-crisis/): The Supreme Court recently struck down the CDC eviction moratorium, which sets the stage for a wave of eviction filings and ends critical protection for housing insecure low-income residents and people of color. The federal eviction moratorium was a lifeline for thousands of families in Pennsylvania, keeping them safely housed during the pandemic. Over the - [TESTIMONY: Maisum Murtaza Makes Remarks on Immigrants & DL Access Before Committee Hearing on Transportation and Driver’s Licenses](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/testimony-maisum-murtaza-makes-remarks-on-immigrants-access-before-committee-hearing-on-transportation-and-drivers-licenses/): Introduction: Thank you to all members of the Transportation Committee for listening to these remarks today. My name is Maisum Murtaza, and I work as a researcher for the Keystone Research Center and Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center. We at PBPC are working hard alongside other talented researchers, advocates, and policy experts to help drive - [The U.S. Has Mismanaged COVID and Has More Deaths and Higher Joblessness as a Result](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-us-mismanaged-covid-and-has-more-deaths-and-higher-joblessness-as-a-result/): The U.S. and Pennsylvania have had extensive debate in recent months about whether policymakers should focus on reducing the spread of COVID-19 or instead reopen the economy quickly because this would reduce the economic impact of the pandemic. The conservative side in this debate has suggested that there is a trade-off between virus management and - [PRESS RELEASE: Keystone Research Center Releases 2020 Report on Working Families, COVID-19 Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-keystone-research-center-releases-2020-report-on-working-families-covid-19-crisis/): Contact: Kirstin Snow at snow@pennbpc.org, 215-510-9336 Keystone Research Center Releases Annual Report on Working Families, COVID-19 Crisis "State of Working PA 2020" highlights critical need for more federal and state action on the economy HARRISBURG — Today the Keystone Research Center released its annual State of Working PA report. Stephen Herzenberg, economist and - [The Budget Pennsylvania Needs Now: A Preview and Analysis of the Full-Year 2020 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-budget-pennsylvania-needs-now/): Download or print full document. No matter where we live, what we look like, whether we are native-born or immigrants, or whether we are struggling or getting by, the COVID-19 recession is a threat to all of us. We need the state government to do more for families and small businesses to meet that threat. - [REPORT: Pennsylvania Distributes Emergency K-12 School Funding Backwards – The Fewest Dollars Go To School Districts With the Greatest Need](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report-summary-pennsylvania-distributes-emergency-k-12-school-funding-backwards-the-fewest-dollars-go-to-school-districts-with-the-greatest-need/): REPORT: Pennsylvania Distributes Emergency K-12 School Funding Backwards—The Fewest Dollars Go to School Districts With the Greatest Need Read the full report here. Download the report brief and talking points document here. Find the Report Appendix here - "A4: County by County Distribution: Actual vs. How Funds Would Be Distributed Through the Basic Education Funding - [STATEMENT: PA CARES 21 Proposal](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-pa-cares-21-proposal/): Today, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats put forward a bold plan to borrow funds at low interest rates to provide relief to many Pennsylvanians who are still struggling with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For three reasons, it should be enacted quickly. First, it is desperately needed—not just to provide immediate relief to small businesses, - [Judicial Gerrymandering Talking Points](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/judicial-gerrymandering-talking-points/): Go here to download document. - [MEMO: Judicial Districts and Judicial Independence](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/memo-judicial-districts-and-judicial-independence/): Download document here. - [Congress, State Lawmakers, Take Heed: PA’s Workers & Small Businesses Still Hurting from COVID Crash](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/congress-state-lawmakers-take-heed-pas-workers-small-businesses-still-hurting-from-covid-crash/): Economists use multiple measures to assess the health of Pennsylvania’s economy. Special care is needed to identify reliable measures when the economy is in a downturn, including the true devastation caused by the current pandemic. This blog presents trends for two revealing short-term measures of economic health for workers and for small businesses: jobs and - [Deflection by Constitutional Amendment: On HB 55](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/deflection-by-constitutional-amendment-on-hb-55/): Republicans this week will seek to advance a constitutional amendment that would enable the General Assembly to act by a concurrent resolution to override a governor’s emergency order after 21 days. In doing so they are doubling down on their false narrative about COVID-19 and the economic crisis it created. That crisis remains severe. New - [Expanding the Child Tax Credit as Part of Biden’s American Rescue Plan Would Reduce Poverty in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/expanding-the-child-tax-credit-as-part-of-bidens-american-rescue-plan-would-reduce-poverty-in-pa/): President Biden’s first COVID-19 relief proposal—the American Rescue Plan—includes a significant expansion of the child tax credit (CTC), increasing funding nationally by $125 billion. Expanding the CTC, along with the other proposals in the American Rescue Plan, namely extending SNAP benefits; sending out direct payments of $1,400; and extending unemployment benefits would cut child poverty - [RELEASE: Pennsylvania Billionaires Got $4.3 Billion Richer Over First 10 Months of Pandemic](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-pennsylvania-billionaires-got-4-3-billion-richer-over-first-10-months-of-pandemic/): Download the release here. - [States Can Choose a Better Path for Higher Ed Funding in COVID-19 Recession: A Pennsylvania Perspective](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/states-can-choose-a-better-path-for-higher-ed-funding-in-a-covid-19-recession-a-pennsylvania-perspective/): LINK TO THE CENTER ON BUDGET & POLICY PRIORITIES REPORT: "STATES CAN CHOOSE A BETTER PATH FOR HIGHER ED FUNDING IN COVID-19 RECESSION" Go here to download the PDF below. - [PA Needs Immediate Action From Congress to Pass the American Rescue Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-needs-immediate-action-from-congress-to-pass-the-american-rescue-plan/): Pennsylvania needs immediate action from Congress to pass the American Rescue Plan It’s been one year since the first known coronavirus deaths in the United States, and half a million Americans have lost their lives to the pandemic, including nearly 24,000 in Pennsylvania. Millions more have been sickened, putting intense pressure on our health care - [Fast Facts: This Is Who Benefits From an Increased Minimum Wage in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fast-facts-this-is-who-benefits-from-an-increased-minimum-wage-in-pa/): DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT HERE. Read our report "Minimum Wage Increase to $15 Means More Income for 1.6M in PA" here. - [Pizza and the Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pizza-and-the-minimum-wage/): Originally published at Penn-Live on April 09, 2019 Spend a little time talking to Republican (and some Democratic) legislators about raising the minimum wage, and they will eventually tell you about their friend who owns a pizza shop and opposes an increase. This is the story the pizza shop owners appear to tell our legislators: If the - [Minimum Wage Increase to $15 Means More Income for 1.6M in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/minimum-wage-increase-to-15-means-more-income-for-1-6m-in-pa/): DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT HERE. Read our "Fast Facts" sheet about the minimum wage increase here. - [Analysis of the Pennsylvania 2021-22 Executive Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-of-the-governors-2021-executive-budget/): DOWNLOAD HERE. - [2021 Pennsylvania Budget Analysis Webinar](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/2021-pennsylvania-budget-analysis-webinar/): DOWNLOAD HERE. - [New Data on Jobs and Small Businesses Show the Need for American Rescue Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-data-on-jobs-and-small-businesses-show-the-need-for-american-rescue-plan/): Updated April 22, 2021: Since the publishing date of this blog, there has been new state jobs data released for March 2021. According to the new data, Pennsylvania's total nonfarm jobs are still 414,000 jobs lower in March 2021 than the reference point of February 2020. The level of total jobs continues to be lower in - [KRC Joins Other Experts in Making Recommendations to the Biden Administration on How to Achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/krc-joins-other-experts-in-making-recommendations-to-the-biden-administration-on-how-to-achieve-the-uns-sustainable-development-goals/): In 2015, the United Nations Member States, including the U.S., unanimously approved 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. These goals are nonbinding, and each nation is to implement them based on its own priorities and circumstances. In the April issue of the Environmental Law Reporter (ELR), 22 experts recommend steps that - [Keystone Research Center Partners on Sustainable Development Recommendations to the Biden Administration—Making America a Better Place for All](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-partners-on-sustainable-development-recommendations-to-the-biden-administration-making-america-a-better-place-for-all/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org Harrisburg, PA: In 2015, the United Nations Member States, including the United States, unanimously approved 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. These goals are nonbinding, and each nation is to implement them based on its own priorities and circumstances. In the - [How Will Pennsylvania Use its ARP Funds?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-will-pa-use-arp-funds/): Click here for the downloadable version. - [It’s Time to Invest in Affordable, High-Speed Broadband for All](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/its-time-to-invest-in-affordable-high-speed-broadband-for-all/): Both Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center’s education work in Pennsylvania and Keystone Research Center’s work on the four-state (PA, OH, WV, KY) ReImagine Appalachia campaign have underscored the importance of affordable, high-speed broadband. To reinforce this message, KRC used the occasion of a U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce May 6 broadband hearing, “Broadband - [The Economic Contributions of Pennsylvania's Immigrants](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-economic-contributions-of-pas-immigrants/): Click here for downloadable PDF. - [Using Federal Funds to Build a Stronger PA: Treasury Guidance on How State and Local Governments Can Use American Rescue Plan Funds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/using-federal-funds-to-build-a-stronger-pa-treasury-guidance-on-how-state-and-local-governments-can-use-american-rescue-plan-funds/): The much-awaited Treasury guidance on how states and local governments can use American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds is now in. The ARP will provide a massive influx of funds—$350 billion nationally—to state and local coffers. State and local governments will need to make decisions about how to spend this money quickly. But to spend this - [The Race Horse Development Fund: How Pennsylvanians Bankroll the Sport of Kings](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-race-horse-development-fund-how-pennsylvanians-bankroll-the-sport-of-kings/): Click here for a downloadable version. - [This Is What Permanent ARP / AFP Child Tax Credit Changes Would Do for Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/if-the-afps-tax-credit-changes-were-made-permanent-how-would-this-affect-pennsylvanians/): The American Rescue Plan (ARP) has made significant changes to federal tax policy, expanding and strengthening the child tax credit (CTC) and the earned income tax credit (EITC). President Biden’s American Families Plan (AFP) proposal would permanently extend these changes. Here is why that is a good idea. Child Tax Credit The child tax credit - [44 Groups Call on Congress Members to Support President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/groups-call-on-congress-members-to-support-president-bidens-american-jobs-plan-and-american-families-plan/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2021 Contact: Jeff Garis, garis@pennbpc.org Forty-four Pennsylvania-based organizations send letter to state's 18 U.S. representatives and Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, urging congressional delegation support for Biden recovery plan Diverse array of groups calls on members of Congress to support and strengthen the president’s American Jobs Plan and American - [Not According to Need: PA Again Shorts Counties with More Renters, Higher Rents, and Larger Black Populations](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/not-according-to-need-pa-again-shorts-counties-with-more-renters-higher-rents-and-larger-black-populations/): Go here to download the report. - [PA’s Emergency Rental Assistance Shorts Counties with Most Renters in Need](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pas-emergency-rental-assistance-falls-short-in-helping-renters-in-need/): As Pennsylvania lawmakers wrangle over how our state should use American Rescue Plan funds, we must look at the state's decisions in allocating earlier federal aid to ensure assistance is reaching those in need. The Emergency Rental Assistance program (ERA1), established with December’s federal aid package, the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2021, provided funding to - [Memo: The Budget No One Wants](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/memo-the-budget-no-one-wants/): To: Editorial boards, columnists, political reporters, and other interested parties From: Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget and Policy Center Re: 2021-22 Pennsylvania Budget Date: June 22, 2021 We may not know the details of the Pennsylvania General Fund budget that the General Assembly will adopt until sometime tomorrow. But the overall shape of the budget - [PA Republican Logic: Reject The Needs of Pennsylvanians and Democracy As Well](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-republican-logic-reject-the-needs-of-pennsylvanians-and-democracy-as-well/): Flush with $10 billion in $7.3 billion in federal funds and a $3-billion, current-year surplus—all of which comes from our taxes—the Republican majority enacted a budget that neither provides much relief from the pandemic nor includes public investments to reduce our state’s glaring economic and racial inequity. And while ignoring those problems, the Republican majority - [Blockbuster Investigation on Tax Avoidance Shows Clear Need for Bold Federal Tax Changes ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/blockbuster-investigation-on-tax-avoidance-shows-clear-need-for-bold-federal-tax-changes/): Last month’s ProPublica revelations identified what many experts, some lawmakers, and a majority of Americans already knew about the U.S. tax code: Policymakers over the past several decades have created a system that allows some of the nation’s wealthiest individuals to pay little or no federal income tax each year. Ongoing negotiations over the next round of recovery legislation give Congress an opportunity to reverse course by closing - [Keystone Research Center Applauds Sen. Casey’s Historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Proposal](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-applauds-sen-caseys-historic-civilian-conservation-corps-ccc-proposal/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org; 215.510.9336 July 22, 2021 Bill Would Deliver Triple Bottom-Line Payoff in Jobs, Economic Justice, & Climate Harrisburg, PA—The Keystone Research Center today applauded the public release of the historic “REVIVE the CCC Act of 2021” by Pennsylvania senator Robert P. Casey Jr. and called for its full funding - [STATEMENT: The Shortfall in Rental Assistance Is a Policy Choice](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-the-shortfall-in-rental-assistance-is-a-policy-choice/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org STATEMENT: The Shortfall in Rental Assistance Is a Policy Choice According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, 45,000 households have applied for rental assistance as of Friday, August 6. But the City of Philadelphia only has enough funding to provide help for half of them, and - [Testimony to the House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on Childcare in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/testimony-to-the-house-democratic-policy-committee-hearing-on-childcare-in-pennsylvania/): Written by Diana Polson and delivered by Katy Personette, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today on the critical importance of state investment in our childcare system. At this point, we are all aware of the tremendous impact that high-quality childcare and early childhood education have on a - [Judicial Gerrymandering Is Back](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/judicial-gerrymandering-is-back/): Republicans who control the Pennsylvania House of Representatives couldn’t find time to raise the minimum wage this week. But they did find time to take revenge on Pennsylvania judges for protecting our rights to vote and to have Congressional districts that are not gerrymandered in their favor. They did this by passing a proposed amendment - [The Public College Affordability Gap Looms Large for Pennsylvania Students](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-public-college-affordability-gap-looms-large-for-pennsylvania-students/): This time of year, high school seniors are applying to colleges, and some are even beginning to hear back from the schools of their choice. And in the next few months, they will be weighing their options and trying to make smart choices. Unfortunately for students in Pennsylvania, the hurdles (read: COSTS) are greater than - [The Moral Equivalent of Wartime Equality: Public Policies in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-moral-equivalent-of-wartime-equality-public-policies-in-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic-in-pennsylvania/): The coronavirus poses a number of serious challenges to every country and to every state in the nation, and the challenge is not just to our health but to our political and economic institutions as a whole. This devastating virus will not just spread illness and death, and undermine our economy and our lives, but - [The Economy Is Dropping Like a Stone—Even More Aggressive Policies Are Needed](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-economy-is-dropping-like-a-stone-even-more-aggressive-policies-needed/): The economy, almost literally, is dropping like a stone. This blog summarizes the most recent evidence and points to what it means for federal and state economic and jobs policy. Our Plunging Economy On April 2, the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) revised its estimates on the economic impact of the COVID crash. EPI projects Pennsylvania - [Statement on HB 2412: Is Real Estate Really Essential?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-hb-2412-is-real-estate-really-essential/): We want to reiterate our opposition to HB 2412 even as amended, a bill to require the secretary of Community and Economic Development to issue waivers to allow real estate-related business activities to continue provided that they adhere to “applicable mitigation measures defined by the CDC…” As we have pointed out, with regard to broader - [STATEMENT: Senator Mastriano’s Proposed Election Inquisition](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-statement-on-senator-mastrianos-proposed-election-inquisition/): There is no evidence to suggest any serious flaws in the 2020 election process—the results have been thoroughly scrutinized. Senator Douglas Mastriano’s ongoing efforts to suggest otherwise are like ghost stories, intended to make people uneasy or frightened. The inquiry Senator Mastriano proposes would be enormously costly and a logistical nightmare to manage. He is - [The PA Budget and Policy Center Commends Pres. Biden, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, and Bipartisan Negotiators for Advancing Vital Infrastructure Investment Legislation](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-the-pa-budget-and-policy-center-commends-pres-biden-senate-majority-leader-schumer-and-bipartisan-negotiators-for-advancing-legislation-that-makes-vital-infrastructure-investments/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kirstin Snow; snow@pennbpc.org; 215.510.9336 July 29, 2021 The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Commends President Biden, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, and Bipartisan Negotiators for Advancing Legislation that Makes Vital Investments in Infrastructure, Jobs Harrisburg, PA—The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center today commended President Joe Biden, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, - [Lifting the Curtain on Cruelty and Death in Pennsylvania's Horse Racing Industry](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/lifting-the-curtain-on-cruelty-and-death-in-pennsylvanias-horse-racing-industry/): Each year over $200 million in taxpayer money is used to subsidize Pennsylvania's horse racing industry. Join Education Voters and Horseracing Wrongs for a webinar about PA’s horse racing industry and the cruelty and violence that undergird it. There are better uses for more than $200 million per year in taxpayer money than subsidizing cruelty - [Live Stream: How Youth Can Make a Difference this Election](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-youth-can-make-a-difference-this-election/): In this live stream, Kadida Kenner, the director of campaigns for the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, and Srilekha, an AMP Elections fellow, discuss the importance of the youth voice this election, and what young people can do to be involved in the political process. https://youtu.be/zIFvbLC0ygE - [Zoom Meeting: Updates About Federal COVID Relief and PA's State Budget for FY2020-21 - Oct 8, 2020](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/zoom-meeting-updates-about-federal-covid-relief-and-pas-state-budget-for-fy2020-21-oct-8-2020/): This Zoom meeting was hosted by The 99% Pennsylvania, a campaign convened by the Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Center (PBPC), to provide an update on the status of negotiations for a federal coronavirus relief package, an overview of how Pennsylvania's economy & fiscal health are being impacted by the pandemic, and a presentation of several - [U.S. Senate Vote on $3.5 Trillion Budget Resolution Begins Process for Enacting Pres. Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/u-s-senate-vote-on-3-5-trillion-budget-resolution-begins-process-for-enacting-pres-bidens-build-back-better-agenda/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org U.S. SENATE VOTE ON $3.5 TRILLION BUDGET RESOLUTION BEGINS PROCESS FOR ENACTING PRESIDENT BIDEN’S BUILD BACK BETTER AGENDA AND MAKING BOLD INVESTMENTS IN AMERICAN FAMILIES, JOBS Continued effort needed to deliver good-paying jobs, affordable housing and childcare, and bold investments in education and health care - [Understanding the Numbers in a Budget Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/understanding-the-numbers-in-a-budget-crisis/): This Reports and Briefing Papers compares the three budget propasls comimng out of Harrisburg: Governor Wolf‰'s budget proposal, the Republican budget, and the bi-partisan budget. The report focuses especially on the differences and similarities among these three budgets with respect to proposed General Fund spending as a share of the state economy and spending on - [STATEMENT: Infrastructure Bill Passed with Bipartisan Support in the U.S. Senate Makes Long-Overdue Invesetments, but More Must Be Done](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-infrastructure-bill-passed-with-bipartisan-support-in-the-u-s-senate-makes-long-overdue-invesetments-but-more-must-be-done/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 10, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org STATEMENT: INFRASTRUCTURE BILL PASSED WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN THE U.S. SENATE MAKES LONG-OVERDUE INVESTMENTS, BUT MORE MUST BE DONE TO ADVANCE A ROBUST AND EQUITABLE RECOVERY Build Back Better reconciliation bill must be enacted to deliver good-paying jobs, affordable housing and childcare, and bold investments - [Election Reform Enacted!](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/election-reform-enacted/): Yesterday, Governor Wolf signed Act 77, historic legislation that expands the opportunity to vote in Pennsylvania. The legislation includes the following provisions: No excuse mail-in voting: The law creates a new option to vote by mail without providing an excuse, which is currently required for voters using absentee ballots. Pennsylvania joins 31 other states and the - [Small Businesses and Workers Need Help From the State—And Each Other](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/small-businesses-and-workers-need-help-from-the-state-and-each-other/): Thanks to the American Rescue Plan enacted by President Biden, we're seeing the economy recover faster than people suspected was possible when we were in the depths of the pandemic recession nine months ago. But that recovery doesn’t include everyone. Small businesses and many working people are still hurting. They need Pennsylvania’s government to help - [PA Budget Summit 2021, Workshop: Pennsylvania’s Housing Crisis — The Scope of the Crisis and the Policies to Address It](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-summit-workshop-pennsylvanias-housing-crisis-the-scope-of-the-crisis-and-the-policies-to-address-it/): PA Budget Summit 2021: Day 2, March 18. A discussion of the scope of the housing crisis in Pennsylvania, and how the pandemic has changed or deepened the housing crisis. We covered policy proposals that are currently being discussed in the legislature, proposals that are in the works, and how to address the full scope - [PA Budget Summit 2021, Day 1: PBPC's Analysis of Gov. Wolf's Proposed 2021-22 State Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-summit-2021-day-1-pbpcs-analysis-of-gov-wolfs-proposed-2021-22-state-budget/): For the opening plenary of the Keystone Research Center/PA Budget and Policy Center 2021 Budget Summit, PBPC director Marc Stier and senior policy analyst Diana Polson provide an overview of PBPC's in-depth analysis of the state budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2021-22, with a focus on the challenges facing the Commonwealth twelve months into the - [PA Budget Summit 2021, Day 1: Keynote Speech Delivered By Governor Tom Wolf](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-summit-2021-day-1-keynote-speech-delivered-by-governor-tom-wolf/): We were honored to welcome Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf as the keynote speaker for our 2021 Budget Summit! Governor Wolf delivered the keynote speech and took questions from attendees during this plenary session on the opening day of the Budget Summit. https://youtu.be/0IbaQpknuNo - [PA Budget Summit 2021, Workshop: Pennsylvania's School Funding System — Inadequate, Inequitable and Unconstitutional](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-summit-workshop-pennsylvanias-school-funding-system-inadequate-inequitable-and-unconstitutional/): PA Budget Summit 2021: Day 2, March 18. Attorneys from the Education Law Center and Public Interest Law Center shared information about Pennsylvania's school funding lawsuit, which will go to trial in 2021. And Susan Spicka from Education Voters of PA discussed proposed reforms to Pennsylvania's outdated charter school law that will save money and - [PA Budget Summit 2021, Workshop: Supporting Campaigns for Immigrant Rights in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-summit-workshop-supporting-campaigns-for-immigrant-rights-in-pennsylvania/): PA Budget Summit 2021: Day 3, March 25. The workshop featured key findings from research produced by the Keystone Research Center and the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, examining the many contributions immigrants bring to the commonwealth. The workshop also featured key leaders of campaigns for immigrant rights in the state. Panelists discussed current and - [PA Budget Summit 2021, Workshop: Towards Racial Equity in Pennsylvania Public Policy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-summit-workshop-towards-racial-equity-in-pennsylvania-public-policy/): PA Budget Summit 2021: Day 3, March 25. This workshop examines the racial inequities that exist in Pennsylvania and the policy solutions that can advance equity in the Commonwealth. Set up as a panel discussion, this workshop features Rep. Napoleon Nelson and Rep. Donna Bullock, both of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, with PBPC associate - [PA Budget Summit 2021, Workshop: Organizing and Mobilizing During a Pandemic](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/budget-summit-2021-workshop-organizing-and-mobilizing-during-a-pandemic/): The workshop features creative ideas and tactics for mobilizing advocates and activists in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic when social distancing and other necessary protective measures prevent the use of traditional organizing activities and actions. Presenters included the staff of the We The People - PA campaign and organizers from the campaign's partner organizations. - [PA Budget Summit 2021: Legislative Panel Discussion (Closing Plenary)](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-summit-2021-legislative-panel-discussion-closing-plenary/): The closing plenary session for the 2021 Pennsylvania Budget Summit was a legislative panel discussion featuring state lawmakers, who are putting forward a bold, progressive vision for Pennsylvania. The discussion was moderated by Corinna Vecsey Wilson, the founder and president of Willson500, Inc., who again brought her expertise and communication skills to this popular feature - [PA Budget Summit 2021, Workshop: ReImagine Appalachia: Towards a Climate Infrastructure Stimulus](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/budget-summit-2021-workshop-reimagine-appalachia-towards-a-climate-infrastructure-stimulus/): ReImagine Appalachia: Towards a Climate Infrastructure Stimulus that Kick Starts a "New Deal That Works for US" in the Ohio River Valley states (PA, OH, WV, KY) Reimagine Appalachia is a broad and inclusive coalition of individuals and organizations spanning the Ohio River Valley in north-central Appalachia—SW PA, SE OH, WV, and eastern KY. Reimagine - [We The People - PA: People’s Budget Statewide Roll-Out and Town Hall](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/we-the-people-pa-peoples-budget-statewide-roll-out-and-town-hall/): A budget is a moral document; it is a statement of our values and priorities. We The People - PA seeks a budget that works for everyone, Black and White, Latinx, Asian, rich and poor, native-born and immigrants. The goal of this event was to look at the challenges faced by our state government in - [Statement on Need to Pivot to Reinvestment in Wake of Consolidation of PASSHE Schools](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-need-to-pivot-to-reinvestment-in-wake-of-consolidation-of-passhe-schools/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org Statement on need to pivot to reinvestment in wake of consolidation of PASSHE schools By Marc Stier The decision by the PASSHE board of governors to adopt a radical consolidation plan is disappointing and may ultimately be self-defeating. It accommodates, and perpetuates, a failed 40-year - [Missing the Target: PA Emergency Rental Assistance Shorts Communities with Greatest Need ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/missing-the-target-pa-emergency-rental-assistance-shorts-communities-with-greatest-need/): Click here to print and read PDF full screen. - [Jeff Garis of the Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Center & The 99% PA talks Sen. Toomey & COVID-19](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/jeff-garis-of-the-pennsylvania-budget-policy-center-the-99-pa-talks-sen-toomey-covid-19/): Jeff Garis heads The 99% Pennsylvania and is the director of outreach and engagement of the PA Budget and Policy Center, a nonpartisan, statewide policy research project that provides independent, credible analysis on state tax, budget, and related policy matters. We discuss how Pennsylvania can move forward through COVID-19 and what Sen. Toomey must do - [Webinar: 2020 Governor's Budget Analysis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/video-2020-governors-budget-analysis-webinar/): We were in the last two weeks of work on this analysis of the governor’s proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2020, when the political and economic world in which we’d been living tilted on its axis. The coronavirus that is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic was creating havoc in China, - [Worker Misclassification and Wage Theft in Philadelphia Construction - TESTIMONY](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/worker-misclassification-and-wage-theft-in-philadelphia-construction-testimony/): Stephen Herzenberg testified before Philadelphia City Council today on worker misclassification and wage theft in the Philadelphia construction industry. The first part of his remarks is based on a KRC report, “Illegal Labor Practices in the Philadelphia Regional Construction Industry,” supplemented by additional research and data made public since we published that report. The last - [Opposing the State Senate’s Attempt to Reduce Access to Life-Saving Treatment During a Deadly Overdose Crisis (Opposing SB 675)](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/opposing-the-state-senates-attempt-to-reduce-access-to-live-saving-treatment-during-a-deadly-overdose-crisis-opposing-sb-675/): In the midst of a tragic overdose crisis, in the state with the third highest rate of overdose deaths in the country[i], and as we mourn more than 4,200 lives lost[ii] in our state last year to drug overdose, restricting access to life-saving addiction treatment seems counterintuitive—doesn’t it? It should, yet Pennsylvania Senate Bill 675[iii] - [On Today's Ruling on the Affordable Care Act Individual Health Insurance Mandate](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-todays-ruling-on-the-affordable-care-act-individual-health-insurance-mandate/): Today’s 2-1 decision by a federal appeals court rules the ACA’s requirement that people have health insurance is unconstitutional because Congress has repealed the tax penalty for those who don’t have health insurance. But it steps back from the conclusion reached a year ago by Federal Judge Reed O’Connor that the entire ACA is unconstitutional. - [A January Freeze](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-january-freeze/): Governor Tom Corbett announced $157 million in state spending cuts this week to resolve a midyear revenue shortfall. This marks the fifth straight year of cuts to health care, education, and human services. Weak economic growth in the first half of the fiscal year contributed to lower-than-expected revenue, but the picture, in the short term, - [Washington Launches Paid Family and Medical Leave: Pennsylvania Should Follow Suit](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/washington-launches-paid-family-and-medical-leave-pennsylvania-should-follow-suit/): We all know things come up in the course of our lives that can bring joy and/or create stress—welcoming a new child into your home, caring for a loved one who is ill, or dealing with an illness yourself. One of these life-altering events is a guarantee as we all move through different stages of - [Fact vs. Myth on the Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fact-vs-myth-on-the-minimum-wage/): A one-page version of this piece can be found here. Raising the minimum wage is not a hand-out to low-wage workers. It’s part of an effort to change the rules of our economy so that working people do better, reversing the trends of the last 40 years in which a greater share of our income - [Only Wealthy Immigrants Need Apply: The Chilling Effects of “Public Charge”](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/only-wealthy-immigrants-need-apply-the-chilling-effects-of-public-charge/): The day the new public charge rule goes into effect, the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center and the New York Fiscal Policy Institute are releasing a report demonstrating the harm it will create for Pennsylvania families, the Pennsylvania economy and state revenues. The “public charge” inadmissability test has been part of federal immigration law for - [Here Is What We Know About the COVID-19 Stimulus Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/here-is-what-we-know-about-the-covid-19-stimulus-bill/): Here is what we think we know about the bipartisan COVID-19 stimulus / relief bill that we expect the Senate to pass today. Let me be clear that lawmakers reached a deal—but the legislative text is not yet complete. Legislative staff members are working to fill in all the blanks on the agreements in order - [Choose Lives, Not Money: On a Proposed Amendment A04895 to SB 327, PN 1436](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/choose-lives-not-money-on-a-proposed-amendment-a04895-to-sb-327-pn-1436/): Governor Wolf has ordered all Pennsylvanians to stay at home except when necessary to engage in “tasks essential to maintain...the health and safety of their family and household members;” to get “necessary services or supplies for themselves or their family or household members….or to those in need;” to engage in ”outdoor activities” or to “perform - [2020 Election Expectations: High Numbers of Mail-In Votes and the Blue Shift](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/2020-election-expectations-high-number-of-mail-in-votes-and-the-blue-shift/): Go here to download the PDF. and Go here for the PowerPoint slides. - [Small Businesses and Workers Still Need Help](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/small-businesses-and-workers-still-need-help/): The state budget enacted in late June has two glaring and interrelated missing pieces: it provides little support for the small businesses and for the working people of Pennsylvania who are still suffering from the impact of the pandemic. Small businesses are still hurting. Fifteen months after the beginning of the pandemic, small business revenue - [STATEMENT: PBPC Supports Gov Wolf's Veto of the HB 1300 Voting Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-pbpc-supports-gov-wolfs-veto-of-the-hb-1300-voting-law/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow snow@pennbpc.org Statement by Marc Stier, Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Wholeheartedly Supports the Governor's Veto of HB 1300 HB 1300 would make voting harder and more complicated. It would make the election process more confusing. It is a - [Reform, Not Repeal: Pennsylvania Can Provide Property Tax Relief and Protect Public Schools](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/reform-not-repeal-pennsylvania-can-provide-property-tax-relief-and-protect-public-schools/): This paper examines the roles between property taxes and public education in Pennsylvania. Eliminating school property taxes, as some lawmakers propose, would harm Pennsylvania's public schools and would be a radical step unjustified by the facts. Instead, lawmakers should ensure that property taxes are applied more uniformly and provide targeted tax relief for seniors and - [Property Tax Relief in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/property-tax-relief-in-pennsylvania/): One of the primary issues being negotiated in the 2015-16 budget is school property tax relief. There are several proposals being considered. Each one would distribute relief differently. In this brief, we describe the basic mechanisms of property tax relief available in Pennsylvania and explain which form of relief is most likely to benefit which - [Your Activism (and c3 Dollars) at Work](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/your-activism-and-c3-dollars-at-work/): This is the second in a series of blog posts assessing the 2016-17 budget and the budget negotiation process from PBPC and its allies. Politics takes patience. Victories take time. And that goes for small victories as well as big ones. While the 2016-17 Pennsylvania budget leaves much to be desired, it does close about - [We Have a Budget for 2016-2017: What Does it Mean for Schools?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/we-have-a-budget-for-2016-2017-what-does-it-mean-for-schools/): The 2016-2017 PA budget is now complete. Yesterday a bipartisan group of lawmakers from the PA House and Senate approved a revenue package and Governor Wolf signed it into law. But what does it mean for our schools? This budget provides an increase of $200 million for K-12 Basic Education funding, $20 million for special education, and $30 million - [Don’t Take Skinny Repeal Lightly — The Dangers of the “Just Pass Something” Mentality](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/dont-take-skinny-repeal-lightly-the-dangers-of-just-pass-something-mentality/): As I write this, the Senate is moving in a somewhat haphazard way to a vote on what has been called a “skinny” repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Not only do we not know exactly what will be included in the skinny repeal, but we, like members of the Senate, are uncertain about the - [STATEMENT: On the Passage of the PA House GOP Revenue Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-passage-of-the-pa-house-gop-revenue-plan/): HARRISBURG – Marc Stier, director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, made the following statement on the passage of the House GOP revenue plan: "After a long debate that was mainly remarkable for the failure of House Republicans to adequately explain or defend their proposal to transfer $600 million from special funds into the - [KRC Files Affidavit in PA School Funding Lawsuit](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/krc-files-affidavit-in-pa-school-funding-lawsuit-2/): Last week petitioners in Pennsylvania's school funding lawsuit filed a brief and affidavits refuting the claim made by the Republican leader of the PA Senate, Joe Scarnati, that the lawsuit was rendered moot because the state adopted a school funding formula in 2016. The brief details how state funding increases have not kept pace with - [The GOP-Backed Tax Bill: A Lose-Now, Lose-More-Later Plan for Low- and Middle-Income Americans](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-gop-backed-tax-bill-a-lose-now-lose-more-later-plan-for-low-and-middle-income-americans/): GOP-backed tax bills have passed both the House and the Senate. Many of us have already seen charts that show how, under these plans, low- and middle-income families will eventually see their taxes raised (by 2027), while the top 1% sees huge savings (see, for example, the chart below showing the Senate bill’s impact on - [The Rich Get Richer: Why the Senate Tax Bill Is a Total Sham](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-rich-get-richer-why-the-senate-tax-bill-is-a-total-sham/): The Senate Republican tax plan would provide enormous, permanent tax cuts to high-income households and corporations – all while adding at least $1.5 trillion to the deficit. And to pay for its permanent tax cuts for corporations, the bill would raise taxes on many middle-income families and repeal the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, increasing - [STATEMENT: On the Governor's Plan to Securitize PLCB Profits](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-governors-plan-to-securitize-plcb-profits/): Marc Stier, director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, made the following statement after the release of the governor's plan to securitize PLCB profits. "As he recognizes, Governor Wolf’s plan to borrow $1.2 billion on the basis of Liquor Control Board profits is not an ideal or complete solution to the state budget crisis. - [STATEMENT: On President Trump's ACA-Killing Actions](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-president-trumps-aca-killing-actions/): Marc Stier, director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, made the following statement in response to President Trump's recent announcements of actions that affect the Affordable Care Act: "President Trump’s actions in the last two days put the health insurance of over 400,000 Pennsylvanians at risk. It will lead to an increase in health - [STATEMENT: On State House Revenue Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-state-house-revenue-plan/): Update noon, October 18: There is talk around the Capitol that a shale tax will come out of the House Finance Committee today and coming to a vote on the House floor later this week. This legislation must be part of the budget this year. It is the difference between a budget that takes a - [STATEMENT: On Shale Tax and Cancelled House Session](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-shale-tax-and-cancelled-house-session/): Marc Stier, director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, released the following statement on the decision by the House to cancel session days on October 23, 24, and 25: "We at the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center generally don't comment on when the House chooses to be in session. But the decision by Speaker - [STATEMENT: If the New Budget Raises the Sales Tax, It Should Also Raise the Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/if-the-new-budget-raises-the-sales-tax-it-should-also-raise-the-minimum-wage/): In light of news reports indicating a state budget agreement will include an increase in the sales tax, Keystone Research Center labor economist Dr. Mark Price released a statement urging the state to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 in the final budget agreement. If New Budget Raises Sales Tax, It Should Also Raise Minimum - [STATEMENT: Keystone Research Center on Announcement that UPMC Will Pay Workers At Least $15/Hour](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-keystone-research-center-on-announcement-that-upmc-will-pay-workers-at-least-15-hour/): This press release issues a statement from Stephen Herzenberg, executive director of the Keystone Research Center, following UPMC's announcement that they will raise the wages of all of their workers to at least $15 per hour. Stephen Herzenberg, executive director of Keystone Research Center, made the following statement on the announcement that UPMC will pay - [STATEMENT: Keystone Research Applauds Wolf Plan to Raise PA Overtime Threshold](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-keystone-research-applauds-wolf-plan-to-raise-pa-overtime-threshold/): In this press statement, Keystone Research Center executive director Stephen Herzenberg, responds to the announcement that Governor Wolf will introduce regulations to lift the salary threshold below which Pennsylvania's salaried workers would automatically receive overtime pay. According to Herzenberg, the governor's action could benefit roughly half a million Pennsylvania workers. HARRISBURG – Earlier today, Pennsylvania - [STATEMENT: Keystone Research Center Response to Senate Passage of SB 166](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-center-response-to-senate-passage-of-sb-166/): This press release issues a statement from Stephen Herzenberg, executive director of the Keystone Research Center, following the Senate's passage of SB 166, so-called "paycheck protection" legislation. HARRISBURG – Following the Senate passage of SB 166 (ending automatic payroll deductions), Stephen Herzenberg, executive director of the Keystone Research Center, made the following statement: “SB 166, - [Keystone Research Condemns U.S. House Action to Prevent States and Cities from Improving Retirement Security for Private Sector Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keystone-research-condemns-u-s-house-action-to-prevent-states-and-cities-from-improving-retirement-security-for-private-sector-workers/): This press release issues a statement by Stephen Herzenberg, economist and executive director of the Keystone Research Center, on the U.S. House of Representatives' vote on H.J. Res 66 and H.J. Res 67, which would repeal rules recently issued by the U.S. Department of Labor allowing states and large cities to create retirement security plans - [STATEMENT: KRC Condemns U.S. Senate Action to Prevent Cities from Improving Retirement Security for Private Sector Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-krc-condemns-u-s-senate-action-to-prevent-cities-from-improving-retirement-security-for-private-sector-workers/): This press release issues a statement by Keystone Research Center executive director Stephen Herzenberg on the Senate's vote on H.J. Resolution 67, legislation making it easier for private-sector employees to save for retirement. HARRISBURG – Stephen Herzenberg, economist and executive director of the Keystone Research Center, issued the following statement in response to today's - [STATEMENT: KRC on the Senate Passage of the Pension Reform Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-krc-on-the-senate-passage-of-the-pension-reform-bill/): This press release issues a statement by Keystone Research Center economist and executive director, Stephen Herzenberg, on the Pennsylvania Senate's passage of a pension reform bill. HARRISBURG – In the wake of a PA Senate vote to pass a pension reform bill, Keystone Research Center economist and executive director Stephen Herzenberg issued the following statement: - [STATEMENT: Governor's Budget Does Little to Undo Damage of Last Two Years](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-governors-budget-does-little-to-undo-damage-of-last-two-years/): Statement on the governor's budget, 2013: The governor's budget fails to provide sustainable funding to reduce class sizes in public schools, keep college affordable for middle-class students, and ensure working families can obtain basic health care. Additional Resources Read PBPC's Analysis of Governor's Budget View Tables with Funding Details Infographics: Education Funding in 2013-14 Budget - [STATEMENT: Budget Falls Short on Education, Health Care, Tax Reform](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-budget-falls-short-on-education-health-care-tax-reform/): The PA budget for 2013-2014 fails to adequately address the enormity of the funding crisis facing Pennsylvania schools. Eighty percent of the cuts to classrooms are left intact, and that means higher property taxes and even larger class sizes in our schools. Additional Resources Read PBPC's Analysis of 2013-14 Budget Read PBPC's Analysis of Tax - [STATEMENT: Senate Should Reject Program Notorious for Misuse in Other States](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-senate-should-reject-program-notorious-for-misuse-in-other-states/): House Bill 2626 would provide profitable corporations a new tax credit just for filling a vacant position without creating any new jobs. It is an ill-conceived program, enacted in haste, that will make it harder for Pennsylvania to maintain a balanced budget. Read PBPC's Top 10 Reasons to Vote No on HB 2626 HARRISBURG, PA - [A Look at Education Funding in Governor's 2013-14 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-look-at-education-funding-in-governors-2013-14-budget/): Governor Corbett's 2013-2014 budget proposes expensive new corporate tax breaks that will continue to shift costs to individuals and local taxpayers, while failing to restore deep cuts to public schools, keep college affordable for middle-class students, or ensure working families can obtain basic health care. Additional Resources Read PBPC's Analysis of Governor's 2013-14 Budget Infographics: - [Information Page: Analysis of Gov. Wolf's Proposed 2017-18 State Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-of-gov-wolfs-proposed-2017-18-state-budget/): This report provides PBPC's analysis of Governor Wolf's proposed budget for 2017-18. We argue that the governor's budget invests too little in public goods and asks the wealthiest citizens and corporations to contribute too little to our Commonwealth. Gov. Tom Wolf presented his 2017-18 State Budget Proposal on February 7, 2017. The Pennsylvania Budget and - [STATEMENT: Sen. Scarnati's Local Impact Fee Lets Drillers Off the Hook](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/advocates-raise-concerns-about-sen-scarnatis-local-impact-fee/): Advocates for enacting a responsible natural gas drilling tax in Pennsylvania raised serious concerns about the proposed local impact fee on Marcellus Shale drillers. The proposed legislation lets drillers off the hook too easily and provides little to no benefit for most Pennsylvanians This statement was jointly released with Conservation Voters of PA, SEIU PA - [STATEMENT: On the U.S. House GOP Tax Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-u-s-house-gop-tax-bill/): This press statement, released on November 2, 2017, shares our reaction to the House GOP tax bill and how it will disproportionately benefit the top 1% of Pennsylvania families. "While we won’t have a detailed analysis of the U.S. House tax cut bill released today for a week or so, it is a direct descendant - [STATEMENT: On Governor Wolf's Proposed 2018-19 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-governor-wolfs-proposed-2018-19-budget/): This press statement, released on February 6, 2018, shares PBPC director Marc Stier's statement on Governor Wolf's budget address and the press release of his proposed 2018-19 state budget. PBPC director Marc Stier made the following statement following Governor's Wolf budget address and the press release of his proposed 2018-19 state budget: "Governor Wolf today - [STATEMENT: On Passage of the U.S. Senate GOP Tax Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-passage-of-the-u-s-senate-gop-tax-bill/): This press statement, released on December 2, 2017, shares PBPC director Marc Stier's statement on the passage of the U.S. Senate GOP tax bill. Marc Stier, director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, released the following statement on the passage of the U.S. Senate GOP tax bill: "Budgets are, it is frequently said, moral - [PRESS MEMO: The Effects of U.S. Senate Health Care Bill on Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-memo-effects-of-u-s-senate-health-care-bill-on-pennsylvania/): In this press memo, we share the effects of the U.S. Senate health care bill on Pennsylvania, specifically estimating the number of premature deaths that can be anticipated due to the GOP health care plan. The best estimates we have suggest that by 2026, the Senate health care bill will lead to between 18,000 and - [Statement on 2011-12 Budget: Doing Less with More](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-2011-12-budget-doing-less-with-more/): The Pennsylvania Legislature has adopted a budget that does less with more, cutting services to children while leaving most of a $785 million revenue surplus on the table. This budget provides tax breaks to businesses but cuts funding to homeless shelters and Meals on Wheels. It gives natural gas drillers a free pass, once again. - [Statement: PA Needs a Budget in Step with Middle-Class Values](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-pa-needs-a-budget-in-step-with-middle-class-values/): This budget turns its back on the state's most vulnerable, leaving thousands of working Pennsylvanians and children without health coverage and driving up costs for emergency care. Middle-class families want to hear their policymakers take a strong stand for quality education and affordable college tuition. This budget is out of step with those values. HARRISBURG, - [STATEMENT: On the Trump Administration's Proposed FY 2019 Federal Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-trump-administrations-proposed-fy-2019-federal-budget/): This press statement, released on February 12, 2018, shares our reactions to the Trump administration's FY 2019 budget. It is our belief that this budget would increase poverty and create pain for millions of Americans while undermining our future well-being by reducing investment in education, environmental protection, and by adding hundreds of billions to the - [STATEMENT: On the State of SB22, the Redistricting Reform Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-state-of-sb22-the-redistricting-reform-bill/): This press statement, released on June 11, 2018, reflects PBPC director Marc Stier's position on the state of Senate Bill 22, Pennsylvania's redistricting reform bill. HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center released the following statement from director Marc Stier on the current state of SB22, the redistricting reform bill: “The current version of - [STATEMENT: On the Tax Study Released by the PA Chamber of Business and Industry](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-tax-study-press-released-by-the-pa-chamber-of-business-and-industry/): This press release from September of 2018 includes a statement from PBPC director Marc Stier on the study "Pennsylvania: A 21st Century Tax Code for the Commonwealth," released by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center released the following statement from director Marc Stier on the study, - [STATEMENT: On the IFO Press Release of the Five-Year Economic and Budget Outlook](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-ifo-press-release-of-the-five-year-economic-and-budget-outlook/): This press release from the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center includes a statement from director Marc Stier regarding the November 2018 Press Release of the Independent Fiscal Office's (IFO) Five-Year Economic and Budget Outlook for Pennsylvania. HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center released the following statement from director Marc Stier regarding today's press - [STATEMENT: On the General Assembly Passage of the General Appropriations Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-general-assembly-passage-of-the-general-appropriations-bill-2/): This press statement, released on June 22, 2018, reflects PBPC director Marc Stier's statement following the General Assembly's passage of a budget spending plan that will be sent to Governor Wolf. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier made the following statement after the General Assembly passed a budget spending plan that - [STATEMENT: Judicial Districts and Judicial Independence](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/judicial-districts-and-judicial-independence/): To: Legislators, legislative staff, editorial board members, columnists, other interested parties From: Marc Stier, Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Subject: Judicial Districts and Judicial Independence This week the Republican leadership of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives plan to take up an HB 196, a constitutional amendment proposed by Representative Russ Diamond to elect the - [STATEMENT: About 300,000 Pennsylvania Workers Left Behind by New Trump Admin Proposal on Overtime for Salaried Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-about-300000-pennsylvania-workers-left-behind-by-new-trump-admin-proposal-on-overtime-for-salaried-workers/): Last week, the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) unveiled a proposal to set the overtime salary threshold, beneath which almost all workers are entitled to overtime pay, at $679 per week, or $35,308 for a full-year worker starting in 2020. This is a significant change to the rule proposed under the Obama administration back - [STATEMENT: In Response to PA GOP Attacks on Working Pennsylvanians and Today's Budget Day of Action](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-in-response-to-pa-gop-attacks-on-working-pennsylvanians-and-todays-budget-day-of-action/): HARRISBURG—PA Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier made the following statement in response to a press release sent out today by the Pennsylvania Republican Party criticizing a Budget Day of Action and rally/press conference in Harrisburg today in support of raising the state minimum wage: "The PA Republican Party is criticizing the Pennsylvania Budget - [STATEMENT: On SB48, a Bill to Eliminate Straight-Party Ticket Voting](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-sb48-a-bill-to-eliminate-straight-party-ticket-voting/): HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier made the following statement on SB48, a bill to eliminate straight-party ticket voting, among other election reforms: "SB48 started out as a bill to help Pennsylvania Counties secure funds to procure new, secure voting machines. "Republicans decided to add a provision to eliminate straight ticket - [STATEMENT: On the PA Budget Spending Plan Passed by the House Appropriations Committee](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-pa-budget-spending-plan-passed-by-the-house-appropriations-committee-link_id1can_id6dc4bac9c6a1a6d41211758bd136aac2sourceemail-statement-on-sb48-a-bill-to-eliminate-straight-par/): HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier made the following statement after the PA House Appropriations Committee passed a budget spending plan: "The House Republicans' budget proposal released today is sadly, but not surprisingly, a disappointment for working-class and middle-class families. "It includes no increase in the minimum wage even though every - [STATEMENT: On Gov. Wolf's Veto of SB48, a Bill to Eliminate Straight-Party Ticket Voting](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-gov-wolfs-veto-of-sb48-a-bill-to-eliminate-straight-party-ticket-voting/): HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier made the following statement on Governor Wolf's veto of SB48, a bill to eliminate straight-party ticket voting, among other election reforms: “We are gratified that Governor Wolf has vetoed SB48.” “SB48 started out as a bill to help Pennsylvania counties secure funds to procure new, - [STATEMENT: On the CBO Report About a Federal Minimum Wage Increase](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-cbo-report-about-a-federal-minimum-wage-increase/): HARRISBURG—Marc Stier, director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, made the following statement in regards to yesterday's Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report about raising the federal minimum wage: "The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the agency that provides budget and economic analysis to Congress, released a report yesterday on the economic impact of raising the federal minimum - [STATEMENT: On Gov. Wolf's Bond Issue to Assist Counties In Purchasing New Voting Systems](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-gov-wolfs-bond-issue-to-assist-counties-in-purchasing-new-voting-systems/): HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier made the following statement on Governor Wolf's move to issue a bond to help fund new voting systems in counties across the Commonwealth: “Protecting our voting system is of the utmost importance. After the governor correctly vetoed SB48, it remained the case that the state - [STATEMENT: More than 300,000 Pennsylvania Workers Left Behind by New Trump Admin Rule on Overtime for Salaried Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-over-300000-pennsylvania-workers-left-behind-by-new-trump-admin-rule-on-overtime-for-salaried-workers/): HARRISBURG — Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced its final overtime rule, which will set the threshold under which salaried workers are automatically entitled to overtime pay to an inadequate $35,568 a year. As we stated when the rule was proposed in March, the rule leaves behind millions of middle-class salaried workers who should be receiving overtime - [STATEMENT: On Governor Wolf’s Proposed 2020-21 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-governor-wolfs-proposed-2020-21-budget/): Following Governor Wolf's budget address, Marc Stier, director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, released the following response. A more detailed analysis of Governor Wolf's proposal is below. "There are two contexts in which we can and should analyze Governor Wolf’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-21. The first begins from the perspective of - [STATEMENT: Keystone Research Applauds Independent Regulatory Review Commission Vote to Raise PA Overtime Threshold](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-keystone-research-applauds-independent-regulatory-review-commission-vote-to-raise-pa-overtime-threshold/): HARRISBURG – Today, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) voted to lift the salary threshold below which Pennsylvania salaried workers would automatically receive overtime pay. In response, Keystone Research Center executive director Stephen Herzenberg has issued the following statement: “We applaud the IRRC decision today to restore the 40-hour workweek for lower-paid Pennsylvania salaried workers - [STATEMENT: On Raising the Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-raising-the-minimum-wage-in-pennsylvania/): HARRISBURG—Stephen Herzenberg, executive director of the Keystone Research Center, made the following statement following Governor Tom Wolf's announcement of his continued commitment to raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania: "In a press conference this morning Governor Wolf reaffirmed his commitment to raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania for the first time in almost 14 years. - [STATEMENT: Keystone Research Applauds Governor Wolf’s Final Rule Which Will Restore the 40-Hour Work Week and Overtime Pay for Hundreds of Thousands of Additional Pennsylvania Salaried Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-keystone-research-applauds-governor-wolfs-final-rule-that-will-restore-the-40-hour-week-and-overtime-pay-for-hundreds-of-thousands-of-additional-pennsylvania-salaried-workers/): HARRISBURG — Stephen Herzenberg, economist and executive director of the Keystone Research Center, issued the following statement in the wake of the Wolf administration’s submission to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) of a final regulation raising the pay level below which salaried workers in Pennsylvania will automatically receive overtime pay in the future. Dr. - [STATEMENT: We The People–PA Backs Governor Wolf's Veto of Premature Business Openings](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-governor-wolfs-speech-on-efforts-to-end-prematurely-or-avoid-public-health-regulations/): Pennsylvanians know we all have to work together to protect ourselves from COVID-19. Thus, the We The People-PA campaign supports Governor Wolf’s insistence that all of Pennsylvania follow the best medical and scientific data in determining how fast businesses re-open and the stay-at-home order ends. There is no conflict between health and the economy: we - [New Polling Supports Aggressive Action to Address Economic Inequities in the Recovery from COVID-19](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/10518/): New polling shows support for aggressive government action to address economic inequities in the recovery from COVID-19. A new 10-state poll carried out by Global Strategy Group of “unheard middle” voters—those who are neither strong Democrats nor strong Republicans—revealed broad support for bold state government action both to relieve the economic distress created by COVID-19 - [STATEMENT: Stopgap Budget Is Incomplete but Takes a Small Step Towards a Just Recovery](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-stopgap-budget-is-incomplete-but-takes-a-small-step-towards-a-just-recovery/): HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier issued the following statement in response to the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s passage of a stopgap budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and legislation that appropriates part of Federal Cares Act funds. "The Pennsylvania House and Senate, with the support of Governor Wolf, this week took an - [STATEMENT: PA Supreme Court Decision in Wolf v. Scarnati](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-pa-supreme-court-decision-in-wolf-v-scarnati/): All Pennsylvanians should be gratified by PA Supreme Court’s ruling today that the General Assembly’s attempt to unilaterally end Governor Wolf’s emergency orders is unconstitutional. The Court made its decision, as it should have, on the basis of the plain words of the Constitution which states that a concurrent resolution by the two houses of - [STATEMENT: U.S. Senate Republicans' Pandemic Relief Proposal Is an Inadequate Response to the Current Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-u-s-senate-republicans-pandemic-relief-proposal-is-an-inadequate-response-to-the-current-crisis/): STATEMENT: U.S. Senate Republicans' Pandemic Relief Proposal Is an Inadequate Response to the Current Crisis and Insufficient to Assist Pennsylvania in Moving Toward a Just Recovery HARRISBURG – Following United States Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's introduction of the proposed COVID-19 relief package, the HEALS Act, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier released - [STATEMENT: Select Committee Proposed by PA House Republicans Is a Danger to our Democracy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-select-committee-proposed-by-house-republicans-is-a-danger-to-our-democracy/): The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center is a nonpartisan organization. We do not favor one party or another in partisan elections. But we do stand for elections in which everyone has an opportunity to vote and their votes are counted fairly. Thus, we can’t turn away from threats to fair elections even if they come - [STATEMENT: Budget Plan Approved by the House Appropriations Committee](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-budget-plan-approved-by-the-house-appropriations-committee/): The budget approved by the Republican members of the House Appropriations Committee does basically what we expected. Most of the budget is flat-funded with increases to meet Medical Assistance caseloads and a few other mandatory expenditures. While it is an important achievement that there are no deep cuts to education and human services in the - [STATEMENT: In Support of Governor Wolf's Newest COVID-19 Restrictions](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-in-support-of-governor-wolfs-newest-covid-19-restrictions/): HARRISBURG — Marc Stier, director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, released the following statement on Governor Wolf's most recent COVID-19 restrictions. Governor Wolf has called for new action to protect Pennsylvanians from the COVID-19 pandemic. All of us, no matter where we live in our state, what we look like, or whether are - [The Need for Federal Aid to the States: A Statement](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-need-for-federal-aid-to-the-states-a-statement/): Marc Stier delivered the following remarks at a press event held by Senator Bob Casey. Thank you, Senator Casey, for inviting me to speak today and for your advocacy for our state and its people. Pennsylvania, like every state in the country, desperately needs new covid-19 relief measures from the federal government The Pennsylvania economy - [STATEMENT: New COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Is Not Enough for PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-new-covid-19-stimulus-bill-is-not-enough-for-pa/): Marc Stier, director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, has released the following statement about the COVID-19 stimulus package recently passed by the U.S. House and Senate. The new COVID-19 stimulus bill passed by the House and Senate is missing important elements that are critical to people of Pennsylvania. Those who are unemployed due - [STATEMENT: On Governor Wolf's 2021-22 Legislative Agenda](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-governor-wolfs-legislative-agenda/): Harrisburg, PA — Statement on the governor's newly released agenda by Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget and Policy Center Legislative enactment of the agenda Governor Wolf announced today would be a huge step forward in meeting the needs of Pennsylvania workers and businesses that are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, while also ensuring a fast - [44 Organizations Urge Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation to Support Biden Recovery Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-organizational-sign-on-letter-to-congress-urging-support-of-presidents-recovery-plan/): Click here for downloadable version. - [STATEMENT: In Support of Governor Wolf's Education Funding Budget Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-in-support-of-governor-wolfs-education-funding-budget-plan/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org STATEMENT- In Support of Governor Wolf's Education Funding Budget Plan From Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget and Policy Center "For a very long time, K-12 school funding in Pennsylvania has been highly inequitable. We have the most unequal school funding in the country, with schools in - [STATEMENT- Why PA House Bill 1300 Is a Clear Attempt to Restrict Voting](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-statement-on-voting-and-democracy-bill-hb-1300/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org STATEMENT- Why PA House Bill 1300 Is a Clear Attempt to Restrict Voting From Marc Stier, Director, PA Budget and Policy Center "The vast majority of us care about democratic government and want secure and free elections. We want to go to the polls and - [PA Advocacy Letter in Support of President Biden's American Rescue Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/sign-on-letter-in-support-of-pres-bidens-american-rescue-plan/): February 8, 2021 Dear Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation: We write to you as organizations that represent communities and constituents across Pennsylvania joined together to urge Congress to take immediate action and pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The coronavirus pandemic has brought unspeakable devastation to families across the United States. The country is nearing 450,000 lives - [Event Highlights Need to Raise Revenue for Workforce, Higher Education, Housing](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/event-highlights-need-to-raise-revenue-for-workforce-higher-education-housing/): Dozens gather for a State Capitol rally today to urge lawmakers to preserve key investments in state services by raising additional revenue. Individuals and organizations have been gathering all this week in the State Capitol to call attention to the need for additional tax revenue to maintain vital investments in essential services that Pennsylvanians rely - [Special Interest Tax Break Will Cost $100 Million, Make Tax System Less Fair](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/special-interest-tax-break-will-cost-100-million-make-tax-system-less-fair/): Tom Wolf called on the governor and state Legislature today to reject a special interest tax break that will take Pennsylvania in the wrong direction, add to the state deficit, and set back comprehensive tax reform efforts. Sharon Ward of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center states: "Pennsylvania cannot give away millions in tax breaks - [Under PA House Leadership Bill, Gas Drillers Would Pay One-Fifth of What They Pay in Texas](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/under-pa-house-leadership-bill-gas-drillers-would-pay-one-fifth-of-what-they-pay-in-texas/): The Pennsylvania House may vote next week on a drilling fee plan that asks Marcellus Shale drillers to pay significantly less than they pay in major energy-producing states like Texas and Arkansas. - [Census: Fewer Americans Lacked Health Insurance in 2011](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/census-fewer-americans-lacked-health-insurance-in-2011/): The percentage of Americans without health insurance dropped from 16.3 percent in 2010 to 15.7 percent in 2011, the largest annual improvement since 1999. The number of uninsured Americans declined from 50 million in 2010 to 48.6 million in 2011. This gain in coverage was driven in part by an increase in the number of - [EDITORIAL BOARD MEMO: Higher Education Funding in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/editorial-board-memo-higher-education-funding-in-pennsylvania/): In this press memo, dated October 14, 2016, PBPC shares some of our most recent findings about the funding of higher education in light of a strike deadline by members of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) against the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) looming. To: Education reporters, editorial - [ED BOARD MEMO: Federal Budget Proposal Would Blow Nearly $700 Million Hole in PA Budget by Shifting Food Assistance Costs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/ed-board-memo-federal-budget-proposal-would-blow-nearly-700-million-hole-in-pa-budget-by-shifting-food-assistance-costs/): President Trump's budget would make deep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, which millions of struggling working families use to afford food when hard times hit, as do many senior citizens and people with disabilities. In this press memo dated June 13, 2017, we share the results of - [PRESS MEMO: New Estimates of the Loss of Federal Funding to Pennsylvania from the Senate Health Care Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-memo-new-estimates-of-the-loss-of-federal-funding-to-pennsylvania-from-the-senate-health-care-bill/): The Manatt Health Group and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have released a study on the impact of the Senate health care bill, the Better Reconciliation Act of 2017, on the states. Their estimates of the impact of the bill confirms our recent study showing that Pennsylvania will suffer devastating reductions in federal funding for Medicaid. - [PRESS MEMO: Revenue Options to Finish the 2017-18 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-memo-revenue-options-to-finish-the-2017-18-budget/): Since 2010, Pennsylvania has consistently enacted budgets that, instead of being paid for by current revenues, borrow from the future. The general fund budget has been balanced by borrowing from other funds, shifting spending from one fiscal year to the next, and more. In this press memo, we outline a few revenue options with bipartisan - [PRESS MEMO: On the PA House GOP Budget Plan to Raid Special Funds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-memo-on-the-pa-house-gop-budget-plan-to-raid-special-funds/): This press memo, released on September 5, 2017, details how the budget plan released by a group of Republican House members fails in the most important task before our state today: to resolve the long-term structural imbalance between expenditures and revenues. MEMO To: Editorial Page Editors, Editorial Board Members, Columnists, and Other Interested Parties From: Marc Stier, - [Press Release: House Tax Plan - Benefits for Richest 1% in PA Starts High and Grows Over Time](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-house-tax-plan-‰uo-benefits-for-richest-1-in-pa-starts-high-and-grows-over-time/): This press release shares the findings of a 50-state analysis of the House tax plan released in November of 2017. The analysis reveals that the wealthiest 1% of Pennsylvanians will receive, by far, the greatest share of the total tax cut in year one and their share would grow through 2027. Further, the value of - [Press Release: House Tax Bill's Child Tax Credit Increase Excludes 315,000 Pennsylvania Children in Low-Income Working Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-house-tax-bill‰uas-child-tax-credit-increase-excludes-315000-pennsylvania-children-in-low-income-working-families/): House Republican leaders highlight an increase in the maximum value of the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) as their tax bill's signature benefit for working families, but the provision completely excludes 315,000 children in Pennsylvania whose parents work in low-paying jobs, according to a report from Washington, DC-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. This - [PRESS MEMO: Why the House Tax Proposal is Bad for Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-memo-why-the-house-tax-proposal-is-bad-for-pennsylvanians/): While the tax cuts proposed in the House of Representatives plan may not be the largest in American history, they are very likely the ones most weighted to benefit the very richest Americans. This press memo, shared on November 13, 2017, outlines why the House of Representative's tax proposal is bad for Pennsylvanians. (Download the - [Business, Political, Labor Leaders Converge in Pittsburgh: "Let's Build a High-Wage Manufacturing Sector"](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/business-political-labor-leaders-converge-in-pittsburgh-‰uilet‰uas-build-a-high-wage-manufacturing-sector‰u/): This press release highlights the Keystone Research Center's report "An Agenda for Growing High-Wage Pennsylvania Manufacturing Jobs," and how the press release of the report coincided with a manufacturing summit in Pittsburgh. The summit brought leaders together from various sectors to focus on strategies to help blue-collar workers in our region. PITTSBURGH, PA — The - [Teacher Weekly Wage Penalty Reached a Record High in 2018](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/teacher-weekly-wage-penalty-reached-a-record-high-in-2018/): We wanted to share the Economic Policy Institute’s new analysis on the teacher pay gap and explain why it should encourage Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass a proposal to raise the starting salaries of the state’s public school educators. Nationally, in terms of total compensation (wages plus benefits), teachers earned 13.1 percent less than similar college graduates in - [PBPC-State Innovation Exchange Poll on Budget and Democracy Issues](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pbpc-state-innovation-exchange-poll-on-budget-and-democracy-issues/): The poll we are releasing today was commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange and the PA Budget and Policy Center. It is the third poll on tax, budget, and democracy issues sponsored by the two organizations. The poll is also part of a six-state public opinion survey effort by the State Innovation Exchange. Topline Findings: - [The We The People - PA Policy Agenda and the 2018 Midterm Election](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-the-we-the-people-‰uo-pa-policy-agenda-and-the-2018-midterm-election/): This press release summarizes the policy agenda of the We The People – PA campaign launched in 2018. The We The People policy agenda was endorsed by 120 General Assembly candidates from every corner of the state. The candidates who endorsed our policy agenda understand that higher wages and investments in education, infrastructure, and clean - [RELEASE - State of Working PA 2019: Troubling Long-Term Trends Continue, But Businesses Offer an Opening for a Shift](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-pa-2019-troubling-long-term-trends-continue-but-businesses-offer-an-opening-for-a-shift/): READ THE FULL REPORT HERE. HARRISBURG, PA – Ahead of Labor Day weekend, the Keystone Research Center today released the 24th edition of its report “The State of Working Pennsylvania.” The report finds that, despite low unemployment and a glimmer of good news on the wage front, economic gains are still disproportionately going to Pennsylvanians at the top - [Pennsylvania Can Strengthen Its Economy and Communities with Four Inclusive Policies for Immigrants](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-can-strengthen-its-economy-and-communities-with-four-inclusive-policies-for-immigrants/): HARRISBURG - State and local policymakers can take four key steps to better integrate immigrants, including immigrants who are undocumented, into the mainstream economy and foster community well-being, according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Giving all residents access to economic opportunity would enable them to earn higher wages, spend - [RELEASE: Corporate Tax Cuts Since 2002 Cost PA $4.2B Annually](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-report-corporate-tax-cuts-since-2002-cost-pa-4-2b-annually/): Closing Delaware loophole, instituting worldwide combined reporting would level the playing field for small businesses and generate over $700 million a year to invest in PA communities READ THE FULL REPORT HERE. HARRISBURG — The PA Budget and Policy Center today released a report that calculates Pennsylvania now loses $4.2 billion annually due to massive corporate tax - [Lawmakers Should Take a Mulligan When Governor Wolf Vetoes Tax Credit for More Petro Plants](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/lawmakers-should-take-a-mulligan-when-governor-wolf-vetoes-tax-credit-for-more-petro-plants/): HARRISBURG – Keystone Research Center economist Stephen Herzenberg and Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier issued the following statement in the wake of the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s approval yesterday of a multimillion-dollar tax credit for future petrochemical and fertilizer plants that use Pennsylvania natural gas as a feedstock. “We strongly urge Governor Wolf - [Presentation - Missing the Target: PA Emergency Rental Assistance Shorts Communities with Greatest Need](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/presentation-missing-the-target-pa-emergency-rental-assistance-shorts-communities-with-greatest-need/): Download here. - [PRESS RELEASE: New Data Underscores PA's Need for ARP Recovery Assistance](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-release-new-data-underscores-pas-need-for-arp-recovery-assistance/): Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org NEW DATA: PA Still Short Over 400,000 Pre-Pandemic Jobs and Small Business Down 25%, Underscoring Need for ARP Recovery Assistance Keystone Research Center economists Stephen Herzenberg and Maisum Murtaza today published a blog post that interprets the latest job and small business data for Pennsylvania editorial boards, reporters, and other - [Why You Get Hurt When Your Neighbors’ Unemployment Benefits Get Cut](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/why-you-get-hurt-when-your-neighbors-unemployment-benefits-get-cut/): May job numbers for the nation, released June 4, and the Pennsylvania job numbers for April, released late May, deliver a simple message: we have gained back some jobs lost at the outset of the COVID recession, but we still need to create at least 400,000 jobs in Pennsylvania and 10 million nationally. That makes - [MEMO: It's Not Really About Work: Why Pennsylvania Should Reject Work Requirements](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/memo-it‰uas-not-really-about-work-‰uo-why-pennsylvania-should-reject-work-requirements/): The appeal of work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients is based on false stereotypes about poor people being unwilling to work and false theories about the impact of the social safety net on work effort. In this policy memo, we share why Pennsylvania should reject work requirements. - [PRESS MEMO: Why Editorial Boards Should Weigh in on Pennsylvania Needs for a Real Severance Tax Now](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/press-memo-why-editorial-boards-should-weigh-in-on-pennsylvania‰uas-needs-for-a-real-severance-tax-now‰uu/): Since the late 2000s, Pennsylvania editorial boards have weighed in periodically on Pennsylvania's need to enact a "real" severance tax on the value of gas extracted each year, like taxes that exist in every other major gas-producing state. In this press memo, we share our recent report that makes clear that now would be a - [TESTIMONY: Restructuring PASSHE Is the Wrong Plan for PA Higher Ed](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pbpc-directors-testimony-against-passhe-restructuring-before-the-pa-senate-democratic-policy-committee/): Click here for downloadable version. - [Testimony: KRC Exec Dir. at Senate Hearing on Proposals to Increase the Personal Income and Sales/Use Taxes](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/testimony-of-stephen-herzenberg-keystone-research-center-senate-finance-committee-public-hearing-on-proposals-to-increase-the-personal-income-and-the-sales-use-tax-june-10-2015/): Stephen Herzenberg, of the Keystone Research Center, gives testimony at the Senate Finance Committee Public Hearing on proposals to increase personal income and sales use taxes to achieve tax fairness and revenue adequacy, June 10, 2015. - [STATEMENT: On the Supreme Court Janus v. AFSCME Decision](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-supreme-court-janus-v-afscme-decision-2/): This press statement, released on June 27, 2018, reflects KRC executive director Stephen Herzenberg and PBPC director Marc Stier's statement on the Supreme Court's Janus v. AFSCME decision. HARRISBURG — Keystone Research Center executive director Stephen Herzenberg and Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier made the following statement regarding today's Janus v. AFSCME - [Review of IFO's Minimum Wage Analysis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/review-of-ifos-minimum-wage-analysis/): In what follows we review estimates published by the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) of the number of workers affected, their demographics and the change in their income from a minimum wage increase to $12 this July. We present alongside the IFO’s estimates our estimates derived from the Economic Policy Institute’s Minimum Wage Simulation Model. [Download - [PRESENTATION - A Necessary First Step: Governor Wolf's Proposal to Provide Adequate & Equitable Funding in PA Schools](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/presentation-a-necessary-first-step-governor-wolfs-proposal-to-provide-adequate-equitable-funding-in-pa-schools/): DOWNLOAD HERE. - [How the General Assembly Can Try to Steal the Election, Why It Would Be Wrong to Do So, and How to Stop It](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-the-general-assembly-can-try-to-steal-the-election-why-it-would-be-wrong-to-do-so-and-how-to-stop-it/): There has been loose talk among right-wing activists calling on the General Assembly to intervene in the choice of presidential electors and thus overriding the vote of the people. Here is what the PA General Assembly might try to do and why under the law and constitutions of Pennsylvania and the United States, they should - [The Choice Before Us: New Deal or Depression](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-choice-before-us-new-deal-or-depression/): We have been told recently that the our presidential election choice is “boom or depression.” That seems on target, but voters might want to think clearly about who is for boom and who is for depression. Our economy today is in a big hole. As of September, Pennsylvania had lost over half a million jobs - [Protecting our Democracy in 2021:  H.R. 1 – For The People Act ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/protecting-our-democracy-in-2021-h-r-1-for-the-people-act/): Participation is critical to representation. The House of Representatives just passed H.R. 1, the “For the People Act,” which would dramatically improve the democratic process, protecting access to the vote, reducing the influence of special interests, updating ethics and transparency measures, improving election security, and more. A majority of Americans strongly support the bill. Measures - [RELEASE: Keystone Research Center Decries Racist “Zoom-Bombing”](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-keystone-research-center-deplores-racist-zoom-bombing/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2021 Contact: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennbpc.org Harrisburg, PA: Stephen Herzenberg, executive director of the Keystone Research Center, today issued the following information about a “Zoom-bombing” that occurred earlier this month. Background: On Sunday, February 7, participants in a digital meeting on judicial gerrymandering that was organized and hosted by the PA-5 - [PA Advocacy Organizations Urge Congress to Pass President Biden’s Relief Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-advocacy-orgs-urge-congress-to-pass-president-bidens-relief-plan/): On Monday, February 8, nearly three dozen organizations from across Pennsylvania sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation, urging swift action to pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Coordinated by Protect Our Care Pennsylvania and PBPC’s federal advocacy campaign, The 99% Pennsylvania, the letter comes as the coronavirus continues to spread in every county - [A Guide to the $1.9 Trillion Rescue Bill ](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-guide-to-the-1-9-trillion-recovery-bill/): The $1.9 trillion rescue bill passed by the Senate this morning provides a wide range of critical improvements to the social safety net and aid to small businesses. It also provides funds for state and local governments, many of which have been ignored while our attention has been focused on debates about raising the minimum - [Four Misconceptions About a Severance Tax](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/four-misconceptions-about-a-severance-tax-3/): These talking points serve as a response to some of the most frequent criticisms of instituting a severance tax in Pennsylvania. - [KRC Files Affidavit in PA School Funding Lawsuit](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/krc-files-affidavit-in-pa-school-funding-lawsuit-4/): In July of 2018, petitioners in Pennsylvania's school funding lawsuit filed a brief and affidavits refuting the claim made by the Republican leader of the Pennsylvania Senate, Joe Scarnati, that the lawsuit was rendered moot because the state adopted a school funding formula in 2016. This affidavit, submitted by KRC labor economist Mark Price, details - [Earth to PA Lawmakers: 1.8 Million Pennsylvanians, Many in Rural PA, Are Paying the Price of Your Inaction](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/earth-to-pa-lawmakers-1-8-million-pennsylvanians-many-in-rural-pa-are-paying-the-price-of-your-inaction/): Pennsylvania’s legislative majority failed to raise our minimum wage in 2019, rejecting House and Senate legislation to get to $15 per hour by 2025 despite support for an increase from a big majority of Pennsylvanians. In a press conference this morning, Governor Wolf started the bidding on a new proposal for a higher minimum wage—to - [POWERPOINT: This Is Who Benefits From a $15 Minimum Wage Increase in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/powerpoint-this-is-who-benefits-from-a-15-minimum-wage-increase-in-pa/): DOWNLOAD HERE. - [The Pennsylvania Minimum Wage 2018](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-pennsylvania-minimum-wage-2018/): The KRC's report "The Pennsylvania Minimum Wage in 2018" finds that the minimum wage in six border states and the District of Columbia increased on average by 26% between December 2013 and January 2018. We also found that wage and employment growth for very low-wage workers and those employed in food services has also been - [How Many Lives Have We Saved?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-many-lives-have-we-saved/): While Republican legislators have been insisting on an early reopening of businesses in Pennsylvania, we have seen one of the most dramatic declines in both COVID-19 cases and deaths of any state in the country. From a height of 1965 on April 19, the number of new cases dropped to 346 on June 21. And - [REPORT: Why Pennsylvania Needs a State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report-why-pennsylvania-needs-a-state-earned-income-tax-credit-eitc/): If one thing has become clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that workers who do essential things like providing care for the sick, stocking shelves at grocery stores, and cleaning facilities to keep our buildings clean and safe are undervalued in our society. Despite their hard work, many Pennsylvanians earn such low wages that it remains difficult to pay for rent, food, childcare, transportation, and other - [COVID-19: The False Choice Between Our Health and the Economy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/covid-19-the-false-choice-between-our-health-and-the-economy/): For six months now, Republican legislators in Harrisburg have been telling a false story about COVID-19 and the economy. They have been claiming that we must choose between a growing economy and efforts to protect us from the COVID-19 virus and avoid overwhelming hospitals and health care systems. And they have held that government business - [The General Assembly Cannot Unilaterally Stop Mail-In Ballots From Being Counted](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/11875/): Right-wing advocates and Trump supporters are urging the General Assembly to take action next week to override the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision that allows ballots received after 8 pm on Election Day to be counted. This would be an appalling attack on the rights of Pennsylvanians to vote and have their vote counted, one of - [Shared Work, Shared Benefits: Why Expanding Work Sharing Would Pay Off for Employees, Employers, and Pennsylvania in the COVID Recession and Beyond](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/shared-work-shared-benefits-why-expanding-work-sharing-would-pay-off-for-employees-employers-and-pennsylvania-in-the-covid-recession-and-beyond/): Expanding Pennsylvania’s use of work sharing—reduced work hours and pay combined with partial unemployment benefits so that workers experience a smaller income loss—could be instrumental in reducing unemployment during the current recession and accelerating a safe return to fuller employment. Such expansion would cost the state little or nothing because of 100% federal reimbursement for - [Kitchen Table Issues and the 2020 Presidential Election](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/kitchen-table-issues-and-the-2020-presidential-election/): There has been a lot of discussion about character issues in this election. But kitchen table issues are likely to be decisive. That raises two questions: how have the past four years been for typical families’ economic well-being? And what policies would serve working families looking forward? Four years ago, President Trump won support by - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2020](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2020/): Scroll down to read Executive Summary and see pdf of full report; click here to download. Read press release here. and and and Watch the September 2 press event below: and and and and and and and and and and and and and - [Why The Republicans In Harrisburg Won't Fight COVID-19](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/why-the-republicans-in-harrisburg-wont-fight-covid-19/): COVID-19 cases are rising again across the country and in our state. Cases in Pennsylvania are averaging 1,552 per day in October, almost double the 787 average per day in September and above the 1,364 average per day in April. And, the best evidence we have is that it is not just due to expanded - [Talking Points on Pennsylvania's Response to COVID-19](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/talking-points-on-covid-19/): There are stark differences between the our perspective and that of the right on how Pennsylvania has dealt with the COVID-19 crisis. These talking points summarize our differences and link to our policy briefs and blog posts on the subject. Click here to download or print. - [Statement on the Death of Walter Wallace, Jr.](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/statement-on-the-death-of-walter-wallace-jr/): The murder of Walter Wallace, Jr. is being called tragic. And it is. But when certain tragedies keep happening, they are not just tragic, let alone accidents or mistakes. They are policy. And when public policy leads over and over again to the death of Black people in circumstances where white people are more likely to be - [HB 2513 Threatens Not Just Our Health but the Economy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/hb-2513-threatens-not-just-our-health-but-the-economy/): Republicans in Harrisburg appear ready to move to override Governor Wolf’s veto of HB 2513, which would severely limit his authority to limit the operation of restaurants, bars, and private clubs. We are well aware of the severity of the pandemic’s impact on the hospitality industry and have urged Pennsylvania’s General Assembly to act to - [Pennsylvania's COVID-19 Economy: An Update](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-covid-19-economy-an-update/): This blog provides an update on the impact of the COVID crash on the Pennsylvania economy. The “good news” here is also bad news. Pennsylvania successfully shut down much of its economy to slow the spread of the coronavirus and did so more quickly and fully than most states. If unemployment included everyone who was - [UPDATE: How Many Lives Have We Saved?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/update-how-many-lives-have-we-saved/): While, for months, Republican legislators were insisting on a rapid reopening of businesses in Pennsylvania, Governor Wolf’s health and safety regulations created one of the most dramatic declines in both COVID-19 cases and deaths of any state in the country. After averaging 1,364 new cases per day in April and 864 in May, there was - [What We Know About the Senate July 2020 COVID-19 Relief Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/what-we-know-about-the-senate-july-2020-covid-19-relief-bill/): The House passed the HEROES Act in May, but it was only this week that the Senate came back to work on a plan for the next round of federal COVID-19 relief. We expected a Senate bill to be released this week but conflicts within the Senate Republican caucus and between it and the White - [Commodity Futures Trading Commission Warns of “Financial Havoc From Climate Change”](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/commodity-futures-trading-commission-warns-of-financial-havoc-from-climate-change/): As forest fires rage in California, and flooding and drought become more common in many parts of the country, is has become increasingly obvious to most people that climate change is adversely affecting our weather and our economy. As with economic shocks that stem from other sources, vulnerable people and regions will be hurt the - [The Consequences for Pennsylvania of Declaring the ACA Unconstitutional](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-consequences-for-pennsylvania-of-declaring-the-aca-unconstitutional/): A case coming before the Supreme Court threatens to declare the entire Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. If that happens, the effect on Pennsylvania and Pennsylvanians would be devastating, according to estimates we made in July of 2019, which are undoubtedly lower than a similar study would find today.[1] In Pennsylvania, 27% of adults under the age - [The Consequences for PA of Declaring the ACA Unconstitutional](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-consequences-for-pa-of-declaring-the-aca-unconstitutional/): A case coming before the Supreme Court threatens to declare the entire Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. If that happens, the effect on Pennsylvania and Pennsylvanians would be devastating, according to estimates we made in July of 2019 which are undoubtedly lower than a similar study would find today.[1] Click here to print or read full - [We Go Together: The We The People Agenda for 2020-2021](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/we-got-together-the-we-the-people-agenda-for-2020/): Click here to read full screen or to print. - [Race and COVID-19](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/race-and-covid-19/): COVID-19 is like a chemical in which one dips a photographic print—it gradually reveals things you couldn't see before. It is showing us deeply disturbing and unjust patterns of inequality in the life of our nation and state that too many of us ignore from day today. We have said from the beginning of the - [What Not to Do in the Face of a COVID-19 Driven Recession: Lessons from the Corbett Years](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/what-not-to-do-in-the-face-of-a-covid-19-driven-recession-lessons-from-the-corbett-years/): As COVID-19 hurtles us towards a global recession, Pennsylvania will need to make difficult decisions about how to handle a possibly huge shortfall in state revenues as well as a mandated increase in state costs for such things as Medicaid. We are working to estimate how much state revenues will suffer due to the recession - [The Likely Impact of COVID-19 on Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-likely-impact-of-covid-19-on-pennsylvania/): A recent study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington projects the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the state between now and August 1, 2020. The study concludes that by then the virus will have killed more than 3,000 Pennsylvanians, and it will heavily stress our health - [A Compendium of State Action in Response to the COVID-19 Epidemic](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-compendium-of-state-action-in-response-to-the-covid-19-epidemic/): This is a compendium of state action and public policies PBPC and KRC have recommended and endorsed as necessary responses to the COVID-19 epidemic. This is a work in progress. We are sharing this preliminary, unpublished version with allies and legislators and will be following up with other work exploring some of these issues in - [Making PA’s Undocumented Immigrants Mobile: Enacting Driver’s License Expansion Policy That Works for Everyone](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/making-pennsylvanias-undocumented-immigrants-mobile-enacting-drivers-license-expansion-policy-that-works-for-everyone/): Driving is such an essential part of basic mobility that most of us take it for granted. Many of us see no risk in simply getting in our cars and driving to a doctor’s appointment or to pick up groceries for our families. The right to free mobility, however, is not afforded to our undocumented - [Number of Uninsured Pennsylvanians Rises for Third Consecutive Year](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/number-of-uninsured-pennsylvanians-rises-for-third-consecutive-year/) - [Ineligible for Relief: #FundExcludedWorkers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/ineligible-for-relief-fundexcludedworkers/): We are living in a time where collective loss and heartache are everyday occurrences as people lose their homes, their jobs, and their lives to this deadly pandemic. While there are some additional public supports for those facing difficult times, the crisis has unearthed numerous ways in which our policies are inequitable and disregard - [On HB 1885 — The Sanctuary Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-hb-1885-the-sanctuary-bill/): Legislation rushed to the finish line in an election year is notorious for being both badly crafted and motivated by less than pristine motives. And that certainly goes for HB 1885, the anti-sanctuary city bill passed by the House recently and currently under consideration in the Senate this week. There is a lot wrong with - [REPORT: More Relief Needed to Alleviate Hardship in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report-more-relief-needed-to-alleviate-hardship-in-pennsylvania/): Download the report here - [A $15/HR Minimum Wage Increase by 2025 Would Raise Wages for Over 2 Million Workers in PA. Who Are They?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/increasing-the-minimum-wage-to-15-hour-by-2025-would-raise-wages-for-over-2-million-workers-in-pennsylvania-who-are-they/): READ THE FULL REPORT HERE. The Demographic Impacts of a Minimum Wage Increase [1] Wrapped into his 2019 budget proposal, Governor Wolf has proposed to raise the minimum wage in July 2019 to $12/hour, with yearly 50-cent increases until it reaches $15/hour in 2025. After 2025, the minimum wage would be adjusted for inflation. Also - [Including Immigrants in Pandemic Relief is Essential for America’s Public Health and Economic Recovery](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/including-immigrants-in-pandemic-relief-is-essential-for-americas-public-health-and-economic-recovery/): The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed numerous ways in which our political community is unfair to many people—and especially those with low incomes and people of color. But perhaps the most disturbing inequity is that immigrants, both documented and undocumented, have been left out of much of the relief efforts so far. Both documented and undocumented - [Legal Brief by PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center Supports Gov. Wolf in Stay-at-Home Order Court Case](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/legal-brief-by-pa-budget-and-policy-center-and-keystone-research-center-supports-gov-wolf-in-stay-at-home-order-court-case/): The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center submitted an amicus curia brief in Wolf v. Scarnatti, the Supreme Court case deciding if the PA General Assembly can end Governor Wolf’s emergency orders by itself, without submitting it’s concurrent resolution doing so to the governor for his approval or veto. The PBPC-KRC brief - [4-State Coalition Unveils Blueprint to “Reimagine Appalachia” with a New Deal that Works For Us](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/4-state-coalition-unveils-blueprint-to-reimagine-appalachia-with-a-new-deal-that-works-for-us/): PENNSYLVANIA – The Keystone Research Center joined a broad and diverse coalition of thought leaders and organizations from West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Ohio today to release a policy blueprint. By expanding economic opportunity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the blueprint outlines a vision for vibrant Appalachian communities where everyone is paid enough to support - [Congressional Republicans Rally to Herbert Hooverism: Starve the Poor, Crush the Economy!](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/congressional-republicans-rally-to-herbert-hooverism-starve-the-poor-crush-the-economy/): News flash: extending enhanced federal unemployment benefits, due to expire today, won’t discourage workers from returning to their jobs, according to a new study by Yale University economists. Failing to extend them, as congressional Republicans favor, could plunge the nation more deeply into a self-reinforcing downward spiral. Pennsylvanians would suffer more than most Americans—since we - [RELEASE: PA Legislative Leader, Policy Experts, & Residents Impacted by COVID Crisis Call for Senate Action on Relief Package](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-pa-legislative-leader-policy-experts-residents-impacted-by-covid-crisis-call-for-senate-action-on-relief-package/): July 23, 2020 Pennsylvania Legislative Leader, Policy Experts, & Residents Impacted by COVID Crisis Call for Senate Action on Relief Package House Democratic Leader Dermody and concerned Pennsylvanians cite new report showing tremendous hardship across the state, urge Senate to act quickly to extend expiring pandemic protections and direct federal aid to state and - [GSG Polling Memo Toplines](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/gsg-polling-memo-toplines/): Here are the toplines for the GSG polling memo released on May 15, 2020. - [Developing Story: Bank Swaps and Philadelphia](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/developing-story-bank-swaps-and-philadelphia/): As Sharon Ward wrote yesterday, the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center put out a new report documenting the millions made by large financial institutions like Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs off interest rate swaps negotiated with the City and School District of Philadelphia. Those swap deals have cost the city and school district - [Our Opportunity to Re-evaluate: Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Policy Response and Priorities Moving Forward](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/our-opportunity-to-re-evaluate-pennsylvanias-covid-19-policy-response-and-priorities-moving-forward/): The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down. Many of us worry about the health and well-being of our family and our friends, as well as our own, in the face of such a novel virus. Policy aimed at keeping us safe and preventing the spread of the disease has closed schools and workplaces - [Pennsylvania’s Essential Workforce is Disproportionately Women and People of Color: Demographics of Pennsylvania’s Essential Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-essential-workforce-is-disproportionately-women-and-people-of-color-demographics-of-pennsylvanias-essential-workers/) - [A Statement on HB 1776: Property School Tax Freeze Is a Wrong Move for PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-statement-on-hb-1776-property-school-tax-freeze-is-a-wrong-move-for-pa/): Pennsylvania, like every other state in the country, faces an unprecedented budget crisis at both the state and local levels. It is so unusual that we do not really know how severe it will be. There is still great uncertainty about how far we will fall. And there is also uncertainty about how quickly we - [A Status Update on Pennsylvania's Policy Response to COVID-19: Economic Relief, Health Care and Worker Protections](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-status-update-on-pennsylvanias-policy-response-to-covid-19-economic-relief-health-care-and-worker-protections/): The COVID-19 crisis has laid bare the inequities and inadequacies that exist in our Commonwealth, from the precarity of our economic system, the holes in our social safety net, the inadequacy of our private health care system and the undervaluing of our workforce, even those workers who provide essential services to the people of Pennsylvania. - [COVID Collapse Likely to Cost Pennsylvania More Than 750,000 Jobs by Summer](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/covid-collapse-likely-to-cost-pennsylvania-at-least-half-a-million-jobs-by-summer/): Updated: 04/23/2020 On April 16, the U.S. Department of Labor reported “hard” numbers on the economic impact of the COVID-19 virus for the last two weeks of March and first two weeks of April. These figures were stunning, even more so in Pennsylvania than nationally. On a seasonally adjusted basis, 22 million U.S. workers filed - [The Republicans of My Youth Didn't Borrow to Balance Budgets](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-republicans-of-my-youth-didnt-borrow-to-balance-budgets/): First of two pieces of why I miss the Republicans of my youth. There are times when I miss the old-fashioned Republicans of my youth, in the small-town America in which I grew up, about 40 miles over the Pennsylvania border in rural New York. Those mostly Protestant Republicans were the bankers, the insurance agents, - [Declaring Victory Too Soon Will Cost Too Many Lives](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/declaring-victory-too-soon-will-cost-too-many-lives/): All over the Commonwealth today, people are dying in terrible ways from COVID-19—struggling for breath without the comfort of their loved ones by their side. Yet, just as we are slowly reducing the impact of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, Republicans in the PA House of Representatives are seeking to overturn Governor Wolf’s order to close non-essential - [In PA, Worker Protections Ruled “Out of Order”](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/worker-protections-ruled-out-of-order/): As the Pennsylvania House of Representatives moves toward consideration of legislation that would allow most businesses in the Commonwealth to reopen—legislation we believe is dangerous to the public's lives and health—House Democrats have proposed amendments that would protect workers who would be forced back to work. They would require that: the minimum wage for employees - [Funds for Pennsylvania in the Senate Coronavirus Relief Act](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/funds-for-pennsylvania-in-the-senate-coronovirus-relief-act/): Update April 1: Two additional funding streams are not yet included in the table below. 1. The state should receive about $800 million in additional support for Medicaid / Medical Assistance through December, 2020. 2. The state will receive about $523 million in funding for Education from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency School Relief - [Calm Before the Storm: An Analysis of Governor Wolf's Proposed Budget for 2020-21](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/calm-before-the-storm-an-analysis-of-governor-wolfs-proposed-budget-for-2020-21/): We were in the last two weeks of work on this analysis of the governor’s proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2020, when the political and economic world in which we’d been living tilted on its axis. The coronavirus that is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic was creating havoc in China, - [VIDEO: The Fair Share Tax to Support Public Investment in Pennsylvania (2019 Update)](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/video-the-fair-share-tax-to-support-public-investment-in-pennsylvania-2019-update/): In Pennsylvania, the Fair Share Tax can help turn our tax system right-side up, raising much-needed revenues while reducing taxes on most Pennsylvanians. The Fair Share Tax raises $2.2 billion a year to invest in our communities, while cutting taxes or not raising them for 82% of Pennsylvanians. The plan lowers the tax rate on - [Viruses, Health Care, and Communal Provision](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/viruses-health-care-and-communal-provision/): A few years ago, I wrote a piece that explained why health care has to be provided communally. I showed that without extensive communal provision through both direct investment and the subsidy of insurance that pays for medical care, we would have far fewer well-trained doctors, far fewer major medical centers, far less knowledge about and treatment - [Good Jobs, Strong Industries, a Better Pennsylvania: Towards a 21st-Century State Economic Development Policy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/good-jobs-strong-industries-a-better-pennsylvania-towards-a-21st-century-state-economic-development-policy/): Pennsylvania lawmakers today face two challenging pressures that are difficult to reconcile: a) a deep recession that has eroded state revenues, leading to careful scrutiny of all state spending and deep cuts in some programs, and b) high unemployment rates that have brought new urgency to state efforts to boost job creation. In the context - [The Pennsylvania Promise: Making College Affordable and Securing Pennsylvania's Economic Future](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-pennsylvania-promise-making-college-affordable-and-securing-pennsylvanias-economic-future-2/): With a modest and smart investment, Pennsylvania can build a more prosperous future for its citizens and reinvigorate the American Dream in every corner of the Keystone State. This paper, "The Pennsylvania Promise," outlines how. - [The Pennsylvania Promise: Making College Affordable and Securing Pennsylvania's Economic Future](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-pennsylvania-promise-making-college-affordable-and-securing-pennsylvanias-economic-future/): In this report, the KRC and Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center lay out a detailed plan to make post-secondary education more affordable for Pennsylvania students attending community colleges, schools that are part of the State System of Higher Education, and state-related universities. - [MEMO: Growing Trade Deficit with China Results in Continued Job Losses in PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/memo-growing-trade-deficit-with-china-results-in-continued-job-losses-in-pa/): To: Interested Parties From: Stephen Herzenberg, executive director, Keystone Research Center, co-author of major Congressional Study on the first NAFTA and a negotiator of original NAFTA labor side agreement Re: Growing trade deficit with China results in continued job losses in PA All Hat and No Cattle on Trade—U.S. Workers Lose 700,000 More Jobs Due - [Trump Makes the States a Medicaid Offer They Must Refuse](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/trump-makes-the-states-a-medicaid-offer-they-must-refuse/): Yesterday the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it would encourage states to apply for waivers that would replace the current system of financing Medicaid with a block grant program that would cap federal Medicaid funding. States like Pennsylvania must say no to this offer, which threatens a federal / state Medicaid - [Republican Judicial Districting: An Existential Threat to Pennsylvania Democracy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/republican-judicial-districting-an-existential-threat-to-pennsylvania-democracy/): After the uprising of the 17th June The Secretary of the Writers Union Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee Stating that the people Had forfeited the confidence of the government And could win it back only By redoubled efforts. Would it not be easier In that case for the government To dissolve the people And - [Towards an AI Economy That Works for All](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/towards-an-ai-economy-that-works-for-all/): Executive Summary This is the first report of a Keystone Research Center project on the “Future of Work.” The aim is to identify public policies that could help ensure that the application and diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) over the next several decades fosters an economy in which Americans generally thrive. The project is motivated, - [NEW REPORT: Medicaid Expansion Has Averted an Estimated 369 Deaths a Year of Near-Elderly Low-Income Individuals in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-report-medicaid-expansion-has-averted-an-estimated-369-deaths-a-year-of-near-elderly-low-income-individuals-in-pennsylvania/): HARRISBURG – New evidence shows that 1,467 lives were saved in the four years since Medicaid was expanded in Pennsylvania. A new study released via the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)[1] that compares the death rates of the near-elderly population (ages 55-64) in states that have and have not expanded Medicaid found that expanding Medicaid in Pennsylvania in - [No Longer the Great Equalizer: New Study Highlights How Pennsylvania’s Low and Declining Investment in Higher Ed Threatens Access to College, Especially for Black and Hispanic Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/no-longer-the-great-equalizer-new-study-highlights-how-pennsylvanias-low-and-declining-investment-in-higher-education-threatens-access-to-college-especially-for-black-and-hispanic-families/): As we have showed previously, low levels of state funding for public higher education in Pennsylvania has led to high and increasing tuition, fees, and housing costs for students and some of the highest average debt in the nation for graduating students. This has had the effect of limiting access for working-class students to higher - [Technical addendum: understanding the difference between the two budgets](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/technical-addendum-understanding-the-difference-between-the-two-budgets/): This addendum clears up confusion between the two buget proposals, SB 1073 and HB 1460. Specifically, looking at direct line items within the budgets to get a truer sense of proposed PA reveue and spending. - [On Economic Policy, It’s Not What President Trump Says, It’s What He Does That Matters](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-economic-policy-its-not-what-president-trump-says-its-what-he-does-that-matters/): The piece below originally ran in the York Dispatch here. We've reposted it with a few hyperlinks. In 2016, presidential candidate Donald Trump won significant support by arguing that the “whole economy” is “rigged” against typical American workers. Many people understood this to mean he would make the economy less rigged against regular workers once - [Follow the Property Tax Money: The Wolf Plan and HB 504 Compared](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/follow-the-property-tax-money-the-wolf-plan-and-hb-504-compared/): Pennsylvania is highly reliant on local property taxes to fund its public schools, ranking near the bottom of all states (46th) for state share of education funding. This reality has two serious and longstanding consequences. First, Pennsylvania has the most inequitable funding system in the nation, spending 33% more per pupil in its wealthiest school - [The 2019-20 Enacted Budget: How Did Education Fare?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-2019-20-enacted-budget-how-did-education-fare/): While this 2018-19 budget increase moves us in the right direction with increased funding for education, it still does not adequately and equitably fund our schools across the Commonwealth. In order to do that, Pennsylvania must find recurring revenue sources. Read the Overview of the 2019-20 Enacted Budget Below (download a PDF here) - [Report Looks at Role of Apprenticeship in Filling Pennsylvania Construction Jobs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/6266/): Go here to read the full report. Executive Summary: After a deep industry decline in and after the Great Recession, the Pennsylvania construction industry has in the last several years again faced a shortage of skilled craft workers. This shortage could grow more severe in the years ahead due to an aging construction workforce, leading - [Thoughts on SB 421 - The Election Reform Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/thoughts-on-sb-421-the-election-reform-bill/): Last Friday we released a policy brief on SB 421, the election reform bill that that is currently being debated in the House of Representatives. Our policy brief went as far as we could then in analyzing the impact of the legislation on access to and ease of voting in the state. In this blog - [Elimination of Straight-Ticket Voting and Related Matters](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/elimination-of-straight-ticket-voting-and-related-matters/): To: State legislators, editorial board writers, political reporters, and interested parties From: Marc Stier, Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Re: Elimination of Straight-Ticket Voting and Related Matters Voting is the fundamental political right of all Americans. And so, election reform must mean making it easier, rather than harder, for Americans to cast their votes - [Democracy in Pennsylvania - 2018](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/democracy-in-pennsylvania-2018/): The KRC's report "Democracy in Pennsylvania," examines the gap between the haves and the have-nots and the importance of money in politics. This report has two main themes. The first is that Pennsylvania's democracy is not healthy as measured by the amount of money in politics, electoral competition, political participation, and confidence in government. The - [Corporate Tax Change will Bring Additional Revenue into Pennsylvania, How Much is Still Not Known](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/corporate-tax-change-will-bring-additional-revenue-into-pennsylvania-how-much-is-still-not-known/): In June 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. that states may tax purchases made by its residents from sellers/companies that do not have a physical presence in the state. This case reversed a previous decision from 1992 in Quill Corp v. North Dakota that prohibited states from collecting sales taxes for - [Exploring the Potential Benefits of Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/exploring-the-potential-benefits-of-adult-use-cannabis-legalization-in-pennsylvania/): The legalization of the adult use of cannabis in Pennsylvania has been debated vigorously over the past year, during and following the lieutenant governor’s listening tour. And over the last few weeks, Governor Wolf and Attorney General Shapiro announced support of it. This brief is meant to generate further discussion by sharing information, research, and - [PA Protects Against Insurance Losses Caused by Trump](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-the-census-bureau-report-on-health-insurance-coverage-rates/): A census bureau report released on Tuesday shows that 1.9 million more Americans were uninsured in 2018 than in 2017, with the rate of those uninsured rising from 7.9% to 8.5%. However, in Pennsylvania the rate is unchanged at 5.5%, and the best estimate we have is that only 7,000 fewer people have health insurance in - [Will There Be a Child Care Benefit Cliff if We Raise the Minimum Wage?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/will-there-be-a-child-care-benefit-cliff-if-we-raise-the-minimum-wage/): Introduction Raising the minimum wage is one of the most important steps that Pennsylvania can take to fix a political economy that has been tilted against working people for decades. Two bills before the General Assembly, HB1215 and SB12, propose increasing the minimum wage to $12 per hour on July 1, 2019, and increasing the - [State of Working Pennsylvania 2019](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-pennsylvania-2019/): Executive Summary In just the past few weeks, leading American business leaders appear to have experienced a sudden and surprising bout of conscience. On Monday, August 19, the Business Roundtable, which represents the largest U.S. corporations, issued a statement signed by 181 CEOs that embraced stakeholder capitalism—the idea that corporations have obligations to employees, the - [Wolf Proposal Would Restore 40-Hour Work Week and Fair Overtime Pay for 465,000 PA Salaried Workers](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/wolf-proposal-would-restore-40-hour-work-week-and-fair-overtime-pay-for-465000-pa-salaried-workers/): In June of 2018, Governor Tom Wolf issued a notice of his intention to restore guaranteed overtime pay for Pennsylvania salaried employees earning between about $24,000 and $48,000 when they work more than 40 hours in a week. This brief explains Governor Wolf's proposed expansion of overtime pay for salaried employees and presents estimates of - [This Price Is Right -- About Reducing CEO Pay So Companies Can Pay More to Their Lowest Paid](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/this-price-is-right-about-reducing-ceo-pay-so-companies-can-pay-more-to-their-lowest-paid/): No, not Keystone Research Center labor economist Mark Price. Dan Price. CEO and owner of Gravity Payments, a credit card processing company in Seattle. Although the two men do kind of look alike. CEO Price plans to raise the minimum salary at his company to $70,000 per year. He'll slash his own salary until the - [Expanding Medicaid Coverage in PA Will Save Lives](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/expanding-medicaid-coverage-in-pa-will-save-lives/): I have written about the economic benefits of expanding Medicaid health coverage in Pennsylvania, but what often goes unmentioned in this debate is just how critical the expansion is to the commonwealth's public health. It will make Pennsylvanians healthier and more financially stable — and even save lives. Medicaid supports better public health by providing - [A Severance Tax: The Basics](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-severance-tax-the-basics/): Pennsylvania has been considering a severance tax on natural gas for years. Here are four reasons it is long overdue: TALKING POINT #1: A severance tax can bring in substantial and, as natural gas prices rise, growing revenues to help close our budget and investment deficits now and in the future. Governor Wolf’s proposal is - [Low Teacher Pay Shortchanges Teachers—and Students—in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/low-teacher-pay-shortchanges-teachers-and-students-in-pennsylvania/): We wanted to highlight the Economic Policy Institute’s new analysis on the teacher pay gap and explain why it should encourage Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass a proposal to raise the starting salaries of the state’s public school educators. Nationally, in terms of total compensation (wages plus benefits), teachers earned 13.1 percent less than similar college graduates in - [State of Working Philadelphia 2018](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-philadelphia-2018/): The Keystone Research Center's "State of Working Philadelphia" report finds that despite healthy job growth, a majority of Philadelphia's households earn less than comparable households did a decade ago. While incomes for the bottom 60% of households remain at or below their levels as of a decade ago, incomes for the top 1% of - [A Higher Minimum Wage Would Reduce Child Poverty in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-higher-minimum-wage-would-reduce-child-poverty-in-pennsylvania/): This press release highlights how policymakers can reduce child poverty in Pennsylvania by raising the minimum wage. Pennsylvania's child poverty rate is 19%, ranking it 28th in the nation. This means that over half a million kids in the Commonwealth suffer deprivation of their most basic needs. - [PreK-12 Education Funding in Pennsylvania: Where Do We Stand?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/prek-12-education-funding-in-pennsylvania-where-do-we-stand/): In this report, we take a closer look at Governor Wolf's budget proposals for 2018-19. Specifically, we examine the current state of preK-12 education funding in Pennsylvania and take a look at Governor Wolf's proposals in light of the recent history of funding for education in our state. - [Governor's 2018-19 Budget Overview](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governors-2018-19-budget-overview-3/): This research paper shares PBPC's overview of Governor Wolf's proposed budget for 2018-19. While the details are different, the basic theme of our analysis of the governor's budget proposal is essentially unchanged from last year and the year before. Again, Governor Wolf presented another austere budget that, within the political limits of Harrisburg, makes progress - [People Who Live in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/people-who-live-in-glass-houses-shouldnt-throw-stones/): (NOTE: at a future date we plan to address the substance of the op-ed referred to below by Anthony Davies and a co-author in more detail.) So, this is rich: in an op-ed critiquing our Pennsylvania Promise free tuition (not free college) proposal, Anthony Davies and a co-author snidely say “we use the term loosely” - [Key Sources on the Value of Unions and the Importance of Protecting Workers' Real Freedom to Join Together](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/key-sources-on-the-value-of-unions-and-the-importance-of-protecting-workers-real-freedom-to-join-together/): Today is a little like Labor Day except with a twist: because of oral arguments today in the Supreme Court on the Janus case, editorial boards, the media, social media, and the public are all focused on workers—in this case, on their freedom to join together into unions. Given the widespread interest, here are some - [Why the PA Supreme Court's Lines Should Stand](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/why-the-pa-supreme-courts-lines-should-stand/): The effort by the General Assembly’s Republican leaders to have the United States Supreme Court block the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to create new, fair congressional districts in our state is based on both a hypocritical attempt to undermine the rights of states and a flawed understanding of the subtle, yet fundamental, ideas of our - [Economic Policy Institute Family Budget Calculator Shows What Families Need to Get By in Every Part of Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/economic-policy-institute-family-budget-calculator-shows-what-families-need-to-get-by-in-every-part-of-pennsylvania/): The Economic Policy Institute's update to its signature Family Budget Calculator shows what is required for families to attain an adequate standard of living in communities throughout the country. In this press release, we discuss the Family Budget Calculator and how it is a stark reminder that many working people all over the commonwealth do - [Complicated Work Requirements Will Upend SNAP as a Stabilizing Force for Those in Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/complicated-work-requirements-will-upend-snap-as-a-stabilizing-force-for-those-in-crisis/): Over the last couple months, we at the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center have been holding community conversations to hear from individuals across the state about the challenges they are facing and to understand what they would like to see done differently in Harrisburg. One young man we spoke to in recent weeks, Colten, told - [The Tax Cut and Jobs Act Will Worsen Inequality in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-tax-cut-and-jobs-act-will-worsen-inequality-in-pennsylvania/): President Trump signed the Tax Cut and Jobs Act into law on December 22, 2017. While spun by Republicans in Congress as a boon to middle-class Americans, as a factual matter this tax cut is a not-so-veiled transfer of income into the hands of the already wealthy, which will worsen inequality in our state and - [Governor Wolf’s Proposed Education Budget Finally Restores Corbett's K-12 Classroom Funding Cuts but Inequities and Inadequate Funding Still Remain](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governor-wolfs-proposed-education-budget-finally-restores-corbetts-k-12-classroom-funding-cuts-but-inequities-and-inadequate-funding-still-remain/): Governor Wolf’s proposed education budget finally restores K-12 classroom funding cuts (in nominal dollars) from the Corbett years, but Pennsylvania still has a long way to go to reach funding equity and adequacy. Governor Wolf’s Executive Budget for 2018-19 proposes increases in K-12 education for the fourth year in a row. His proposal this year, - [Why “Get a Job!” Is Not the Answer to Decreasing Reliance on Food Stamps](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/why-get-a-job-is-not-the-answer-to-decreasing-reliance-on-food-stamps/): “Just get a job!” I’ve heard these words yelled out of car windows when I marched alongside poor and homeless people fighting for affordable housing and living-wage jobs in the San Francisco Bay area in the early 2000s. It’s a slogan many who have waited in lines at soup kitchens or homeless shelters have heard - [Don’t Be Fooled: The Extension of the Trump Tax Bill Primarily Benefits the Rich, Just Like the Original Law Does](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/dont-be-fooled-the-extension-of-the-trump-tax-bill-primarily-benefits-the-rich-just-like-the-original-law-does/): Tax day is around the corner and many Pennsylvanians are busy gathering their W-2s, 1099s and other financial documents to submit their taxes for 2017. Meanwhile, some Congressional leaders are making the case to extend temporary provisions to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which will expire after 2025. Republicans pushing for this legislation - ["Work Requirements" and the Political Appeal of Cruelty](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/work-requirements-and-the-political-appeal-of-cruelty/): We at PBPC are engaged in a major effort to push back against legislation in the PA General Assembly to create work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP. The new federal Farm Bill put forward by House Republicans, which authorizes the SNAP (Food Stamp) program, has similar provisions. We have been pointing out that the stereotypes - [EDITORIAL BOARD MEMO: Broad Support for Increasing the Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/editorial-board-memo-broad-support-for-increasing-the-minimum-wage-in-pennsylvania/): A statewide poll commissioned by the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center shows strong support in Pennsylvania for raising the minimum wage. Our poll, conducted in the first week of April of 2018, found that 56% of respondents supported increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour while simultaneously eliminating the state's tipped minimum wage of - [Rep. Fitzpatrick Made the Right Choice on SNAP Cuts; Unfortunately, Rep. Costello Did Not](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/rep-fitzpatrick-made-the-right-choice-on-snap-cuts-unfortunately-rep-costello-did-not/): Last week, the House of Representatives voted against the troubling Farm Bill that had recently passed through the Agricultural Committee. This version of the bill would have resulted in many Pennsylvanians losing access to SNAP, otherwise known as food stamps, which is often the last defense against hunger in our communities. The proposed House Farm - [A Step Towards Pay Equity in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-step-towards-pay-equity-in-pennsylvania/): Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order yesterday aimed at combating pay equity in Pennsylvania. The order, called “Equal Pay for Employees of the Commonwealth,” prohibits employers in state government from asking applicants for their salary history in an effort to steer employers away from reinforcing pay inequities between men and women. This legislation would - [Pennsylvania State Government’s To-Do List: June 2018](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-state-governments-to-do-list-june-2018/): There seems to be an overall optimism among state legislators that the Pennsylvania budget will pass on time given the positive revenue numbers in the state, a straight-forward budget proposal by the governor, and no haunting budget deficit to overcome like in years past. That said, the details of what said budget will look like - [Protect Our Representative Democracy — Stop The GOP Attack on the PA Courts](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/protect-our-representative-democracy-stop-the-gop-attack-on-the-pa-courts/): Representative democracy in Pennsylvania is under attack. This week, on a straight party-line vote, Republican senators passed a constitutional amendment that would give the majority party in the General Assembly a strikingly unprecedented degree of influence over who is elected to our courts, including the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. In turn, that would undermine the checks - [The Trump Administration’s Newest About-Face: Seeking to Dismantle Protections for Those with Pre-Existing Conditions](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-trump-administrations-newest-about-face-seeking-to-dismantle-protections-for-those-with-pre-existing-conditions/): In a move in line with Trump’s typical bait-and-switch—purporting to be a defender of the American working class but then doing everything he can to shift power and wealth upwards—he and his Justice Department have decided not to defend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) protection for those with pre-existing conditions. The pre-existing conditions provision is - [Affidavit Filed by KRC Labor Economist Mark Price as Part of School Funding Lawsuit in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/affidavit-filed-by-krc-labor-economist-mark-price-as-part-of-school-funding-lawsuit-in-pennsylvania/): Pennsylvania's constitution stipulates that the General Assembly must provide "a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth." The attached affidavit filed by KRC economist, Mark Price, in Pennsylvania's school funding lawsuit makes the case that aggregate state funding available to school districts for classroom costs have significantly decreased - [On Redistricting Reform, Good Intentions Are Not Enough](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/on-redistricting-reform-good-intentions-are-not-enough/): The first rule of politics, like that of medicine, is: Do no harm. And the intention to do no harm is not enough, you need a strategy to ensure that your actions actually avoid doing harm directly or indirectly. Once again, Fair Districts PA (FDPA) and March on Harrisburg, in two separate ways, are potentially - [State of Working Pennsylvania 2018](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-pennsylvania-2018/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2018," the Keystone Research Center's 23rd annual review of the Pennsylvania economy and labor market finds that nearly a decade into the current national economic expansion, many Pennsylvania workers are still waiting for a raise. Read the report here. - [2017 Census Release: Health Care Coverage in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/2017-census-release-health-care-coverage-in-pennsylvania/): By Shelley Aragoncillo and Diana Polson The number of Pennsylvania’s uninsured hovers around 5.5% of the state’s population, nearly half of what it was in 2010 before the Affordable Care Act and the expansion of Medicaid. Despite every attempt to kill it, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to keep the uninsured rate down in Pennsylvania. - [Speaker Turzai Offers Up a Fake Redistricting Reform Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/speaker-turzai-offers-up-a-fake-redistricting-reform-plan/): Speaker Turzai has recently floated a proposal for legislation to delegate the process of drawing congressional district lines to a commission modeled after the process used for drawing legislative districts that is embedded in the PA Constitution. The legislative districting commission consists of one member appointed by the majority and minority caucuses and fifth member - [Fact Check on Severance Taxes and Marcellus Shale](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/fact-check-on-severance-taxes-and-marcellus-shale/): In 2010, the Pennsylvania General Assembly took steps to enact a severance tax on natural gas drilled in the Marcellus Shale, a rich natural gas formation that underlies much of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center has examined severance taxes and the potential impacts, both good and bad, of drilling in the Marcellus - [Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Will Supercharge Racial Wealth Divide, Finds First-Time Analysis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-will-supercharge-racial-wealth-divide-finds-first-time-analysis/): Pennsylvanians, even more than other Americans, strongly support fair taxation—because Pennsylvania’s tax system is one of the most unfair in the nation, taxing middle- and low-income families at much higher rates than the richest 1%. Yet when Congress passed huge tax cuts on a party-line vote last year, it made the U.S. tax system much - [At Least Our Gov. Wolf and Other Row Officers Are Not Trying to LOWER Wages, CUT Health Coverage, and POISON Residents](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/at-least-our-gov-wolf-and-other-row-officers-are-not-trying-to-lower-wages-cut-health-coverage-and-poison-residents/): We at Keystone Research Center and the We the People - Pennsylvania campaign know that a major challenge for Pennsylvania and for the nation is to enact policies that make the economy less rigged against working families. A new report shows that, in more than half of U.S. states, stunningly, statewide officials have been trying - [Child Care for Minimum Wage Workers in PA Costs 78.5% of Annual Earnings](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/child-care-for-minimum-wage-workers-in-pa-costs-78-5-of-annual-earnings/): “This fight for $15 is about more than money, it’s about being able to live.” — Reverend Dr. William Barber III, on Medium.com Reverend Barber gets to the heart of the matter. While opponents of the minimum wage argue that raising it is detrimental to business and to society more broadly, this simple fact remains: - [Amazon Takes Its Ball and Goes Home Over Sales Tax Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/amazon-takes-its-ball-and-goes-home-over-sales-tax-bill/): According to an article in Monday’s State Tax Notes (subscription required), Amazon has decided to shutter a warehouse facility in Texas rather than pay a $269 million sales tax bill issued by the Texas Comptroller. Lost in this foot-stomping exercise are 119 warehouse jobs and any future plans of expanding in the Lone Star State. - [Governor's Budget Moves PA in Wrong Direction](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governors-budget-moves-pa-in-wrong-direction/): Governor Tom Corbett delivered his 2012-13 budget address to a joint session of the state Legislature today. We are still working on our budget analysis at the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center. In the meantime, check out our op-ed (see link below) on the governor's budget originally published in the Allentown Morning Call. Gov. Corbett's - [PA House Sets Budget Priorities, Laying Groundwork for Final Negotiations](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-house-sets-budget-priorities-laying-groundwork-for-final-negotiations/): Originally posted at the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center's website. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives debated and amended the Senate’s budget bill last week—adding $91 million to the Departments of Education, Environmental Protection and Public Welfare, while subtracting a comparable amount from the Governor’s office, economic development programs, and general government operations. House leaders established - [PA Budget in Fair Shape as Midyear Approaches, but Business Tax Cuts Loom](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-budget-in-fair-shape-as-midyear-approaches-but-business-tax-cuts-loom/): The Pennsylvania General Fund tax and other revenue collections are slightly ahead of official estimates through November. This is good news going into budget planning season for 2013-14. Unlike in many of the past few years, 2012-13 funding is less likely to be slashed to cover a midyear shortfall. In fact, at the Commonwealth's midyear - [Few in PA Would Be Affected by Ending High-income Tax Cuts](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/few-in-pa-would-be-affected-by-ending-high-income-tax-cuts/): The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center is out today with a new analysis finding that President Obama’s plan to end federal tax cuts for high-income earners would have very little impact on taxpayers in most Pennsylvania counties. In over half of the state's 67 counties, fewer than 1 in 100 residents (that's 1%) would pay the - [What to Make of the Fiscal Cliff Deal?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/what-to-make-of-the-fiscal-cliff-deal/): The agreement reached by President Obama and Congress on January 1 was both historic and disappointing—and it leaves much unsettled. The urgency of the fiscal cliff has dissipated, but significant threats remain to federal funding for state and local services as well as refundable tax credits for low-income working families, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. - [Mind the Gap: Opting Out of Medicaid Expansion Leaves Low-income Families Behind](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/mind-the-gap-opting-out-of-medicaid-expansion-leaves-low-income-families-behind/): Federal health care reform is moving forward thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last year—and it is a great deal for Pennsylvania. Unless the state decides to “opt out,” Medicaid coverage will be expanded to include many Pennsylvanians who are uninsured. One group that will benefit immediately are parents with incomes up to 138% - [Governor's Corporate Tax Cut Plan Will Cost $800 Million](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governors-corporate-tax-cut-plan-will-cost-800-million/): I am testifying before the Pennsylvania House Finance Committee today on Governor Tom Corbett's plan to cut the state's corporate net income tax rate by 30% over a decade. This tax cut, along with a number of other tax policy changes, will cost the commonwealth—conservatively—more than $800 million annually when fully phased in. The new - [What You Need to Know About the House Budget Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/what-you-need-to-know-about-house-budget-plan/): Today, Pennsylvania House Republican leaders introduced a 2013-14 budget that is $100 million less than what Governor Tom Corbett proposed in February. Overall, the $28.3 billion plan cuts $230 million in spending proposed by the governor, shifting nearly $130 million of the savings to other budget priorities. A significant piece of the spending reductions come - [Pennsylvanians Shortchanged by Drilling Fee](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanians-shortchanged-by-drilling-fee/): Last week, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission reported that natural gas drillers are paying $202 million in local impact fees this year. Sounds good until you see a new report from the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center (PBPC) showing that a moderate severance tax on gas could bring in twice as much as the fee - [Business Tax Cuts Slow PA Revenue Growth, Creating Future Budget Gaps](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/business-tax-cuts-slow-pa-revenue-growth-creating-future-budget-gaps/): The Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) released its five-year economic and budget outlook on Thursday, and the picture is not pretty. Pennsylvania General Fund revenues are expected to grow over time but more slowly than expenditures. The IFO projects a shortfall of $839 million between revenues and expenditures in the 2014-15 budget year, growing to - [Education Is the New Black](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/education-is-the-new-black/): A new poll out confirms the public’s support for more education funding and a new education funding formula. The poll, conducted by Terry Madonna, was released at a press conference Tuesday in the state Capitol, sponsored by associations representing Pennsylvania school boards (PSBA), school administrators (PASA), business officials (PASBO), and rural schools (PARSS). The key takeaway - [Senate Bill 76: A School Defunding Formula Bill?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/senate-bill-76-a-school-defunding-formula-bill/): The Senate Finance Committee did not take up Senate Bill 76 this week, a positive sign. The committee held a hearing on April 30 to consider an amendment that was supposed to fix the problems with the legislation, but the amendment had the opposite effect, raising even more questions about the impact of the bill - [More Bark than Bite: Feds Back Pennsylvania's Gross Receipts Tax after Inspector General Report](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/more-bark-than-bite-feds-back-pennsylvanias-gross-receipts-tax-after-inspector-general-report/): CMS Is Not Asking for Its Money Back A report issued by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Pennsylvania’s tax on Medicaid managed care services has a relatively sensational title. But the reality is the federal government is not going to force Pennsylvania to eliminate - [NY Gov Proposes Property Tax 'Circuit Breaker'—Will PA Follow?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/ny-gov-proposes-property-tax-circuit-breaker-will-pa-follow/): This week, New York governor Andrew Cuomo proposed a $1.66 billion property tax "circuit breaker" as part of his 2015-16 budget. The New York plan would provide a state tax credit to offset local property taxes when they exceed 6% of a family's income. Homeowners with annual family income up to $250,000 and renters with - [Business Tax Breaks are Burning the PA Budget Pie](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/business-tax-breaks-are-burning-the-pa-budget-pie/): Deep cuts to critical human services, health care, and education loom in 2014-15 as lawmakers attempt to bridge a $1.5 billion and growing funding gap. Despite an improving economy, tax collections have fallen far short of revenue targets in 2013-14. The Governor’s initial projections revenue growth have proven to be overly optimistic for this year - [Pennsylvania's Revenue-Estimating Process Doesn't Add Up](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-revenue-estimating-process-doesnt-add-up/): The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center’s analysis last month of the state’s 2014-15 budget cites “myriad dubious revenue sources, including an increase in collections well above what the Independent Fiscal Office projected.” Now comes a timely, new report from the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C., grading the process by which - [Property Tax Elimination Bill Advances in Senate](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/property-tax-elimination-bill-advances-in-senate/): It was a good day for corporations that own land in Pennsylvania; not so much for individual Pennsylvanians who eat food and earn money. The Senate Finance Committee voted 6-5 on Sept. 16 to advance SB 76 to the Appropriations Committee, often a bill's last stop before the full Senate takes up consideration of it. - [Number of Poor Pennsylvanians High, Income Growth Not Widely Shared](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/number-of-poor-pennsylvanians-high-income-growth-not-widely-shared/): Poverty remained high in the commonwealth last year, highlighting that many residents have not yet recovered from the recession and underscoring the need for the state to do more to help struggling Pennsylvanians afford such basics as decent housing, nutritious food, and reliable child care and transportation. Nearly one in seven Pennsylvanians lived in poverty - [Philly Cigarette Tax Hike Becomes Law](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/philly-cigarette-tax-hike-becomes-law/): It’s finally law! Philadelphia can now raise its own local cigarette tax by $2 per pack to fund its own schools and prevent further teacher losses and cuts in the classrooms. Gov. Corbett signed the bill authorizing the increase today, after the state Senate passed it by a 39-11 vote last night, and the state - [It’s Official: Zogby Confirms $2 Billion Budget Gap](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/its-official-zogby-confirms-2-billion-budget-gap/): Budget Secretary Charles Zogby confirmed today during his final mid-year budget briefing that Pennsylvania will face a $2 billion budget gap next year. After balancing the 2014-15 spending plan with one-time resources, Secretary Zogby acknowledged that crafting a 2015-16 budget will be difficult for the next administration. This sentiment echoes what the Independent Fiscal Office - [The Empire Strikes Back: Shale Industry Minimizes Potential Severance Tax Revenue, But It's Still More than Impact Fee](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-empire-strikes-back-shale-industry-minimizes-potential-severance-tax-revenue-but-its-still-more-than-impact-fee/): Pennsylvania would benefit from switching from its current impact fee to a severance tax. Depending on the estimate, the severance tax could raise two to four times as much revenue as we expect from the impact fee, with this difference growing over time. Pennsylvania would benefit from switching from its current impact fee to a - [PA's Tax System Grows More Unfair: Low-Income Pay Price](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-s-tax-system-grows-more-unfair-low-income-pay-price/): Pennsylvania often falls near the bottom of state rankings—for instance, 47th in job growth and 48th in funding for public higher education per capita. So, at first blush, it might seem like good news this week that the Commonwealth came in sixth place for something. Unfortunately, it’s in a ranking of how unfair states’ tax - [$1.3 Billion Less for 2014-15 Budget According to IFO](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/1-3-billion-less-for-2014-15-budget-according-to-ifo/): On May 1, the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) released updated revenue estimates for the remainder of 2013-14 and its initial estimate for 2014-15. With General Fund revenues already a half a billion dollars short through April, it was expected by many budget watchers that revenue projections would be scaled back. The IFO forecasts a - [Impact of Full ACA Repeal in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/impact-of-full-aca-repeal-in-pennsylvania/): Full repeal of the Affordable Care Act would lead to over 850,000 Pennsylvanians losing their health insurance. Yet, this week, the Trump administration is calling on a federal court to declare the ACA unconstitutional. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 has had a tremendous impact on the state of health care in Pennsylvania. Since - [RELEASE: Effects of a Minimum Wage Increase on Social Safety Net](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/release-effects-of-a-minimum-wage-increase-on-social-safety-net/): INCREASED INCOME FROM RAISING MINIMUM WAGE IS GREATER, AND IN MOST CASES, FAR GREATER THAN THE LOSS IN BENEFITS AND NEW TAXES PAID HARRISBURG—As Pennsylvania seriously considers raising the minimum wage for the first time in over a decade (and as the U.S. House prepares to vote on a bill to increase the minimum wage - [Bills Weaken PA Oversight of Health Insurance Rate Increases](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/bills-weaken-pa-oversight-of-health-insurance-rate-increases/): This legislation in the House and Senate would keep more Pennsylvania consumers in the dark. With less scrutiny and less transparency in the rate review process, these bills will put consumers and small businesses at risk of repeated, unjustified rate hikes. - [SB 1100: Out of Sync with Most Energy-Rich States](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/sb-1100-out-of-sync-with-most-energy-rich-states/): Legislation approved this week by the state Senate would assess an impact fee on Marcellus Shale drilling in Pennsylvania that is well below what gas drillers pay in extraction taxes in many other energy-rich states, such as Texas, Wyoming and Arkansas. - [Analysis: How Do House Budget Cuts Affect Your School District?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-how-do-house-budget-cuts-affect-your-school-district/): Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved budget made significant changes to the Governor‰'s proposed allocations to school districts and charter schools. The House budget eliminates a $241 million increase to school districts and charter schools offered in the Governor‰'s Ready to Learn Block Grant, replacing it with a $70 million basis education increase, which is a - [Pennsylvania's Identity Crisis: Rushed Implementation of Voter ID Law Putting Voting Rights at Risk](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-identity-crisis-rushed-implementation-of-voter-id-law-putting-voting-rights-at-risk-2/): Pennsylvania's voter ID law disenfranchises Pennsylvania voters. This law is restrictive, and complicated to implement for Pennsylvania's large population in such a short period of time. This report argues that the Commonwealth should consider delaying the law until its procedures are more firmly established and its processes improve. - [Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Doesn't Get the Job Done](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/bill-to-close-tax-loopholes-doesnt-get-the-job-done-2/): A recent proposal to close corporate tax loopholes that drain millions of dollars annually from Pennsylvania schools, colleges, and other vital services would fall far short of its goal and aggravate our state‰'s financial problems. Adopting the Multistate Tax Commission model legislation instead, would provide Pennsylvania with a more sound and effective addback rule than - [Local Cigarette Taxes: Improving Public Health and Investing in the Community](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/local-cigarette-taxes-improving-public-health-and-investing-in-the-community/): This report reveals how several American cities have raised cigarette taxes as a public health measure and to generate local revenue for cash-strapped programs.Philadelphia cigarette tax would provide a local, recurring source of revenue for the school district. The City has requested authorization from the General Assembly to add a $2 per pack tax on - [A Wage-Less and Income-Less Recovery for PA's 99 Percent. New Study: Top 1% Only Group to See Income Gains Since 2009](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-wage-less-and-income-less-recovery-for-pas-99-percent-new-study-top-1-only-group-to-see-income-gains-since-2009/): Reports and Research Papers concludes that raising the minimum wage, strengthening unions, and requiring CEOs and other top earners to pay their fair share of taxes should be key priorities for Pennsylvania policymakers in 2015.The unprecedented degree of income inequality in the current economic expansion represents a confluence of long- and short-term force. Together these - [The Pennsylvania Promise -- Making College Affordable & Securing PA's Economic Future](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-pennsylvania-promise-making-college-affordable-securing-pas-economic-future/) - [Analysis of Gov. Wolf's Proposed 2018-19 Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/analysis-of-gov-wolfs-proposed-2018-19-budget/) - [School Code Bill Sets Education Funding 'Formula'](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/school-code-bill-sets-education-funding-formula/): The School Code (House Bill 1141, PN 2200) establishes a new basic education funding ‰"formula‰" with a base distribution and 12 new supplemental criteria targeted to very specific school districts based on aid ratio, enrollment or other unique factors. - [Philadelphia School Funding Agreement Comes with Strings Attached](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/philadelphia-school-funding-agreement-comes-with-strings-attached-2/): The Philadelphia School District will receive new state funding, but with strings attached that leave some key decisions in the hands of the state secretary of education.The language giving the secretary of education control over the additional funding is a watered down version of language promoted by the Philadelphia School Partnership, which was looking for - [The State of Rural Pennsylvania: Summary](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-rural-pennsylvania-summary/): KRC's report, "The State of Rural Pennsylvania," reveals both good and bad news for the 28% of Pennsylvanians who live outside the state's metropolitan areas. In this report we find that even more than urban Pennsylvania, rural Pennsylvania needs an explicit economic plan to promote sustained prosperity and opportunity. - [Nursing Home Privatization: What is the Human Cost?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/nursing-home-privatization-what-is-the-human-cost/): This report investigates the effects of privatization or attempted privatization on the quality of care at several county and former county nursing homes in western Pennsylvania: Allegheny County's John J. Kane Regional Centers, where privatization was proposed but not implemented; Comfort Home, which remained public but whose operation was taken over by a for-profit management - [The Quiet Dismantling of Public Health: The Impact of Pennsylvania State Health Center Privatization and Staff Cutbacks](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-quiet-dismantling-of-public-health-the-impact-of-pennsylvania-state-health-center-privatization-and-staff-cutbacks/): In February of 1996, Governor Ridge proposed the privatization of all Pennsylvania state health centers and the state public health laboratory. This report looks at the impact of Pennsylvania state health center privatization and staff cutbacks. - [A Bad Deal for Pennsylvania: Raising Phone Rates and Putting Telephone Service at Risk](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-bad-deal-for-pennsylvania-raising-phone-rates-and-putting-telephone-service-at-risk/): House Bill 1608 is part of a wave of phone deregulation bills introduced around the country in recent years. This research paper takes a closer look at HB 1608 and how this piece of legislation would increase the profits of telecommunications companies while raising phone rates and putting quality telephone service at risk in Pennsylvania. - [Exaggerating the Employment Impacts of Shale Drilling: How and Why](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/exaggerating-the-employment-impacts-of-shale-drilling-how-and-why/): Over the last several years, firms with an economic interest in the expansion of drilling in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations have used a variety of tools and techniques to exaggerate the employment impacts of shale drilling. This Reports and Research Papers summarizes our findings from examining employment in the Marcellus and Utica Shale - [State of Working Pennsylvania 2014](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-pennsylvania-2014/): Our "State of Working Pennsylvania 2014" report makes clear that our economy is not performing well from the perspective of typical families. The embrace of a cuts-only approach to managing the economy at the national and state level have been a dismal failure, with middle-class families across Pennsylvania continuing to pay the price. - [The Shale Tipping Point](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-shale-tipping-point/): This report examines the relationship between drilling activity in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia counties and the onset of significant human and social service impacts in host communities. - [All Pennsylvanians Prospering Together (APP): A Pennsylvania Economic Development Strategy for the Long Term](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/all-pennsylvanians-prospering-together-app-a-pennsylvania-economic-development-strategy-for-the-long-term/): The U.S. and Pennsylvania economies are finally recovering from the Great Recession, but virtually none of the benefits of that growth have gone to typical families. We propose a new state economic strategy where all Pennsylvanians prosper together. This report recommends that future economic development in Pennsylvania embrace four core principles, with the most fundamental - [Divergent Fortunes: Top Incomes and the Middle Class in Pennsylvania‰'s Counties](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/divergent-fortunes-top-incomes-and-the-middle-class-in-pennsylvania‰uas-counties/): Growing economic inequality remains one of the most pressing public policy issues in Pennsylvania today. This paper explores long term trends in inequality at the county level in Pennsylvania using two yardsticks for the degree of inequality within a community: the share of households earning middle-class incomes, and the share of total income in the - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2015](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2015/): The State of Working Pennsylvania 2015 brings both good news and a caution to legislators and policymakers. Although job growth is back to normal in the commonwealth, Pennsylvania needs a sustainable state budget that reinvests in education, communities, and jobs, and rejects the economy-sapping cuts of the 2011 budget. Pennsylvania also needs new policies, starting - [Towards the High Road in the New Hampshire Construction Industry: The Impact of a State Prevailing Wage Law](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/towards-the-high-road-in-the-new-hampshire-construction-industry-the-impact-of-a-state-prevailing-wage-law/): This study examines the economic impact of establishing a prevailing wage in the state of New Hampshire. Our research indicates that such a prevailing wage law would provide benefits for contractors, workers, construction customers, and the New Hampshire economy as a whole. - [High Road WIOA: Building Higher Job Quality into Workforce Development](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/high-road-wioa-building-higher-job-quality-into-workforce-development/): In this brief, we propose three concrete disbursement policies that allow for more effective and focused use of Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) resources, by ensuring that employer partners are the best possible fit for job seekers in the system. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2017](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2017/): The KRC's 22nd edition of "The State of Working Pennsylvania" finds that low-to-middle income Pennsylvanians are not sharing in the spoils of an economy that by many indications is healthy. Our report shows continued wage stagnation for all but high-paid Pennsylvania workers and also highlights the need for more aggressive policies to increase wages for - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2016](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2016/): The State of Working Pennsylvania 2016 documents the reality of difficult economic times for many groups. It tells a fairly simple story: most Pennsylvania workers have shared little of the economic gains of the last four decades because a tiny slice at the top has garnered so much of those gains. The data show that - [The Right Choice for Giant Eagle and Western Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-right-choice-for-giant-eagle-and-western-pennsylvania/): Prior to the 1980s, Giant Eagle provided family-sustaining careers to its employees. Over time, however, the company shifted to the low road- franchising stores that remained non-union, slashing real wages in half or more, and increasing their reliance on part-time workers with lower wage rates. This report lays out our plan for a shift back - [No Accountability: Pennsylvania‰'s Track Record Using Taxpayer Dollars to Pay for Private and Religious School Tuition](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/no-accountability-pennsylvania‰uas-track-record-using-taxpayer-dollars-to-pay-for-private-and-religious-school-tuition/): This Reports and Briefing Papers reviews the experience of the EITC program, including its size and growth over time, the areas of the state it primarily serves, and the accountability mechanisms that oversee schools that receive taxpayer dollars to educate Pennsylvania school children under the EITC. - [State of Working PA 2011](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-pa-2011/): A strong current of recent opinion suggests that there is "nothing we can do" about an economy threatening to spiral down and a middle class under assault. We strongly disagree. While most of this report will focus on how poorly our economy is performing from the perspective of typical families, do not mistake that emphasis - [Democracy In Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/democracy-in-pennsylvania/): Independence Day in Pennsylvania should be a time of celebration but also one of reflection. In this report, issued in July of 1999, we examine the influence of money in politics and how the gap between the haves and have-nots has continued to grow. - [Beware the Free Lunch: A Critique of the Proposal to Privatize Pennsylvania Wine and Liquor Sales](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/beware-the-free-lunch-a-critique-of-the-proposal-to-privatize-pennsylvania-wine-and-liquor-sales/): In 2011, the Corbett Administration commissioned a study by Public Financial Management Group Inc. (PFM) of the state revenue, tax, and consumer implications of a possible privatization of Pennsylvania's state wine and spirits distribution system. This report critiques the PFM study, Liquor Privatization Analysis, building on Testimony delivered to the House Liquor Control Committee on - [State of Working PA 2012](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-pa-2012/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2012" represents the Keystone Research Center's deepest and most comprehensive recent look at the Pennsylvania economy and how it has performed for working and middle-class families. Our central findings are straightforward: The Pennsylvania economy is performing poorly from the perspective of middle- and low-income families over the last year, the - [Under Attack: Pennsylvania's Middle Class and the Jobs Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/under-attack-pennsylvanias-middle-class-and-the-jobs-crisis/): This report examines Pennsylvania's middle class and our economy. While most workers are currently living paycheck to paycheck, we argue that it doesn't have to be this way. Just as the post-war middle class was built, it is possible to rebuild our middle class and strengthen it for the next generation. - [Runaway Spending: Private Contractors Increase the Cost of School Student Transportation Services in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/runaway-spending-private-contractors-increase-the-cost-of-school-student-transportation-services-in-pennsylvania/): This study examines the cost of transportation services for Pennsylvania school districts, focusing especially on the impact on costs of contracting out. Using data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education from 1986 to 2008, the study statistically analyzes total costs, the costs to the state, and the costs to local school districts. - [Making Smarter State Investments](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/making-smarter-state-investments/): The state of Pennsylvania currently gives out roughly $300 million dollars each year to attract businesses to Pennsylvania or retain existing ones. This report raises the question: does Pennsylvania invest these subsidies in the right places? The report analyzes where subsidies given out by three of the largest Pennsylvania business subsidy programs go, including the - [Key Findings: The Regional Distribution of Sewer and Water Funding in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/key-findings-the-regional-distribution-of-sewer-and-water-funding-in-pennsylvania/): Each year, the state of Pennsylvania distributes several hundred million dollars in funds for sewer and drinking water projects. Much of this money flows through two programs: PENNVEST and, since 2008, H2O PA. This brief reports on the distribution of funds from these two programs to multi-county regions. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2006](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2006/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2006" is an annual checkup on the state economy with a focus on working families. This edition points to the need for policies that sustain growth and translate economic and productivity growth into higher living standards. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2009](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2009/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2009" is an annual checkup on the state economy with a focus on working families. The 2009 edition documents how the middle class has been particularly hard hit by the worst recession since the Great Depression. - [The State of Women in the Pennsylvania Workforce 2008](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-women-in-the-pennsylvania-workforce-2008/): "The State of Women in the Pennsylvania Workforce 2008" traces the economic status of working women in the commonwealth since 1979, in absolute terms compared to men. The latter part of the report also describes two indices that can be used to measure the economic position of women in the 40 regions across the commonwealth. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2008](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2008/): In the "State of Working Pennsylvania 2008," KRC's annual check-up on the commonwealth's economy, KRC economists Mark Price and Steven Herzenberg found that the wages of most Pennsylvania workers are stagnant and that the concentration of income among the richest 1 percent of earners is approaching the level of the 1920s. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2007](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2007/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2007" focuses on inequality and the incomes of Pennsylvania's highest earners and the impact of the minimum wage. We also include a brief update on other economic trends, including: productivity growth, corporate profits, job growth, unemployment, and a first look at whether or not the collapse of the housing bubble - [The State of Rural Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-rural-pennsylvania/): KRC's new report, "The State of Rural Pennsylvania," reveals good news and bad news for the 28% of Pennsylvanians who live outside the state's metropolitan areas. The policy message from this report is that, even more than urban Pennsylvania, rural Pennsylvania needs an explicit economic plan to promote sustained prosperity and opportunity. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2005](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2005/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2005" was Press Released at a time of growing uncertainty about the national economy. This report reviews recent trends in Pennsylvania wages, contrasting them in some cases with other variables such as productivity growth, corporate profits, and CEO salaries. The latter part of this essay looks in more detail at - [The State of Pennsylvania Counties 2002](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-pennsylvania-counties-2002/): Based on data collected by the 2000 U.S. Census, "The State of Pennsylvania Counties 2002" profiles the economic experience of Pennsylvania counties in 1999 and from 1989 to 1999. This report focuses on five economic variables: four measuring middle-class well-being, and a fifth measuring average living standards. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2001](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2001/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2001" contains the results of the KRC's annual checkup on the Pennsylvania economy. From our review of the economy's vital signs, a two-fold message emerges. Through the year 2000, economic expansion continued, yet its benefits remained meager for most workers and their families. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2000](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2000/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2000" is the Keystone Research Center's fifth annual survey of the economic condition of working Pennsylvanians and their families. This report summarizes our study's most significant findings. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 1998](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-1998/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 1998" provides a statistical portrait of the economic status of Pennsylvania workers and their families. It maps Pennsylvania's performance on such indicators of well-being as wages, inequality, poverty, and unemployment. - [State of Working Pennsylvania 1999](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-pennsylvania-1999/): This report profiles the economic status of Pennsylvania's working people. It shows how wages in Pennsylvania grew in 1998 compared with those in 1979, 1989, and 1997, and how Pennsylvania workers fared in comparison with their counterparts in the country as a whole. - [The State of Rural Pennsylvania: Economic Agenda](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-rural-pennsylvania-economic-agenda/): The data presented in "The State of Rural Pennsylvania" underscore the need for new economic policies that would bring more robust prosperity to rural Pennsylvania. In the absence of a comprehensive state or federal policy response to economic globalization and the decline in manufacturing jobs, rural Pennsylvania has struggled economically over the past three decades. - [Keeping the Promise: Community-Based MH-MR Services in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/keeping-the-promise-community-based-mh-mr-services-in-pennsylvania/): This discussion paper contains a status report on community-based MH and MR services in Pennsylvania. It concludes with recommendations designed to move Pennsylvania closer to the original vision that inspired the expansion of community-based services. - [Construction Apprenticeship and Training in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/construction-apprenticeship-and-training-in-pennsylvania/): In recent years, the U.S. construction industry has faced a shortage of skilled craft workers. This report evaluates the role of apprenticeship training in meeting Pennsylvania's need for skilled construction workers, relying primarily on official U.S. Department of Labor data. The report highlights the distinction between union and non-union apprenticeship programs. - [Does Pennsylvania Invest Adequately in Its Community Colleges?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/does-pennsylvania-invest-adequately-in-its-community-colleges/): This chartbook benchmarks Pennsylvania state and local government appropriations for public two-year colleges- "community colleges"- against that of other states. The analysis focuses on three measures: appropriations per capita in the state as a whole, per capita appropriations within the areas served by each of Pennsylvania's 15 community colleges, and appropriations per student. - [State of Working Pennsylvania 2010](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-pennsylvania-2010/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2010" is the KRC's 15th annual check-up on the Pennsylvania economy. - [Reversing Course in Pennsylvania Higher Education: The Two Tiers in Faculty Pay and Benefits and a Way Forward](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/reversing-course-in-pennsylvania-higher-education-the-two-tiers-in-faculty-pay-and-benefits-and-a-way-forward/): This report describes how Pennsylvania's public colleges and universities employ and compensate full- and part time/adjunct faculty members and graduate employees to teach undergraduate courses. It documents Pennsylvania's system-wide reliance on contingent instructors and the disproportionately low salaries associated with part-time instructional employment. - [Threatening the Promise: Workforce Crisis and Funding Shortfalls Jeopardize Community-Based Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/threatening-the-promise-workforce-crisis-and-funding-shortfalls-jeopardize-community-based-mental-health-and-mental-retardation-services/): This 2003 paper provides a status report on community-based Mental Health (MH) and Mental Retardation (MR) services in Pennsylvania. We focus especially on Allegheny County and on the crisis that exists recruiting and retaining the workforce necessary to deliver services in the community. - [Pennsylvania's Nursing Homes: Promoting Quality Care and Quality Jobs](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-nursing-homes-promoting-quality-care-and-quality-jobs/): This report documents the wide variation that exists in the quality of care for residents and the quality of jobs for workers in long-term care. The report explores the close links between quality jobs and quality care, and the public policies necessary to improve both in a time of shrinking public resources. - [The Service Contractor Provision of the Proposed Living Wage Ordinance in Allegheny County: An Impact Assessment](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-service-contractor-provision-of-the-proposed-living-wage-ordinance-in-allegheny-county-an-impact-assessment/): In 2000, Allegheny County Council considered living wage legislation. The proposed ordinance would require that several groups of workers, including workers employed on county service contracts, be paid at least $9.12 per hour if they receive health benefits from their employer and $10.62 per hour otherwise. This report analyzes the benefits and costs of the - [Pennsylvania Utilities: How Are Consumers, Workers and Corporations Faring in the Deregulated Electricity, Gas and Telephone Industries?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-utilities-how-are-consumers-workers-and-corporations-faring-in-the-deregulated-electricity-gas-and-telephone-industries/): In the 1990s, the Pennsylvania General Assembly began deregulating basic utility services, including the electricity, telephone, and natural gas industries. This Reports and Briefing Papers presents preliminary data on whether deregulation has lived up to its promises. The paper focuses on the years 1994 to 1999, the period in which Pennsylvania conducted experiments in deregulation. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2003](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2003/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2003" differs from previous editions by being shorter and focused on two stand-out trends in current economic data bearing on quality of life for the state's middle class. This is also the first State of Working Pennsylvania written after a national recession and at the beginning of a new administration - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2004](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2004/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2004" paints a statistical portrait of the economic status of Pennsylvania's workers, families, and communities. It maps Pennsylvania's performance on such indicators of well-being as wage levels, wage inequality, unemployment, and job growth. This report begins with a review of job, unemployment, and wage trends since the beginning of the - [Economic Development Subsidies in Pennsylvania: Do they Fuel Sprawl?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/economic-development-subsidies-in-pennsylvania-do-they-fuel-sprawl/): Previously, the KRC published one of the only attempts to gauge the quality of jobs created by Pennsylvania economic development programs. This report presents what is, to our knowledge, the first-ever systematic examination of a second dimension of subsidy accountability- the extent to which business subsidies in Pennsylvania contribute to sprawling land-use patterns and job - [Pennsylvania's New Teacher Tests: An Assessment](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-new-teacher-tests-an-assessment/): Beginning fiscal year 2002, and in each of the following four years, Pennsylvania plans to spend $4 million per year to implement a new system of "teacher tests"- the Professional Development Assistance Program (PDAP) Assessments. This Reports and Briefing Papers considers whether the new teacher tests are likely to improve teacher effectiveness or student achievement. - [Too Big to Trust? Banks, Schools and the Ongoing Problem of Interest Rate Swaps](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/too-big-to-trust-banks-schools-and-the-ongoing-problem-of-interest-rate-swaps/): Philadelphia, like many cities, has faced serious financial difficulties in recent years. These difficulties have forced the city government to make ends meet by cutting agency budgets, cutting services and raising taxes. The city trimmed almost $100 million off its budget during 2008 and 2009, and the school district faced a $629 million budget hole - [In Most PA Counties, Few Would Be Affected by Ending High-income Tax Cuts](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/in-most-pa-counties-few-would-be-affected-by-ending-high-income-tax-cuts/): President Obama‰'s proposal to end tax breaks for high-income earners would have very little impact on taxpayers in most Pennsylvania counties, according to a new analysis by the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center (PBPC). - [Bill to Close Tax Loopholes Doesn't Get the Job Done](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/bill-to-close-tax-loopholes-doesnt-get-the-job-done-3/): This report explains the deficits in a recent proposal to close corporate tax loopholes. These loopholes rob Pennsylvania schools, colleges, homeless shelters, and other vital services of millions of dollars each year, which would cause PA to fall far short of its goal and aggravate its financial problems. - [New Report Examines adultBasic Funding Crisis](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-report-examines-adultbasic-funding-crisis/): The Community Health Reinvestment (CHR) Agreement is due to expire, which would cut the primary funding source for adultBasic, a program which has been providing affordable, no-frills health insurance coverage to thousands of Pennsylvanians. The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center reports that without a new agreement, the primary funding source for adultBasic will be lost - [Moving Target: Pennsylvania's Flawed Implementation of the Voter ID Law](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/moving-target-pennsylvania‰uas-flawed-implementation-of-the-voter-id-law/): The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is still falling short in its implementation of a requirement in the state‰'s strict new Voter ID Law that a photo ID be made available free of charge to voters who need one to cast a ballot. It remains unclear whether the commonwealth has the ability to ensure photo ID will - [Pennsylvania's Identity Crisis: Rushed Implementation of Voter ID Law Putting Voting Rights at Risk](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-identity-crisis-rushed-implementation-of-voter-id-law-putting-voting-rights-at-risk/): Pennsylvania‰'s voter ID law is restrictive and complicated to implement for Pennsylvania‰'s large population in such a short period of time. The process to secure identification is not well established. Given the consequence ‰"Ò disenfranchising Pennsylvania voters ‰"Ò the Commonwealth should consider delaying the law until its procedures are more firmly established and its processes - [Representation without Taxation: How Natural Gas Producers Escape Taxes in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/representation-without-taxation-how-natural-gas-producers-escape-taxes-in-pennsylvania/): Drilling companies enjoy favorable tax treatment in the Commonwealth. This report shows that they are exempt from property taxes on oil and gas reserves, and most of the equipment used in the drilling process, the largest expense, is exempt from the state sales tax. - [New Report Calls for State Budget that Boosts Jobs, Long-Term Prosperity](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-report-calls-for-state-budget-that-boosts-jobs-long-term-prosperity/): Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center and PennFuture teamed up to produce the new report, titled "Principles for a Better Budget," which outlines a series of budget principles to promote a more prosperous Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania must take a forward-looking approach to the state budget that focuses on creating jobs and ensuring our long-term economic success, according - [Proposed Tax Breaks for Natural Gas Industry Are Bad Deal for Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/proposed-tax-breaks-for-natural-gas-industry-are-bad-deal-for-pennsylvanians/): The General Assembly is now considering several proposals to enact a tax on natural gas production (called a severance tax), as is done in 28 of the 32 gas-producing states. Pennsylvania is the only mineral-rich state that levies no type of severance tax and the largest natural gas-producing state without one.Enacting the severance tax on - [Last One to the Party: Pennsylvania's Proposed Other Tobacco Products Tax](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/last-one-to-the-party-pennsylvanias-proposed-other-tobacco-products-tax/): This Reports and Research Papers examines Pennslvania's proposed Other Tobacco Products Tax. Pennsylvania is one of only two states to exempt cigars from taxation and is the only state not to tax the other forms of tobacco. It‰'s a policy that costs the Commonwealth millions of dollars a year and appears aimed at protecting the - [Income Tax Reform in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/income-tax-reform-in-pennsylvania/): Despite Pennsylvania‰'s constitution uniformity clause, the analysis done by the Pa Budget and Policy Center, shows that it is possible to enact changes to Pennsylvania‰'s personal income tax that will allow the state to collect a large part of the increased revenue from people and places that have a greater ability to pay. The options - [Income or Sales Tax: Which Is the Better Option?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/income-or-sales-tax-which-is-the-better-option/): In July of 2009, the Pennsylvania General Assembly was considering new revenue options to balance the Commonwealth's budget and fund higher education programs. In this Reports and Research Papers, we examine the revenue proposals that increase the personal income tax rate versus Pennsylvania's sales tax rate to determine which is the better option for our - [Responsible Growth: Protecting Public Interest with a Natural Gas Severance Tax](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/responsible-growth-protecting-public-interest-with-a-natural-gas-severance-tax/): Every state with significant mineral wealth, with the exception of Pennsylvania, has adopted a severance tax on the resource extraction industry. In this report, the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center reviews the existing literature on natural gas production with an eye toward examining the impact of drilling in communities as well as various state severance - [Gross Profits: Why Pennsylvania Should Enact the Oil Company Profits Tax](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/gross-profits-why-pennsylvania-should-enact-the-oil-company-profits-tax/): An oil company profits tax would help the Commonwealth achieve revenues adequate to invest in public transit systems in economically vibrant urban-suburban corridors and in rural communities with aging populations, as explained by the PA Budget and Policy Center in this report. - [Report: Exaggerating the Employment Impacts of Shale Drilling: How and Why](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report-exaggerating-the-employment-impacts-of-shale-drilling-how-and-why/): Exaggerated claims are dispelled in this Reports and Research Papers, which sheds light on the truth behind job growth in the expanding Marcellus Shale industry. Over the last five years, firms with an economic interest in the expansion of drilling in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations ‰ and their allies, supporters, and trade associations - [State of Working Pennsylvania 2013](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/state-of-working-pennsylvania-2013/): The State of Working Pennsylvania, Keystone's annual Labor Day check-in on how working Pennsylvanians are faring in today‰'s economy, found that since 2010, job growth in the Commonwealth has slowed, wages have fallen across the board, and the number of poverty-wage jobs in the Commonwealth has jumped by 11%. - [Apocalypse Not: Severance Taxes and Industry Exit in the Marcellus Shale](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/apocalypse-not-severance-taxes-and-industry-exit-in-the-marcellus-shale/): In this paper, the economics of a typical unconventional gas well in the Marcellus Shale from the point of view of a driller are analyized. Findings show that the replacement of the current impact fee with a 5% severance tax is very unlikely to deter firms from drilling new wells in the state, and it - [A Strong State Commitment to Public Education, A Must Have for Pennsylvania's Children](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-strong-state-commitment-to-public-education-a-must-have-for-pennsylvanias-children/): This report examines school funding in Pennsylvania, focusing on the city of Philadelphia and on other low-income school districts. The report highlights recent funding cuts and the policy choices that led to these cuts. The end of the report suggests some alternative ‰ and better ‰ choices that Pennsylvania might make regarding state school funding - [Gas Production Booms, Drillers' Corporate Tax Payments Plummet](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/gas-production-booms-drillers-corporate-tax-payments-plummet/): Pennsylvania should move ahead with a severance tax that is comparable to that imposed by neighboring West Virginia. General Fund tax collections are $600 million below estimate in the current fiscal year, and resources available for the 2014-15 budget are now expected to be $1.5 billion lower than a few short months ago.[20] A reasonable - [Report - State Funding Cuts Raising Tuition and Putting Higher Education Out of Reach for Many Families (revised)](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/report-state-funding-cuts-raising-tuition-and-putting-higher-education-out-of-reach-for-many-families-revised/): Deep state funding cuts have major consequences for public colleges and universities. The cuts have led to both steep tuition increases and spending cuts that may diminish the quality of education available to students at a time when a highly educated workforce is more crucial than ever to the nation‰'s economic future and its widening - [A Must-Have for Pennsylvania, Part 2: Investment in Higher Education for Growth and Opportunity](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-must-have-for-pennsylvania-part-2-investment-in-higher-education-for-growth-and-opportunity/): Pennsylvania‰'s deep cuts in funding to K-12 education since 2010-11 have drawn a great deal of attention in recent months. Less widely recognized is the fact that Pennsylvania enacted even deeper cuts, on a percentage basis, to funding for public higher education in the same period. This report summarizes key insights from the economic research - [Cutting 90,000 Pennsylvania Women from the SelectPlan for Women Program Is Bad Policy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/cutting-90000-pennsylvania-women-from-the-selectplan-for-women-program-is-bad-policy/): The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) will end family planning coverage for almost 90,000 low income women currently enrolled in SelectPlan for Women. This report explains why this is a bad policy for Pennsylvania women. - [The Shale Tipping Point: The Relationship of Drilling to Crime, Truck Fatalities, STDs, and Rents in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-shale-tipping-point-the-relationship-of-drilling-to-crime-truck-fatalities-stds-and-rents-in-pennsylvania-west-virginia-and-ohio/): Considerable evidence indicates that shale development in Pennsylvania has followed a similar trajectory as hydro-fracking, with documented increased traffic, damaged roads, rising rents, and intensified demands on police and local first responders. - [Who Benefits from the Philadelphia Soda Tax? All Philadelphians, and especially those with low-incomes](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/who-benefits-from-the-philadelphia-soda-tax-all-philadelphians-and-especially-those-with-low-incomes/): The tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) proposed by Mayor Kenney, also known as the "soda tax," is controversial mainly because, like other sales taxes, it takes a greater share of the income of poor families than rich ones. However, while the costs of the soda tax fall more heavily on those with low incomes, more - [Devastation, Death, and Deficits: The Impact of ACA Repeal on Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/devastation-death-and-deficits-the-impact-of-aca-repeal-on-pennsylvania/): The Affordable Care Act of 2010 is one of the most important pieces of domestic legislation enacted since the 1960s. It has had a dramatic impact in reshaping the provision of health care in the United States at a time when health care amounts to 18% of the United States economy. This report aims to - [A Fair Share Tax Plan for Pennsylvania: How to Raise Revenues While Sparing Most Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-fair-share-tax-plan-for-pennsylvania-how-to-raise-revenues-while-sparing-most-pennsylvanians/): Pennsylvania desperately needs new, recurring revenues, both to overcome a serious structural deficit that may lead to devastating budget cuts and to restore and enhance public education, human services, and environmental protection. This policy brief proposes a series of tax increases, that, taken together, would close the structural deficit and provide revenues necessary to meet - [At Students' Expense: Rising Costs Threaten Pennsylvania Public Universities' Role in Upward Mobility](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/at-students‰ua-expense-rising-costs-threaten-pennsylvania-public-universities‰ua-role-in-upward-mobility-2/): Deep cuts in state funding coupled with living expenses on campus that have risen faster than tuition are threatening to put State System schools beyond the financial reach of many moderate-income families. This Reports and Briefing Papers presents the facts on the costs of attending State System schools over time, on the state policy decisions - [New Proposals Pushed by Senator Toomey Would Hurt Vulnerable Pennsylvanians in Medicaid](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/new-proposals-pushed-by-senator-toomey-would-hurt-vulnerable-pennsylvanians-in-medicaid/): Pennsylvania must brace itself for a substantial decrease in federal Medicaid payments that would devastate our state budget and cause massive losses in Medicaid coverage as the Senate moves to pass a version of the House's American Health Care Act. Under the leadership of Pennsylvania's own junior senator, Pat Toomey, that version of the bill - [It's Time for a Real Severance Tax in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/it‰uas-time-for-a-real-severance-tax-in-pennsylvania/): Legislators on both sides of the aisle, and Governor Wolf, all made proposals in 2017 to enact severance taxes that would, together with the existing impact fee, raise the overall tax rate on the value of natural gas extracted (in most circumstances) to at least the 5% level that exists in West Virginia. This brief - [Pennsylvania Higher Education at a Crossroads: To Boost Opportunity and Growth, Pennsylvania Needs to Invest in Higher Education](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-higher-education-at-a-crossroads-to-boost-opportunity-and-growth-pennsylvania-needs-to-invest-in-higher-education-2/): Our previous two briefs on higher education documented the importance of public universities to upward mobility in Pennsylvania and the impact of this on tuition and enrollment at the State System schools. This brief examines demographic trends and the geography of educational attainment and college access in Pennsylvania. - [Who Pays for School Property Tax Elimination? An Analysis of School Property Tax Burdens in Pennsylvania](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/who-pays-for-school-property-tax-elimination-an-analysis-of-school-property-tax-burdens-in-pennsylvania/): Far from providing relief for working families, recent proposals to eliminate school property taxes in Pennsylvania would increase taxes on the middle class while sabotaging the chance to adequately fund Pennsylvania schools for middle- and low-income families. This report provides the first estimates of the impact of property tax elimination proposals on families in Pennsylvania. - [The State of Working Pennsylvania 2002](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/the-state-of-working-pennsylvania-2002/): "The State of Working Pennsylvania 2002" provides a statistical portrait of the economic status of Pennsylvania's workers, families, and communities. It maps Pennsylvania's performance on indicators of well-being such as wages, income, inequality, poverty, unemployment, job growth, health and pension benefit coverage, and the hours worked by families with children. - [PA House Sets Budget Priorities, Laying Groundwork for Final Budget Negotiations](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-house-sets-budget-priorities-laying-groundwork-for-final-budget-negotiations/): On June 6, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives debated and amended the Senate‰'s budget bill ‰ adding $91 million to the Departments of Education, Environmental Protection and Public Welfare, while subtracting a comparable amount from the Governor‰'s office, economic development programs and general government operations. - [Education Policy Changes Move with Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/education-policy-changes-move-with-budget/): General Assembly is moving legislative changes to the state‰'s Public School Code and other education-related changes before the end of session. Changes include expansion of tax credits for private school scholarships, increased funding for distressed schools. - [Pennsylvania's Great Working-Class Colleges](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-great-working-class-colleges-4/): This Reports and Briefing Papers establishes the historic importance of the 14 State System schools to working families in Pennsylvania and the critical need to change future course so that the State System, and all of our public universities, remain Pennsylvania's great working-class colleges. - [Towards the High Road in the New Hampshire Construction Industry: The Impact of a State Prevailing Wage Law](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/towards-the-high-road-in-the-new-hampshire-construction-industry-the-impact-of-a-state-prevailing-wage-law-2/): This study examines the economic impact of establishing a prevailing wage in the state of New Hampshire. Our research indicates that such a prevailing wage law would provide benefits for contractors, workers, construction customers, and the New Hampshire economy as a whole. - [Pennsylvania's Great Working-Class Colleges](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-great-working-class-colleges-2/): This Reports and Briefing Papers establishes the historic importance of the 14 State System schools to working families in Pennsylvania and the critical need to change future course so that the State System, and all of our public universities, remain Pennsylvania's great working-class colleges. - [Governor's 2017-18 Budget Overview](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/governors-2017-18-budget-overview-2/): From our perspective, Governor Wolf's proposed 2017-18 budget invests too little in public goods and asks the wealthiest citizens and corporations to contribute too little to our commonwealth. Our overview of the Governor's proposed 2017-18 budget shares shares this argument and how we hope that the Governor's plan to restructure and reform government and close - [Pre-K-12 Education Funding in Pennsylvania: Where Do We Stand?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pre-k-12-education-funding-in-pennsylvania-where-do-we-stand-2/): Despite Governor Wolf's progress to restore the deep cuts to K-12 classroom funding enacted by Governor Corbett in 2011-12, inadequate funding and deep inequities still remain in Pennsylvania's school funding system. This budget analysis more closely examines PreK-12 education funding in Pennsylvania and takes a critical look at where we currently stand. - [Pensionomics: Public Pensions Fuel Economic Activity Across Pa.](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pensionomics-public-pensions-fuel-economic-activity-across-pa-2/): Public pension benefits earned by Pennsylvania school and state employees inject millions of dollars into regional and county economies across the state. This Reports and Briefing Papers examines the combined economic impact of PSERS and SERS public pension benefits in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties in 2012. - [What You Need to Know About House Budget Plan](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/what-you-need-to-know-about-house-budget-plan-2/): Pennsylvania House Republican leaders today introduced a 2013-14 budget that is $100 million less than what Governor Tom Corbett proposed in February. A significant piece of the spending reductions come from education‰ $85 million from reduced state payments for school employees‰' Social Security and pension benefits. - [Pennsylvania Among 'Terrible 10' Most Regressive Tax States](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvania-among-terrible-10-most-regressive-tax-states/): Working families in Pennsylvania pay a far higher share of their income in state and local taxes than the state’s wealthiest earners, according to a new study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP). Pennsylvania’s tax system scored so poorly that it made the list of the “Terrible 10” most regressive tax states - [Misplaced Priorities: Another Run at Privatizing Alcohol Distribution](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/misplaced-priorities-another-run-at-privatizing-alcohol-distribution/): Governor Tom Corbett announced on Wednesday his new plan for privatizing the distribution of wine and spirits in Pennsylvania. We pointed out in a press release the likely impact of the plan if implemented: an increase in excessive alcohol consumption and its related negative impacts, including traffic fatalities — plus a loss of some of the nearly - [It Looks Like Pennsylvania Republicans Are Ready to Move on the Minimum Wage. But Is $8.50 enough? [Hint: No, it is not!]](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/it-looks-like-pennsylvania-republicans-are-ready-to-move-on-the-minimum-wage-but-is-8-50-enough-hint-no-it-is-not/): State senators Michele Brooks (R – Mercer County) and Dan Laughlin (R – Erie County) told the Manufacturer and Business Association that with consensus building in Harrisburg, this will be the year to raise the minimum wage. That’s very good news. But the senators said that the wage being discussed (among Republicans) is an increase to - [How About Some Real Solutions to Problems that Do Exist?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/how-about-some-real-solutions-to-problems-that-do-exist/): With Governor Tom Corbett's first term approaching the halfway point, the editorial pages are settling in on a theme for their assessments of the administration's performance over the last year: not a lot of action on important issues. There is no question the Corbett administration missed key opportunities to close corporate tax loopholes and enact - [Imagine...PA Chamber and Conservative Administration Lead Major New PA Renewable Energy Policy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/imagine-pa-chamber-and-conservative-administration-lead-major-new-pa-renewable-energy-policy/): “This package will send a strong signal to investors that the government is serious about providing firms with the certainty they need to invest in affordable, secure, low-carbon energy,” said Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the state's main business group, in a statement responding to a new - [Can Businesses Make More Money by Paying their Workers More?](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/can-businesses-make-more-money-by-paying-their-workers-more/): We spend a lot of time around here worrying about rising profits and stagnant wages, but that doesn't mean we don't want businesses to earn profits. Broadly shared prosperity means growth in productivity, which translates into growth in wages and profits. In short, it means we all prosper together. The CBS Sunday Morning program ran - [Anti-health Law Bill Would Be Tremendous Setback for Small Businesses, Uninsured Pennsylvanians](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/anti-health-law-bill-would-be-tremendous-setback-for-small-businesses-uninsured-pennsylvanians/): The effort to roll back health care reform is in full swing, nationally and in Pennsylvania. In one of its first acts, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act on January 19, although the bill is not expected to get a hearing in the Senate, and the President - [Welcome to Third and State](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/welcome-to-third-and-state/): Welcome to Third and State, a joint blog of the Keystone Research Center and Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center. Pennsylvania, like many other states, faces historic challenges — from ensuring that the economy brings broadly shared prosperity to working families, to addressing Pennsylvania's budget challenges in a balanced way, to implementing provisions of the Affordable - [Apprenticeship Weak: Trump Proposal Fails to Tap into Apprenticeship’s Potential](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/apprenticeship-weak-trump-proposal-fails-to-tap-into-apprenticeships-potential/): This piece was originally posted on the Economic Policy Institute's Working Economics Blog here: http://www.epi.org/blog/trump-apprenticeship-proposal/. Everyone loves apprenticeships (including me) as a basic model for learning work-related skills, but for the most part, policymakers don’t think very hard about why there’s so little apprenticeship in the United States. For that reason, we’re likely to continue talking - [Three Years and Counting on the Minimum Wage](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/three-years-and-counting-on-the-minimum-wage/): In 1960, George Lesauvage of the National Restaurant Association was making the case against increasing the federal minimum wage. “Wages, of course, in the restaurant industry are low for several reasons,” he said. “One of the most important is the fringe benefits that a restaurant worker gets in the form of free meals which in - [Expansion of Health Care Will Boost PA Economy, Hospital Study Finds](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/expansion-of-health-care-will-boost-pa-economy-hospital-study-finds/): Acting on the federal opportunity to expand Medicaid health coverage will give Pennsylvania’s economy a real shot in the arm. As a new study from the Hospital and HealthSystem Association of Pennsylvania shows, it will inject at least $3.2 billion annually into the state’s economy and support 35,000 to 39,000 jobs over the next seven years. To put - [Failing to Invest in a Stronger PA Economy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/failing-to-invest-in-a-stronger-pa-economy/): Despite ending the 2011-12 fiscal year with a $649 million fund balance, Pennsylvania fails to make the investments essential to building a strong economy or to reverse a recent trend where job growth in the Commonwealth has lagged behind other states. So concludes the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center analysis of the enacted 2012-13 state - [Challenging the Conventional Wisdom on Payday Loans](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/challenging-the-conventional-wisdom-on-payday-loans/): A few months ago, I ran into a neighbor from my old neighborhood in Pittsburgh, East Liberty, a largely Black, low-income neighborhood. She was telling me about taking out a payday loan to help cover some of her bills. According to a new report from the Pew Center on the States, many of the people - [A Closer Look at the State Budget](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-closer-look-at-the-state-budget/): Details of the 2012-13 state budget agreement have emerged with the release of spreadsheets Tuesday, and some details of the code language that will accompany the budget. If you remember, last year’s welfare code bill, Act 22, gave unprecedented authority to Public Welfare secretary Gary Alexander to modify payments, contracts and in some cases eligibility - [Lawmaker Proposes Pilot Program for County Block Grant](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/lawmaker-proposes-pilot-program-for-county-block-grant/): With less than a week to go until the state budget deadline, policymakers in Harrisburg are still at odds over how to fund county services for children, the homeless, and people with mental illness and intellectual disabilities. Governor Tom Corbett is holding firm on his plan to cut funding for a number of county human - [PA House Democrats Clarify the Minimum Wage Debate](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pa-house-democrats-clarify-the-minimum-wage-debate/): Yesterday, Pennsylvania House Democrats, under minority leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny), stepped up in a big way for raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania. And in doing so they made it obvious who is responsible for blocking a path to raising the minimum wage. During the debate on the state budget, one Democrat after another stood - [A New Proposal Would Give a Much-Needed Boost to Pennsylvania’s Working Families](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-tax-structure-worsens-income-inequality-the-racial-wealth-gap-and-contributes-to-our-revenue-inadequacy/): Senator Bob Casey today joined Senators Sherrod Brown, Michael Bennet, Dick Durbin, and Ron Wyden to introduce the Working Families Tax Relief Act (WFTRA), legislation that would begin to fix our tax laws to help working people with low-wage jobs make ends meet as they work to support themselves and their families. The proposal would - [PA’s Tax Structure Worsens Income Inequality, the Racial Wealth Gap and Contributes to our Revenue Inadequacy](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pas-tax-structure-worsens-income-inequality-the-racial-wealth-gap-and-contributes-to-our-revenue-inadequacy/): State tax systems across the United States vary tremendously in their structure, resulting in varied impacts on income inequality, racial wealth disparities, and revenue adequacy. As the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy’s new report shows, states with no personal income tax or a flat personal income tax rate tend to fare the worst. The figure below - [Tax Freedom Day? Not Really.](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/tax-freedom-day-not-really/): Every year the Tax Foundation, a conservative think tank, releases a report about “Tax Freedom Day,” a made-up day of the year that indicates when the nation as a whole has earned enough money to pay this year’s federal, state, and local taxes. This year, the report says, Tax Freedom Day falls on April 16, - [A Comparative Analysis of the Pennsylvania Senate and House 2015-2016 Budget Proposals](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/a-comparative-analysis-of-the-pennsylvania-senate-and-house-2015-2016-budget-proposals/): This comparative analysis considers the two proposed budgets for 2015-2016 (SB 1073, which is largely bi-partisan, and HB 1046, which is suported expressly by Republicans). There are critical differences in the spending priorities found in the two budgets, especially with regard to education, human services, and job training and economic development. - [Video: What the Affordable Care Act Means for PA](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/video-what-the-affordable-care-act-means-for-pa/): Advocates and health care providers gathered at the State Capitol this week to explain how Pennsylvanians who are working but lack health insurance will be able to shop for and compare options for affordable coverage on a new competitive Health Insurance Marketplace established by the federal health care law. This week marked the start of - [Double Trouble: Taxpayer-Subsidized Low-Wage Jobs in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/double-trouble-taxpayer-subsidized-low-wage-jobs-in-pennsylvania-nursing-homes/): Low wages for nursing home workers mean that many caregivers struggle to make ends meet and often qualify for public assistance to support their families. Low wages also contribute to turnover which affects caregivers' ability to deliver care. No full-time nursing home worker in Pennsylvania should depend upon public assistance to make ends meet or - [It Can't Be Fixed: Policy and Politics in the Republican Health Care Bill](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/it-cant-be-fixed-policy-and-politics-in-the-republican-health-care-bill/): The Republican approach to repealing and replacing the ACA and drastically reducing the size of the Medicaid program can't be fixed. In this Reports and Briefing Papers, Marc Stier examines the bigger picture, focusing on the larger politics of the Republican healthcare bill and how their strategy and logic is fundamentally flawed. - [Racial and Class Segregation Worsen in PA Public Schools](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/racial-and-class-segregation-worsen-in-pa-public-schools/): A report by UCLA’s Civil Rights Project shows that racial and economic class segregation continue to worsen in Pennsylvania’s public schools, with low-income minority children bearing the brunt of limited educational opportunities. As minority and low-income children make up an increasing share of public school children in the state, this new era of double segregation - [Pennsylvania's Great Working-Class Colleges](https://keystoneresearch.org/research_publication/pennsylvanias-great-working-class-colleges-3/): This Reports and Briefing Papers establishes the historic importance of the 14 State System schools to working families in Pennsylvania and the critical need to change future course so that the State System, and all of our public universities, remain Pennsylvania's great