Welcome to Common Sense Weekly! This is the Commonwealth Foundation's weekly news roundup of policy issues being debated in Harrisburg and across Pennsylvania.
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Pennsylvanians Are in Dire Need of Tax Reform
Each year, April 15th reminds us of the costliness of government spending – and why lawmakers must reduce this financial burden on hardworking taxpayers.
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is on a collision course with higher taxes. Due to years of spending growth, Pennsylvania faces a $4.8 billion structural deficit. Lawmakers’ options for addressing this deficit are limited: They can either cut spending or increase taxes.
Yet, Gov. Josh Shapiro seems to be embracing a riskier third option: ignore the problem and hope it goes away. Instead of reining in spending, Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget proposal demands $51.5 billion – a 9% increase from the current fiscal year. The governor also wants to illegally transfer $1.6 billion from the Rainy Day Fund, the state’s savings fund reserved for economic emergencies only.
12 Reasons Why We Shouldn't Bail Out SEPTA
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and other mass transit agencies should not rely on state funds to bail out their failing, fiscally irresponsible systems.
We've compiled the top 12 reasons why taxpayers shouldn't bail out SEPTA. Number eight is especially shocking!
What We Know So Far About the Arson at the Governor's Residence
Sunday morning began with the news of Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family being evacuated without incident from the Governor’s Residence during the overnight hours after what state police say was arson at the house.
Shapiro said he and his family were awakened by “bangs on the door” from state police troopers.
Another Day, Another Union Data Breach
Less than a month after the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) revealed it was the victim of a ransomware attack, yet another union has fallen victim to a cyberattack. On March 27, United Domestic Workers of America (UDWA), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3930, revealed an “unauthorized third party” gained access to the union’s network.
