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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Government Unions Spent $33 Million in Recent PA Elections
When it comes to politics, government unions are big spenders—and they overwhelmingly favor one side of the political spectrum. In Pennsylvania, unions representing public sector workers spent millions of membership dues to support predominantly left-leaning causes and candidates, according to a recent report by the Commonwealth Foundation.
The report found that government unions—such as the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees—spent a combined $33.5 million on electoral politics in the recent 2023–24 election cycle. Nearly half of these donations—about $15 million—originated from union membership dues. Membership dues financed executive compensation, electioneering supplies, and political consultation.
Focus Groups: PA Swing Voters Aren't Sold on Shapiro
Gov. Josh Shapiro may have a perception problem among some Pennsylvania swing voters, recent Engagious/Sago focus groups suggest. Most comments about Shapiro in the recent focus groups were critical, with only two of the 13 Biden-to-Trump voters who participated supporting a potential Shapiro presidential run in 2028.
Here's the 'Green' Fuel the Left Refuses to Celebrate This Earth Day
If we want affordable and reliable power while being responsible stewards of the environment, natural gas is our most significant comparative advantage in the United States.
Between 2005 and 2019, the U.S. reduced carbon dioxide emissions by more than 800 million metric tons. The U.S. Energy Information Administration credits nearly two-thirds of that reduction to natural gas.
School Choice Surges as Public School Enrollment Declines
Statewide, public school enrollment is declining. More specifically, overall student enrollment is changing. In other words, parents are making different choices regarding where they send their children to school.
How has enrollment changed in your county?
