Since Pennsylvania’s budget year begins on July 1st, the State Legislature always scrambles to finish up the budget process by the end of June (and occasionally comes close to succeeding.) Among the contentious budget items this session are:
- medicaid expansion – will Governor Corbett accept federal funding (under “ObamaCare”) to expand the Medicaid coverage to
- education funding – declining state funding for basic education has more teacher layoffs around the state (Allentown School District is cutting 151 staff, including 127 teachers)
- state budget / corporate tax policy – while funding for schools and human services have been cut back for the past several years, Pennsylvania has also been cutting corporate taxes? Does it make sense to phase out the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax next year while there is a projected budget shortfall? (see, e.g., PACC, or PennBPC )
- state pension proposals – pensions for teachers and state employees have been under-funded for a number of years. How should the deficit be addressed?
- liquor privatization – should private businesses be licensed to replace state liquor stores? What are the benefits and costs to Pennsylvania’s residents?
- transportation funding – should Pennsylvania raise additional funds to repair highways and bridges, and public transit improvements … by raising gas taxes and license fees?
The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center has presented several webinars on key budget issues this spring, for which resources and recordings are posted here.