Advertisement · 728 × 90

Posts by Pennsylvania Policy Center

Text reads: “What Trumps Iran War is really costing PA. Pennsylvania Policy Center presents: State Policy Action!  Thursday 4/23 at 1pm on Zoom.” There is a faded photo of missiles in the background, under a dark red overlay.

Text reads: “What Trumps Iran War is really costing PA. Pennsylvania Policy Center presents: State Policy Action! Thursday 4/23 at 1pm on Zoom.” There is a faded photo of missiles in the background, under a dark red overlay.

Join us on Thursday, 4/23, for our State Policy Action call, focusing on the tremendous costs for Pennsylvanians as a result of Trump's war on Iran. We'll feature PPC's Laura Beltrán Figueroa, Kristen Crowell from @fobaction.bsky.social, and others. Register to join! bit.ly/PolicyAction...

4 days ago 0 0 0 0

Thank you to @our-revolution.bsky.social for joining @pennpolicycenter.bsky.social yesterday for our #TaxDay events in #Harrisburg!

5 days ago 1 1 0 0
PA state representative Rabb speaks at a press conference in a brightly lit rotunda inside the PA capitol building.

PA state representative Rabb speaks at a press conference in a brightly lit rotunda inside the PA capitol building.

PA state representative Fiedler speaks at a press conference, with a group of legislators standing behind her. It’s a wide shot, and you can see TV cameras in the foreground.

PA state representative Fiedler speaks at a press conference, with a group of legislators standing behind her. It’s a wide shot, and you can see TV cameras in the foreground.

Kristin Crowell speaks at a press conference, using her hands to gesture passionately.

Kristin Crowell speaks at a press conference, using her hands to gesture passionately.

A group of 11 legislators and advocates stand for a posed photo, all smiling.

A group of 11 legislators and advocates stand for a posed photo, all smiling.

This #TaxDay, we were joined by legislators and partners to expose how PA's tax system shortchanges everyday people, and what we can do about it!

We want a #PABudget with sustainable revenue that lowers costs and funds what our communities need!

Learn more: pennpolicy.org/pat-for-our-...

6 days ago 8 6 0 0
Rivera: Fairer Taxes, Better Pennsylvania
Rivera: Fairer Taxes, Better Pennsylvania YouTube video by Pa. House Video

Tell me if you think these things are fair: wealthy individuals paying less than half in taxes compared to everyday workers & some corporations not paying any taxes on money earned in PA? Neither are fair & must change! #PayFairShare @pennpolicycenter.bsky.social youtube.com/shorts/bX7_b...

6 days ago 1 1 0 0
Preview
Death & Taxes Film Screening - For Our Common Wealth · Democracy PA **Close out Tax Day with a powerful story—and a community conversation—about wealth, inequality, and what we owe the next generation.** After a day of action at the Capitol, **Pennsylvanians Together...

And a special thanks to director Justin Schein (@deathandtaxesfilm.bsky.social), who joined us to share clips from his feature documentary film Death & Taxes - you can also catch him tonight at Midtown Cinema for a screening and panel discussion with @momsrising.org and @affordablepa.bsky.social!

6 days ago 0 0 0 0
People stand in a room, smiling and talking to each other.

People stand in a room, smiling and talking to each other.

People stand in a room, several groups having conversations, all smiling and talking to each other.

People stand in a room, several groups having conversations, all smiling and talking to each other.

Two men sit at a table with cups of coffee, posing for the photo.

Two men sit at a table with cups of coffee, posing for the photo.

People stand in a room, smiling and talking to each other, as a film plays in the background.

People stand in a room, smiling and talking to each other, as a film plays in the background.

Thank you to all the legislators who attended our Legislative Breakfast Mixer with @fobaction.bsky.social this #TaxDay to talk about PA’s upside-down tax system and the fight for fair taxation to fully fund our communities! #PABudget

6 days ago 7 7 1 0
Preview
Pennsylvania House passes $53.3 billion budget proposal HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed its budget proposal on Wednesday, and while it is a budget, it likely won’t be the budget. The $53.3 billion bu…

The PA state House has taken a step forward in the state budget process by passing a budget plan based on Governor Shapiro’s proposal. The ball is now in the Republican-led state Senate’s court:
www.abc27.com/pennsylvania...

6 days ago 0 0 0 0
Post image

It’s Tax Day! Did you know that over 70% of businesses operating in Pa. pay NO taxes to the state? That’s because of outdated policy that lets businesses claim profits in other states like Delaware. I joined @pennpolicycenter.bsky.social today to talk about HB1610, my bill to close this loophole.

6 days ago 1 1 1 1
Preview
Death & Taxes Film Screening - For Our Common Wealth · Democracy PA **Close out Tax Day with a powerful story—and a community conversation—about wealth, inequality, and what we owe the next generation.** After a day of action at the Capitol, **Pennsylvanians Together...

In the area?
7:00pm 🎬 Come to Midtown Cinema for a screening of the documentary Death & Taxes, with director Justin Schein, @momsrising.org, and @affordablepa.bsky.social!

@deathandtaxesfilm.bsky.social
www.mobilize.us/democracypa/...

6 days ago 0 0 0 0
Two women walk up large steps with Harrisburg city behind them, they are smiling and waving at the camera.

Two women walk up large steps with Harrisburg city behind them, they are smiling and waving at the camera.

A giant, inflatable cartoon cat with a top hat sits on large stone steps leading up to the PA capitol building, with people around it.

A giant, inflatable cartoon cat with a top hat sits on large stone steps leading up to the PA capitol building, with people around it.

We were out in Harrisburg early this #TaxDay to talk about PA’s upside-down tax system, and the need for a more fair tax system in order to fund healthcare, transit, education, and more! #PABudget

Shout out @reprivera.com 👋

6 days ago 1 0 1 0
Advertisement
Text reads “Join us for a lunch & learn webinar April 16, 12pm, Zoom. A district-by-district look at our new School District Fact Sheets.”

Text reads “Join us for a lunch & learn webinar April 16, 12pm, Zoom. A district-by-district look at our new School District Fact Sheets.”

Join #PASchoolsWork on Thursday, April 16th for a webinar to learn about the latest school district fact sheets! Register at: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

1 week ago 1 1 0 0
Post image Post image

For Our Common Wealth is bringing legislators, advocates, and constituents to call on PA to do better! At a time when working families are paying more than their fair share, we’re lifting up a simple truth: a responsible budget requires fair taxes. @pennsyltogether.bsky.social

1 week ago 3 3 0 0
Post image

So excited to be heading to Harrisburg PA on TAX DAY April 15th for a morning event at the Capitol and then a screening of Death & Taxes at the Midtown Cinema at 7PM. with @pennpolicycenter.bsky.social, @affordablepa.bsky.social and @momsrising.org @itep.org #taxes

1 week ago 6 4 0 0
Video

(1/):💡 Don’t leave money on the table, #Pennsylvania.

Want to make sure you get the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit? Here are 3 things you need to receive the WPTC ⬇️

✔️ Earned income in PA
✔️ Qualify for the federal EITC
✔️ File BOTH federal + PA state taxes

That’s it.

1 week ago 2 1 1 0
Text reads “Check out our budget resources for in-depth analysis on other topics, budget proposal overview, webinars, infographics, and more!” and links to the same link as in this post. More text reads “Pennsylvania State Budget 2026-27 Resources. All the resources you need to understand the 2026–2027 PA Budget and its implications.”

Text reads “Check out our budget resources for in-depth analysis on other topics, budget proposal overview, webinars, infographics, and more!” and links to the same link as in this post. More text reads “Pennsylvania State Budget 2026-27 Resources. All the resources you need to understand the 2026–2027 PA Budget and its implications.”

📌 And keep an eye on our budget resources page for regular drops pennpolicy.org/pa-budget-re...

And follow #TransitForAllPA for more transit-specific information and advocacy! www.transitforallpa.org
(10/10)

1 week ago 2 0 0 0
Pennsylvanians Together: For Our Common Wealth In the last two years, Pennsylvania has added $2 billion in funding for K–12 education; created new tax credits for working families; and expanded tax credits for child and dependent care and for property taxes paid by seniors and people with disabilities. The state’s $13 billion surplus, created by federal COVID relief funds, made these achievements possible without raising taxes. But Pennsylvania is now spending at least $4.5 billion more than it receives in tax revenue every year. At this rate, the state will face a fiscal cliff in two years, with a yearly deficit of $7 billion per year, even without the additional investments necessary to: meet our constitution's responsibility to adequately and equitably fund K–12 education. address the affordability problem in Pennsylvania by reducing the excessive cost of public transit and making childcare, healthcare, housing, higher education, and workforce training more affordable. reduce air and water pollution and bring our roads, bridges, and buildings to good repair. The deficits are not new and have not been created by overspending. Pennsylvania’s total expenditure per capita is close to the nationwide average. It has been created by deep corporate tax cuts, by a failure to tax most multinational corporations at all, and by an upside-down tax system that asks low- and middle-income households to pay a greater share of their income in state and local taxes than the wealthiest Pennsylvanians, and by federal spending cuts under Trump. To do this, we must choose between two alternatives: The path forward is clear: Raise the revenue we need from multinational corporations and billionaires. Invest in people and build a Pennsylvania where everyone—not just the wealthy few—can succeed. Sign this petition to declare: I support a plan for Pennsylvanians for our common wealth.

🗣️ Take action and let your legislators know that you want them to fight for a budget that works For Our Common Wealth! www.bit.ly/FOCW-petition 
(9/10)

1 week ago 2 0 1 0
Large text reads “Pennsylvania could raise billions in sustainable revenue, all while giving everyday people a break.” Smaller text reads “We’re calling on legislators to support the For Our Common Wealth plan! Tell state legislators that you support a state budget that works For Our Common Wealth!” with a QR code that links to the same place as the link in this post.

Large text reads “Pennsylvania could raise billions in sustainable revenue, all while giving everyday people a break.” Smaller text reads “We’re calling on legislators to support the For Our Common Wealth plan! Tell state legislators that you support a state budget that works For Our Common Wealth!” with a QR code that links to the same place as the link in this post.

PA could raise billions in sustainable revenue, all while giving everyday people a break.

The #ForOurCommonWealth campaign calls for the ultra-rich and highly profitable multinational corporations to pay their fair share — so we can fund vital public services. pennpolicy.org/pat-for-our-...

1 week ago 2 0 1 0
Large text reads “Without new, sustainable, and fair revenue in the PA budget, transit agencies may be forced to make difficult decisions that reduce access and increase costs for riders.” More text reads “The For Our Common Wealth campaign calls for the wealthiest Pennsylvanians and highly profitable multinational corporations to pay their fair share — so our Commonwealth can fund vital public services like transit.”

Large text reads “Without new, sustainable, and fair revenue in the PA budget, transit agencies may be forced to make difficult decisions that reduce access and increase costs for riders.” More text reads “The For Our Common Wealth campaign calls for the wealthiest Pennsylvanians and highly profitable multinational corporations to pay their fair share — so our Commonwealth can fund vital public services like transit.”

With rising costs and existing funding shortfalls and service cuts, we need more.

Without new, sustainable sources of revenue in the PA budget, transit agencies may be forced to make difficult decisions that could leave many people stranded.

It doesn’t have to be like this!
(7/10)

1 week ago 2 0 1 0
Advertisement
Heading reads “For Funding Transit in the PA Budget, Governor Shapiro Proposed:” Text reads “Increasing funding to: Mass Transit Operations, Programs with statewide benefits, the Public Transportation Assistance Fund, and Administration and Oversight. Keeping the same funding as last year for: Passenger Rail Capital, which supports intercity passenger rail service, and Capital Improvement, which  supports transit projects and system improvements. Reducing funding for: Asset Improvement and Multimodal Transportation Fund. Reallocating an additional 1.75% of sales tax collections to the Public Transportation Trust Fund, starting in FY 2027–28.” Bold text reads “Much of the funding in this proposal does not represent new investment, but reflects ongoing costs and doesn’t fully address existing needs.”

Heading reads “For Funding Transit in the PA Budget, Governor Shapiro Proposed:” Text reads “Increasing funding to: Mass Transit Operations, Programs with statewide benefits, the Public Transportation Assistance Fund, and Administration and Oversight. Keeping the same funding as last year for: Passenger Rail Capital, which supports intercity passenger rail service, and Capital Improvement, which supports transit projects and system improvements. Reducing funding for: Asset Improvement and Multimodal Transportation Fund. Reallocating an additional 1.75% of sales tax collections to the Public Transportation Trust Fund, starting in FY 2027–28.” Bold text reads “Much of the funding in this proposal does not represent new investment, but reflects ongoing costs and doesn’t fully address existing needs.”

The Governor does include a proposal for a new, ongoing funding: reallocating an addtl 1.75% of sales tax collections to the Public Transportation Trust Fund. But it wouldn’t start until 2027, & doesn't generate new revenue on its own.
Dig deeper into the numbers here: bit.ly/PABudget2026...
(6/10)

1 week ago 2 0 1 0
Heading reads “Many of PA’s Small Transit Systems are Already In Crisis” smaller text boxes read “In July 2025, Bellefonte borough and Benner Township in Centre County were forced to eliminate all fixed-route bus service.” “In July 2026, Rabbittransit (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, and 11 other counties) will face price hikes for shared-ride service and 25% service cuts.” “In December, the South Central Transit Authority, serving Berks and Lancaster counties, will hit its fiscal cutoff.” and “In January 2027, Monroe, Washington, and Westmoreland counties will hit their agencies’ fiscal cliffs, meaning service cuts and fair increases if nothing changes.”

Heading reads “Many of PA’s Small Transit Systems are Already In Crisis” smaller text boxes read “In July 2025, Bellefonte borough and Benner Township in Centre County were forced to eliminate all fixed-route bus service.” “In July 2026, Rabbittransit (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, and 11 other counties) will face price hikes for shared-ride service and 25% service cuts.” “In December, the South Central Transit Authority, serving Berks and Lancaster counties, will hit its fiscal cutoff.” and “In January 2027, Monroe, Washington, and Westmoreland counties will hit their agencies’ fiscal cliffs, meaning service cuts and fair increases if nothing changes.”

Due to this lack of reliable, recurring transit funding, many of PA’s smaller transit systems are already in crisis.

The Governor’s proposed funding for this fiscal year may not be enough to prevent service cuts, fare increases, or other consequences without additional state action.
(5/10)

1 week ago 2 0 1 0
Heading reads “The Public Transportation Trust Fund is the dedicated transit fund in the PA Budget. In recent budgets, we relied on short-term fixes and uneven allocation to fill funding gaps.. This isn’t sustainable” more text reads “Before the budget was finalized last year, LANTA in the Lehigh Valley was projecting a 20% service cut and a 25% fare increase. In 2025, the state’s shared ride program was facing a potential $70 million shortfall. Pittsburgh Regional Transit faces a $100 million deficit, it could have to reduce service, eliminate routes, raise fares, and delay or cancel projects. SEPTA could have to cut service by 45% and raise fares by 21.5%.”

Heading reads “The Public Transportation Trust Fund is the dedicated transit fund in the PA Budget. In recent budgets, we relied on short-term fixes and uneven allocation to fill funding gaps.. This isn’t sustainable” more text reads “Before the budget was finalized last year, LANTA in the Lehigh Valley was projecting a 20% service cut and a 25% fare increase. In 2025, the state’s shared ride program was facing a potential $70 million shortfall. Pittsburgh Regional Transit faces a $100 million deficit, it could have to reduce service, eliminate routes, raise fares, and delay or cancel projects. SEPTA could have to cut service by 45% and raise fares by 21.5%.”

In recent years, the state budget has relied on short-term fixes and uneven allocations.

This isn’t sustainable, and leaves us facing potential rate hikes and service cuts.

This makes stable, recurring transit funding all the more important in the 2026–2027 budget.
(4/10)

1 week ago 2 0 1 0
title is “The PA Budget funds 20 rural transit systems, which serve areas with less than 50,000 people.” Text reads “This includes community transportation systems that provide ride-share services and demand-responsive transportation to human services programs. Often used by the elderly and people with disabilities, these services provide crucial connections and needed rides to medical appointments or the store.” with photos of a Rabbittransit bus and a smaller para-transit bus.

title is “The PA Budget funds 20 rural transit systems, which serve areas with less than 50,000 people.” Text reads “This includes community transportation systems that provide ride-share services and demand-responsive transportation to human services programs. Often used by the elderly and people with disabilities, these services provide crucial connections and needed rides to medical appointments or the store.” with photos of a Rabbittransit bus and a smaller para-transit bus.

The PA Budget helps support 20 rural transit systems, which includes services like fixed-route busses, shared ride services for seniors and people with disabilities, medical assistance transportation, and intercity passenger busses.

These provide crucial connections and needed rides.
(3/10)

1 week ago 2 0 1 0
A map of counties in Pennsylvania, showing the logos of the local public transit agency in each county - every county has a logo in it. text reads “Transit funding affects all of us. PA’s 53 transit systems serve over 1 million passengers every day in every single one of the state’s 67 counties.”

A map of counties in Pennsylvania, showing the logos of the local public transit agency in each county - every county has a logo in it. text reads “Transit funding affects all of us. PA’s 53 transit systems serve over 1 million passengers every day in every single one of the state’s 67 counties.”

Think transit funding is just an issue for major cities? Think again! PA has 53 transit systems that serve people in every single county.

Transit is essential to daily life and economic opportunity across Pennsylvania.

www.transitforallpa.org/pa-transit-s...
(2/10)

1 week ago 2 1 1 0
Title is “Public transit is a lifeline for communities across Pennsylvania.” There’s an illustration of a bus, and text reads “Transit connects people to jobs, health care, education, community, and essential services. But our systems are increasingly strained.. Did you know? Nearly 20% of Pennsylvanians cannot drive, and over 100,000 rural Pennsylvanians live in households without a car.” Larger text reads “Last year, transit funding was a key issue in state budget negotiations. What has Governor Shapiro proposed for transit in the 2026-27 budget?”

Title is “Public transit is a lifeline for communities across Pennsylvania.” There’s an illustration of a bus, and text reads “Transit connects people to jobs, health care, education, community, and essential services. But our systems are increasingly strained.. Did you know? Nearly 20% of Pennsylvanians cannot drive, and over 100,000 rural Pennsylvanians live in households without a car.” Larger text reads “Last year, transit funding was a key issue in state budget negotiations. What has Governor Shapiro proposed for transit in the 2026-27 budget?”

Public transit is a lifeline for people across PA, connecting people to jobs, healthcare, and community.

Last year, transit funding was a major debate in state budget negotiations.

So…what has Gov. Shapiro suggested for transit in his proposed 2026-27 state budget?
🧵 (1/10)

1 week ago 2 2 1 0
Preview
Lancaster County Republicans see statewide tax breaks as key to making life more affordable Kicking off a critical election year campaign, Pennsylvania House Republicans are proposing temporary tax breaks and other measures designed to address rising costs affecting consumers throughout the ...

(1/): “Proposals that reduce revenue without a plan to replace it will ultimately shift costs back onto Pennsylvanians, whether through higher local taxes, increased fees, or cuts to the services families rely on,” @pennpolicycenter.bsky.social.

📰 Read more from @lancasteronline.bsky.social:

1 week ago 1 1 1 0
Preview
Felicity A. Williams: The affordability crisis Pa. families can’t ignore Across Pennsylvania, families are doing everything right — working, budgeting and planning — yet it still feels harder to get by. The reason is not hard to find: the cost of everyday life has risen faster than paychecks, and the squeeze is showing up in nearly every monthly bill. At

Ultimately, the health of our commonwealth should be measured by a simple question: Can working families afford to live with dignity and security?
Right now, too many Pennsylvanians would answer that question with uncertainty. It’s important to be clear about why:

2 weeks ago 2 0 0 0
Preview
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: PPC's Federal Policy Action Call - April 2026. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: PPC's Federal Policy Action Call - April 2026. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

This month’s Federal Policy Action call will break down what’s happening, who benefits, and how we organize to fight back and win a tax system that works for all of us.
Register now to join us tomorrow: bit.ly/PolicyAction...

2 weeks ago 0 0 0 0
Text reads: Pennsylvania Policy Center presents: Federal Policy Action! Rigged Rules: how Wealth is shaping our democracy. Thursday 4/2 at 1pm.” Behind the text is a background image of protestors in front of the US capitol holding signs.

Text reads: Pennsylvania Policy Center presents: Federal Policy Action! Rigged Rules: how Wealth is shaping our democracy. Thursday 4/2 at 1pm.” Behind the text is a background image of protestors in front of the US capitol holding signs.

Don’t miss this event! RSVP to join: bit.ly/PolicyAction...
Tax Day should be about what’s possible when we all contribute our fair share. But instead, billionaires & big corporations are pushing for more tax breaks, while working people face growing threats to freedoms, healthcare, and democracy.

2 weeks ago 1 1 1 0
Advertisement
Preview
Fooling the Public on Taxes: Billionaires’ Games, Working Families’ Bills · Democracy PA # New location due to weather **Action Together NEPA Headquarters, 30 E. Northampton St, Wilkes-Barre** On April Fools’ Day, we’re exposing the real joke: a tax system rigged for billionaires while...

New location due to weather! Join us in Wilkes-Barre to expose a real joke: a tax system rigged for billionaires while working families pay the price. Turns out the punchline isn’t very funny.

This will be a fun, creative event demanding tax fairness! Learn more: www.mobilize.us/democracypa/...

2 weeks ago 0 0 0 0
Post image

TLDR: The PA State House passed a bill last week to regulate data centers and limit their impact on your electric bills. It will now go to the Republican-controlled State Senate.

Read more: www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-sta...

3 weeks ago 6 6 0 0