State Budget and Tax Policy

Governor Signs $27.8 Billion Budget Bill

October 21, 2009

Governor Ed Rendell signed the budget plan on October 9. View tables detailing departmental funding levels and federal stimulus allocations.

Capitol Event Marks 100th Day Without a Pennsylvania State Budget

October 8, 2009

Several advocates and nonprofit service providers marked the 100th day without a state budget at a Capitol event.

House Approves $27.8 Billion Budget, Revenue Bills

October 7, 2009

The House of Representatives approved a $27.8 billion budget and revenue plan Wednesday. View a spreadsheet detailing appropriations in the latest budget plan, which now heads to the Senate.

Senate Approves Tax Code Bill Without Taxes on Gas, Smokeless Tobacco

October 6, 2009

The tax code bill appears to have the backing of House Democrats and Governor Rendell. PBPC has details on the plan's revenue measures.

Senate Passes Budget & Revenue Plan Without Taxes on Gas, Smokeless Tobacco

October 6, 2009

The state Senate approved a $27.8 billion budget plan that appears to have the backing of House Democrats and Governor Rendell. PBPC has details on departmental funding and select line items.

Tell Senate to Stay at Budget Table, Enact Sustainable Plan

October 5, 2009

Senate leaders signal they will abandon $27.945 billion budget deal. This move will set back budget process, as stalemate approaches Day 100.

House Approves Sustainable Revenue Plan, Sends to Senate

October 2, 2009

The bill funds essential services with new revenue options, including a natural gas severance tax and cigar and smokeless tobacco tax. View a Fiscal Note detailing revenue changes.

Natural Gas Industry Report Falsely Claims Sky Will Fall if Severance Tax Enacted

October 2, 2009

A gas industry-financed study overplays the positive impacts of increased natural gas production, while minimizing the negative. PBPC analyzes the study's claims and provides a reality check.