skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Monday, November 4, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump offers darkness, Harris offers optimism on election eve in America; Despite the hype, noncitizens aren't voting in Wisconsin; KY labor unions want the next administration to support the PRO Act; the Future of public education is on the line in the NH governor's race.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump escalates violent rhetoric against the press, Harris aims to reassure Michigan's Arab Americans angered by the war in Gaza, and a respected poll shows an unexpected lead for Harris in solidly red Iowa.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A Cambodian poultry farmer who lost his livelihood could be a hero for others, rural Montanans are anxiously awaiting a court ruling over a climate lawsuit brought by young people, and Northeast states say more housing for working families could boost jobs.

Pennsylvania Facing More Fiscal Woes

play audio
Play

Thursday, January 26, 2017   

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania is one of many states facing tough financial times, according to a series of articles examining issues facing state legislatures.

State of the States 2017 from Stateline, a project of The Pew Charitable Trusts, examines five policy areas, including maintaining health care if the Affordable Care Act is repealed, states' overall fiscal health and renewable energy.

According to Scott Greenberger, Stateline’s executive editor, the Keystone State's budget is in worse shape than most other states.

"It has very little in its rainy day fund, its reserve fund, and it is on pace for a $600 million budget shortfall in the coming months," he points out.

This year, 31 states are facing budget gaps. But with just two-tenths of 1 percent of annual expenditures in its reserve fund, Pennsylvania lags far behind many other states in being able to weather tough economic times.

Pennsylvania was one of the states that took advantage of the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act with the federal government picking up most of the tab. But with the possible repeal of the ACA, Greenberger says the state may face tough choices.

"If that money goes away, the question will be whether states want to continue to cover the people who benefited from that expansion or not," he explains.

One recent report estimated that ACA repeal could double the state deficit and cost 137,000 jobs.

As a coal, oil and gas producer, the state may benefit financially from renewed support in Washington for fossil fuels. But Greenberger notes that Pennsylvania also is one of the 29 states that has a renewable-energy standard.

"Which means that it requires that a certain amount of the electricity sold in the state comes from approved renewable or alternative sources," he points out.

State of the States 2017 gives examples of how states have dealt successfully with the challenges that Pennsylvania and other states now face.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided support for this reporting.



get more stories like this via email

more stories
The Ohio Organizing Collaborative registered nearly 160,000 new voters for the Nov. 5 election, which represents the largest grassroots voter registration program in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Ohio voters are facing significant challenges at the ballot box, with some groups expressing concerns over voter roll purges and gerrymandering …


Environment

play sound

As people head to the polls tomorrow, groups are working to ensure Georgia's Black and brown communities understand the energy saving benefits of the …

Social Issues

play sound

North Carolina lacks laws mandating time off for employees to vote, making it hard for workers who juggle demanding schedules and civic …


The U.S. Census Bureau estimates children ages 0-4 were undercounted in the 2020 census in every state. (Pexels)

Social Issues

play sound

According to some experts, a significant undercount in Florida's 2020 census may have lasting consequences for the state, jeopardizing vital funding …

Social Issues

play sound

Online scams are growing in scale and sophistication, affecting millions and creating economic losses estimated at $1 trillion globally in 2023…

Social Issues

play sound

In the race for New Hampshire governor, the future of public education is on the line. Democrat and former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig opposes …

Environment

play sound

On this year's California ballot, Proposition 4 has not received much attention but it could have a huge effect on the Golden State. The $10 billion …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021