IFO Releases
2024 Budget Hearing Materials
February 20, 2024 | Economics and Other
The Independent Fiscal Office submitted materials to the Senate Appropriations Committee ahead of its budget hearing. The packet includes data on the state budget, revenue proposals, economy, revenues, demographics and other miscellaneous topics.
State and Local Tax Revenues: A 50 State Comparison
February 14, 2024 | Economics and Other
This report uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, CCH AnswerConnect and the Tax Foundation to facilitate a comparison of state and local tax systems across the 50 states. The report examines (1) the level of per capita state and local taxes across states (unadjusted and adjusted for price differentials) and (2) the distribution of state and local taxes across revenue sources (e.g., income, sales and property).
Tags: comparison, state, tax
Budget Roundtable Request
February 09, 2024 | Economics and Other
The IFO responded to questions raised at the House Budget Roundtable on January 31, 2024.
Economic Forum
February 05, 2024 | Economics and Other
Director Knittel made a brief presentation at the NFIB Economic Forum.
Tags: presentation
Economic and Budget Update Presentation
January 31, 2024 | Economics and Other
Director Knittel made a presentation of the mid-year update to the House Budget Roundtable.
Minimum Wage Impact on Hourly Wages
January 24, 2024 | Economics and Other
This research brief examines how a higher statutory minimum wage could impact lower-wage workers and provides employment and hourly wage estimates for certain lower-wage occupations to illustrate that Pennsylvania effective labor market minimum wage is likely in the range of $10.50 to $11.00 per hour.
Tax Credits and Economic Development Incentives
January 09, 2024 | Economics and Other
This report presents data on Pennsylvania tax credits and economic development incentives for fiscal years (FY) 2018-19 through FY 2023-24. The tables provide annual detail on tax credit utilization or awards, state spending or grants, job training programs and state loan programs. Fiscal year 2023-24 amounts are budgeted, authorized or projected and may differ from final amounts expended or awarded for the year. The report also highlights recent changes to incentive program spending or utilization.
SNAP Policy Changes Expand Program
January 03, 2024 | Economics and Other
This research brief uses the latest data from the US Dept of Agriculture to examine post-pandemic SNAP trends. Since November 2019, policy and definition changes have increased the number of recipients by 16% and the average monthly benefit by 52%.
Gasoline Consumption Remains Subdued
December 19, 2023 | Economics and Other
The IFO updated a gasoline consumption research brief published in January 2023 with additional consumption and retail pump price data. Gasoline consumption remains well below pre-pandemic levels partially due to the continuation of hybrid and remote work schedules for some workers.
Tags: brief, consumption, gasoline, research
Testimony on the 2023 Basic Education Funding Commission Survey
December 15, 2023 | Economics and Other
Director Matthew Knittel provided testimony to the Basic Education Funding Commission on the results from the 2023 Basic Education Funding Commission Survey.
The IFO response to questions raised at the BEFC hearing can be found here.