MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has decided the state’s new congressional districts. Take a look at our statement and analysis of the redistricting process. And check out our mentions in the news about investing in our future at the state and federal levels.
Thank you for supporting our work,
Stephen Herzenberg
Executive Director
Statement of PA Budget and Policy Center on PA Supreme Court Decision on Congressional Maps
Marc Stier | 02/23/2022 | Press Statement
There are two critical requirements of a congressional redistricting plan: it does not favor one party or another, and it allows shifts in voters’ choices to be reflected in who is elected to Congress. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s choice of a congressional map meets both standards. In a state with a small Democratic edge in registration, seven of the 17 districts lean Democratic, while six lean Republican. And four districts—1, 7, 8, and 17—are competitive. If voters in the state tilt toward the Democrats, Democrats are likely to hold a majority of the Pennsylvania seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. If the voters tilt Republican, Republicans are likely to do so. In addition to allowing shifts in political opinion to change the composition of Congress, competitive districts also help ensure that representatives are responsive and accountable to all voters, rather than to the extreme members of their own party.
Read our report: “What to Expect When You Are Expecting New Districts.”
IN THE NEWS
The Temple News | 2/12/22
“Wolf’s proposed increase is part of the $125 million additional funds he allocated for higher education spending, according to a statement from the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center.”
Northeast Times | 2/17/22
“The Senate hasn’t passed the Build Back Better Act, which could include a one-year extension of the enhanced tax credit.”‘Build Back Better is not dead,’ said Jeff Garis, coordinator of the 99% Pennsylvania, a campaign of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center.”
Herald-Standard | 2/20/22
“As part of a larger package that would increase revenue flowing to education across the board, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed in his budget address last week that PASSHE schools receive a $550 million, or 15%, increase in funding in the 2022-23 budget. This wouldn’t vault Pennsylvania into the top tier of state funding for schools, but it would at least get it out of the bottom five. More than a matter of pride, though, it would represent a much-needed investment in the state’s public universities.”
“Marc [Stier], director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, noted a couple of years ago that if the commonwealth increased funding for higher education, it would see higher wages, a higher gross state product and higher state revenues, ‘and that’s the virtuous circle of investing in higher education.’” |