Third and State

This week at Third and State, we blogged about a new study showing the American Dream of upward mobility is more alive in Pennsylvania than in many parts of the country. We also wrote about 2012-13 revenue collections and a well-oiled effort to distract middle-class families from the real cause of their economic struggle. Plus, a guest post on how Pittsburgh avoided Detroit's fate.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• On wages and mobility, Stephen Herzenberg blogged about a new study by Harvard and Berkeley economists showing that Pennsylvania enjoys substantially more upward mobility than many other parts of the United States.
• On state budget and taxes, Michael Wood explained some of the key takeaways from General Fund revenue collections in the 2012-13 fiscal year.
• On nutrition assistance, Stephen Herzenberg responded to the latest salvo in an organized right-wing assault on nutrition assistance and other safety net spending. Steve wrote that the real kitchen table issue facing most Americans is rising income inequality.
• And on the Marcellus Shale and the economy, guest blogger Tim Stuhldreher shared his thoughts on why Pittsburgh has fared much better than Detroit after taking huge economic hits in the 1980s. Hint: it is not all about shale drilling.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The Keystone Research Center published a briefing paper and press release about the landmark new study showing that Pennsylvania enjoys substantially more upward mobility than many other parts of the United States.
• The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center published an updated Revenue Tracker with a full analysis of General Fund collections in the 2012-13 fiscal year.
• Get all the facts on the 2013-14 state budget with the following analyses and resources from PBPC:
• Budget Analysis: State Budget Fails to Make Up Lost Ground
• Tax Code Analysis: Plan Takes Step to Close Delaware Loophole
• School Code Bill Sets Education Funding 'Formula'
• More State Budget and Tax Policy Research from PBPC