IFO Releases
Child Care Stimulus Funds Depleted
March 21, 2024 | Economics and Other
This research brief highlights the depletion of federal child care stimulus funds and the impact on that sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania received approximately $1.6 billion in federal child care stimulus funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act; Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA); and American Rescue Plan (ARP).
2023 PA Payroll Jobs Revised Down 53,400
March 13, 2024 | Economics and Other
This research brief provides detail on the latest benchmark revision made by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to Pennsylvania payroll jobs.
Pennsylvania Electricity Update
March 07, 2024 | Energy
This report utilizes data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration to display recent trends for the Pennsylvania and regional electricity markets. The report examines recent trends in net generation, net exports, CO2 emissions and prices.
Senate Budget Hearing Request
March 06, 2024 | Economics and Other
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) responded to requests for additional information raised at the office’s budget hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee. The requests relate to an adjusted financial statement, public assistance savings resulting from a higher minimum wage, impact of the Ohio rate structure on Pennsylvania tax liability, net migration for Pennsylvania, regional student loan debt comparison and U3 and U6 unemployment rates.
February 2024 Revenue Update
March 01, 2024 | Revenue & Economic Update
The Commonwealth collected $2.77 billion in General Fund revenues for February, an increase of $31.1 million (1.1%) compared to February 2023 (adjusted).
Tax Modernization and Reform Presentation
March 01, 2024 | Economics and Other
Director Knittel made a presentation to the House Finance Subcommittee on Tax Modernization and Reform.
Based on a request from Chair Rabb, the presentation was updated to add an additional slide that displays the income distribution for self-employment and S corporation/partnership income.
Negative Revision to PA Job Gains Expected
February 29, 2024 | Economics and Other
This research brief examines the implications of a recent QCEW data release for state payroll jobs data.
Summary and Analysis of Annual PSERS Stress Test Report
February 28, 2024 | Pension Analysis
Pursuant to Act 128 of 2020, the IFO issued a report that summarizes results from the Public School Employees Retirement System’s (PSERS) recent stress test report. Based on PSERS’ baseline projections, the IFO projects that from FY 2024-25 to FY 2051-52, the Commonwealth will use $53.0 billion in General Fund revenues (2.7%) for the state’s share of public school employer pension contributions. Relative to baseline projections, the report also summarizes the impact from scenarios that allow investment performance to exceed and fall short of assumptions.
Natural Gas Quarterly Update, 2023 Q4
February 26, 2024 | Energy
This document uses data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Natural Gas Intelligence to provide a quarterly update on recent trends in production volume, well counts and average spot prices.
Tags: gas, natural, production
Economic Update
February 22, 2024 | Economics and Other
Director Knittel provided an economic update at the Economic Forecast and Business Leadership Summit.