Summary: The latest employment figures for the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is once again disappointing.  The area’s total private job gains fail not only to match the national growth rate, but also the growth rates of comparable metros.  _____________________________________________________________________ … Continue reading →

In July 1987 the state enacted Act 47 to aid financially troubled municipalities.  The first community to enter distressed status under the law, in November of that year, was the City of Farrell in Mercer County.  Last week, after spending … Continue reading →

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s push to increase the state minimum wage in excess of 100 percent “is facing a rocky road,” reports The Associated Press. And with good reason. As the AP also reports, the state’s Independent Fiscal Office concludes … Continue reading →