The state Department of Labor and Industry has announced that Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate for May was 4.6%, down from 4.8% in April. Pennsylvania’s rate exceeds the national unemployment rate of 3.6%. Click here for more.
IFO Economic Update Focuses on Fuel Prices, Gas Tax Remains Frozen
The monthly economic update from the state Independent Fiscal Office focuses on Pennsylvania fuel prices reaching the highest level on record. Data for the first two weeks of June show the average weekly price of regular gasoline for the Central…
Commonwealth Preserves Farmland
The state Department of Agriculture has announced the preservation of 2,264 acres on 32 farms in 18 counties through the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, which protects farms from future residential, commercial, or industrial development. The newly preserved farms are in Berks,…
DGS to Auction More Than 280 Heavy Equipment Items for Sale
The state Department of General Services will auction more than 280 heavy equipment items from the state Department of Transportation during an online auction that begins Monday, June 20, at noon and ends Tuesday, July 5, at 10 a.m. The…
PennDOT Accepting Comments on 2023 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
The State Transportation Commission (STC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) are now accepting comments on the 2023 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) until June 30, 2022. The 2023 STIP includes funding from federal, state, local, and private resources…
Treasury Issues Clarification on Buy America Preference
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has clarified that American Rescue Plan are not subject to the Buy America preference in section 70914 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This determination is based on the programs being authorized…
Salary Survey Plus Phil Needs Your Help!
Make Sure Your Township Has the Earliest Access to Salary Survey Results! Be sure your designated township staff (PSATS Salary Survey Plus processor) enters your township’s wage and benefit data by June 30 to ensure the earliest access to…
NATaT Sends Letter Opposing Federal Gas Tax Holiday
While attractive as consumers, it is impossible to maintain roads and bridges without funding, especially given the higher inflationary cost of road maintenance, supplies and equipment. The National Association of Towns and Townships (NATaT) and PSATS are opposing a federal…
Reminder: PennDOT Accepting Applications for ARLE Grants 
The state Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the 2022 Automated Red Light Enforcement Funding Program (ARLE) until June 30, 2022. Grants through this program may be used for a range of safety and mobility projects. The program will…
IFO Research Brief on PA’s Gas Tax 
The newest research brief from the Independent Fiscal Office provides a detailed overview of Pennsylvania’s gas tax. The report examines historical growth, adjustments, and future expectations for the source of Liquid Fuels funds. Click here for more.
