One way that governments exert power and determine priorities is through spending. It's often true that the best stories flow from following the money. When following government money, here are some key resources.
State
Office of the Budget
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee - produces in-depth reports on education, etc.
Local - Pennsylvania is home to multiple layers of local government: counties, cities, boroughs, townships, and school districts, not to mention countless municipal authorities.
Department of Community and Economic Development
Local Government Commission
Local Government Web site directory - Pennsylvania Local Government, NewPA.com
School District Web sites
Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs
Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors
Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities
County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania School Boards Association
Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials
Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association
Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies
Government Finance Officers Association of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Planning Association
Association for Pennsylvania Municipal Management
Pennsylvania's Auditor General - Conducts routine audits of local government and school district finances. The audits are public information and should be easily available.
Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust - Handles many financial matters for local governments and school boards, from floating bonds to handling investments. In short, it works like a bank for local government. Its officials could be helpful in explaining some of the financial issues local governments face.
Bonds - One way governments raise money is through bonds. People who buy those bonds essentially are lending money to the government. Thus, they are keenly interested in the ability of government to repay. For guidance, they turn to independent ratings agencies that monitor government borrowing. These agencies also are good resources for reporters.
Fitch
Standard & Poors
Moody's
Bond Directory - Association of Financial Guaranty Insurers, BondsOnline
Pensions - Pensions represent one of the largest financial obligations faced by state and local governments in Pennsylvania.
State Employees Retirement System
Public School Employees' Retirement System
Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System
Outside Sources - Independent sources on government spending and finances also are available.
Keystone Research Center - on the political left
Commonwealth Foundation - on the political right
Pennsylvania Economy League - tends toward the political center
Brookings Institution Study - a think tank in Washington, D.C.
