When we end the brain drain, we become the Keystone State again | Opinion

By Jonathan C. Rothermel

Very early in its history, Pennsylvania earned its nickname — the Keystone State — at a time when it was the cultural, political, and economic center of the fledgling United States. Today, it is hardly living up to its name. To do so it will need to make some bold moves, including trusting and investing in its young people.

It is not too hard to come up with a list of things that are potentially holding Pennsylvania back. To start, the regressive tax system, where the tax burden is felt most by poor and working-class Pennsylvanians. A 6 percent sales tax (7 percent in Allegheny County and 8 percent in Philadelphia) and a 3.07 percent flat income tax rate generate most of its revenues.

Despite 10 years of continuous increases in tolls, Pennsylvania has one of the worst highway systems in the country and yet, for the privilege of driving across the Pennsylvania Turnpike, one must pay $50.40 ($36.20 if  you’re using E-ZPass).

FULL COVERAGE: The Capital-Star’s Brain Drain Series

• Don’t fear the brain drain: Why some economists aren’t worried about the Pa’s lost youth
• Family, cost and community: This is what keeps young people in Pennsylvania
• How do you keep the kids in Pa? We’re going to spend this week finding out (Monday Morning Coffee)
• Brain Boost: Here’s how Pa. can attract and retain young talent(Opinion)
• When we end the brain drain, we become the Keystone State again (Opinion)

To top it off, Pennsylvania has the highest state gasoline tax in the country.

The malaise is evident in Small Town, Pa.

Thriving main streets have given way to Dollar Stores, vape shops, and second-hand stores. Furthermore, an alarming opioid epidemic is tearing apart families.

Annual surveys by Wall Street 24/7, analyzing the best-run states, consistently rank Pennsylvania near the bottom. For the average Pennsylvanian, the tax burden is great but the perks are not evident. Contrary to the intent of the state slogan, Pennsylvania is essentially begging people to “pursue your happiness” elsewhere.

How can Pennsylvania live up to its nickname? It is time for Pennsylvania to contemplate some bold moves.

1. Close the gap between senior citizens and young people    

Pennsylvania has one of the highest percentages of seniors 65 and over. Senior citizens are an underutilized source of human capital.

• READ MORE: An aging prison population is straining Pa’s prison budget. Could medical parole be the answer?

Finding ways to maximize this resource is an opportunity to grow and attract young people. For example, investing in retirement communities and increased health care services create job opportunities and provide a win-win situation for both seniors and young people.

2. Make short term concessions for long-term gains

Millennials (those aged between 23 and 38) are economically pragmatic, and according to a Pew Research study, they are motivated to curb debt. Some millennials have moved home to save money after college. Pa. should offer incentives to entice fiscally conscious young people.

• READ MORE: Here’s how York County is working to close the workforce gap

For example, exempt young Pennsylvanians from paying state income taxes until the age of 30. Another idea might be to follow Maine’s lead and allow people to use payments made toward student loans as tax credits toward what is owed in state income taxes.

3. Invest in education

“How are the schools?” is an oft-repeated question posed to realtors. Young parents recognize that the right education puts students on the path to a brighter future. They are also looking for ways to alleviate the burden of student loan debt for their children.

Pennsylvania ranks 47^th in the country for per-capita spending on public higher education and has one of the highest rates of student loan debt. This is not a formula to attract the next generation of Pennsylvanians.

• READ MORE: Pa. Senate plan would create new state commission to study higher ed issues

The Pennsylvania Promise, recently introduced into the General Assembly, would guarantee free tuition for students coming from a household under a certain income. It is worth a serious debate. Another option might be to reduce tuition for out-of-state students at public universities. A third option would be to simply increase funding for public higher education resulting in lower tuition costs for students.

4. Invite young Pennsylvanians to have a stake in Pennsylvania’s future

Voting turnout among 18- to 29-year-olds is the lowest among all age groups. There is a high level of voter apathy among young people, and government is culpable. In the commonwealth, some students graduate high school without having taken a civics course. But what if the voting age was lowered to 16?

There would be greater incentives for schools to create a culture of actual, rather than theoretical, civic participation, and government officials –- at the local, state, and even federal levels –- would have no choice but to be more attentive to the needs and concerns of young people.

• READ MORE: Redistricting reformers have one more shot at preventing a 2021 gerrymander

Civic duty could be part of a young person’s political socialization process at an early age hopefully leading into life-long habits. Pennsylvania would be the first and only state to expand suffrage to young people under 18.

The Philadelphia Phillies recently inked a record 13-year, $330 million deal with Bryce Harper. The 26-year-old free agent was incentivized to make Pennsylvania his home. Isn’t it time for Pennsylvania to make similar bold moves to attract top talent across the board and not just in sports?

Jonathan C. Rothermel is professor of political science at Mansfield University.