According to the American Lung Association, nearly 90% of smokers try their first cigarette before the age of 18. Raising the minimum age for cigarette purchase to 21 is estimated to reduce tobacco use among teens 15-17 years of age by 25%.

HAP has reported that PA currently ranks below the national average regarding mental health care providers. As of this year, the national average is 214 health care providers per 100,000 individuals whereas PA averages 179 providers per 100,000 individuals.

United Way 211 has found that up to 7% of PA veterans live in poverty and 5.7% are unemployed. 

According to the Economic Policy Institute, men’s wages have risen from 2000 to 2018 while women’s have remained stagnant. The gender wage gap for young college grads has grown over that time period from 11% to 14.7%.

CNBC recently ranked TX as the 2018 top state for business in the US while PA ranked 22^nd. TX has a 7.5% severance tax rate on natural gas while PA does not have a severance tax.