• Pennsylvania's population: grown only 10% in 50 years
• State government budget: increased over 40% in just 5 years
• Governor Shapiro's budget: crosses $50 billion mark for first time in history

• Big budget numbers are hard for voters to understand
• Few people grasp the difference between millions and billions
• Need to make numbers relatable and memorable

• Treat unfamiliar numbers like a foreign language
• Example: "The Shapiro budget is over $50 billion. To put that in perspective, that's a 40% increase in just five years."

• People remember round numbers better
• Example: "This is the first time Pennsylvania's budget has crossed $50 billion."

• Translate growth into something voters can feel
• Example: "Five years ago, the state spent about $3,000 per resident. Today, it's nearly $4,000. That's an extra $1,000 per person, without most families seeing any direct benefit."

• Pick a single number and tell a memorable story
• Focus on the feeling you want to create
• Stories stick longer than spreadsheets

Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion.

For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com