Regulation

The PLCB: Fermented Grape’s Gatekeeper

  • September 14, 2015

Last week 90.5 WESA published a story about the PA Preferred Wine Program—a tool designed to help promote Pennsylvania wines. The program allows in-state wine producers to apply for…

Media

Read More: The PLCB: Fermented Grape’s Gatekeeper

Public Union Democracy

Setting the Record Straight on Pensions

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 11, 2015

Government union leaders argue against meaningful pension reform with radical rallying cries like, “Your pension is under attack!” and mounds of other misinformation. Here's a quick fact check on some…

Media

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Education

Audio: Budget Impasse Debate

  • Jonathan Reginella
  • September 10, 2015

With the state budget impasse in its third month, funding for critical things such as education and social services remains in question.  CF’s Elizabeth Stelle spoke with WHYY’s Marty Moss-Coane and opposite…

Media

Read More: Audio: Budget Impasse Debate

Public Union Democracy

Union Dues are Used for Politics (and Members Don’t Know It)

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 10, 2015

Yesterday's blog post and infographic noted how union dues from Pennsylvania teachers and state workers fund political ads from America Works USA. In response, on both Twitter…

Media

Read More: Union Dues are Used for Politics (and Members Don’t Know It)

Regulation

Corporate Welfare’s Hazards

  • September 9, 2015

State officials often hail the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP or R-Cap) as a tool for “economic development” projects across the commonwealth. The program uses borrowed money—with interest payments financed by taxpayers—to…

Media

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How Public Employees are Forced to Fund Attack Ads

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 9, 2015

Pennsylvania school teachers and state workers are being forced to fund political attacks—with money collected at taxpayer expense through public payroll systems. Here’s how it works: Last year, 228,291 Pennsylvania…

Media

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State Budget

Audio: Is Gov. Wolf Taking Hostages?

  • Jonathan Reginella
  • September 4, 2015

Gov. Wolf still refuses to back down from his budget demands–which include the largest tax hike in Pennsylvania’s history. Not only would this add an additional $1,425 in taxes on every family of…

Media

Read More: Audio: Is Gov. Wolf Taking Hostages?

State Budget

Tax Hikes Threaten Debbie’s Flower Shop

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 4, 2015

Debbie is a small business owner. She operates Pealer's Flowers with her husband in Camp Hill, and they're worried about Gov. Tom Wolf's tax hikes. Debbie explains: “We're all doing…

Media

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Regulation

Audio: Weathering the Budget Impasse

  • Jonathan Reginella
  • September 2, 2015

Another day passes without a state budget in Pennsylvania, causing panic among public officials who can't pay the bills and among parents who have children attending schools unable to make payroll.  Still, Gov.

Media

Read More: Audio: Weathering the Budget Impasse