Regulation
One Signature Will End PA’s Prohibition
The Pennsylvania legislature made history yesterday. For the first time since the creation of the state-controlled liquor system in 1933, both houses of the General Assembly voted to remove government…
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Read More: One Signature Will End PA’s ProhibitionEducation
Gov. Wolf, Don’t Raises Taxes on Working People
My letter to the editor in the Pocono Record tackles some of the myths about educations spending and Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed tax increase—and why, after the House of Represented rejected…
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Read More: Gov. Wolf, Don’t Raises Taxes on Working PeopleState Budget
Audio: Wolf’s Tax Increase Dwarfs All Other States
Compared to the 49 other states, Gov. Wolf’s budget inflicts a tax increase that dwarfs all others–in fact, it’s 8 times larger than the state with the next highest tax…
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Read More: Audio: Wolf’s Tax Increase Dwarfs All Other StatesRegulation
The Myth of the Modest Pension
One of the specious arguments used to thwart pension reform centers on the average benefits of retirees. Opponents of reform claim the “average pension benefit” is around $25,000 annually. But…
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Read More: The Myth of the Modest PensionState Budget
Has Wolf Dropped His Unpopular Tax Demands?
Throughout this state budget debate, Gov. Wolf has touted his natural gas severance tax to fund education. And some reporters refer to the severance tax as the “cornerstone” or “…
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Read More: Has Wolf Dropped His Unpopular Tax Demands?Government Accountability
Contract Transparency Still Critical
Harrisburg is abuzz as the budget battle continues. With high profile legislation on liquor privatization, pension and education reform receiving much attention, it’s easy to lose sight of a fundamental…
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Read More: Contract Transparency Still CriticalTaxes & Economy
Why a Severance Tax is a Bad Idea
As lawmakers work on passing a state budget, one of Gov. Wolf’s top priorities—a severance tax on the natural gas industry—is being hotly debated. Here are six reasons why a…
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Of Volkswagens and Public Schools
In a story by Capitolwire (paywall), state Rep. Curtis Thomas is quoted as saying, “We cannot ask children to give us Cadillac performance when you give them Volkswagen dollars to…
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Read More: Of Volkswagens and Public SchoolsHealth Care
Losers Outnumber Winners Under King v Burwell Decision
Yesterday’s US Supreme Court decision to uphold taxpayer subsidies on healthcare.gov brought a collective sigh of relief to Pennsylvanians, like Barbara, who depend on subsidies to make health insurance…
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Read More: Losers Outnumber Winners Under King v Burwell Decision