Regulation
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 DecisionGovernment Accountability
An Update on Union Contracts
Earlier this week, the House State Government Committee moved SB 644 and SB 645—bills which would provide taxpayers greater information about contracts with government unions—to the House floor.
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Read More: An Update on Union ContractsRegulation
Strip Clubs and the Case for Liquor Privatization
Strip club entertainment A stay at the Ritz Carlton Pittsburgh Steelers tickets Philadelphia Eagles tickets iPad 2 World Series ticket This is a just a short list of the items…
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Read More: Strip Clubs and the Case for Liquor PrivatizationEducation
House Votes to Protect Excellent Teachers
Seniority-based teacher furloughs may soon become a relic of the past for Pennsylvania public schools. On Tuesday evening, the state House approved Rep. Stephen Bloom’s HB 805—the Protecting…
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