Education

Good Teachers Matter

  • April 10, 2012

According to the findings of a National Bureau of Economic Research report, teaching quality is closely reflected by test scores—when looking at a teacher’s impact on students’s test score gains…

Media

Read More: Good Teachers Matter

Government Accountability

Think Government Union Dues aren’t Used for Politics? Think Again

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 10, 2012

Government unions often defend their dues—and the fact that taxpayers subsidize the collection of dues—by claiming dues cannot be used for politics. That is not the case. Union dues cannot…

Media

Read More: Think Government Union Dues aren’t Used for Politics? Think Again

Health Care

Medicaid Waivers & the Looming Fiscal Crisis

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 9, 2012

In the waning days of 2008, the state of Rhode Island secured a global waiver for its Medicaid program. The waiver exempted the state from many federal rules and mandates in exchange for a…

Media

Read More: Medicaid Waivers & the Looming Fiscal Crisis

State Budget

Welfare Sec. Alexander Discusses Mending the Safety Net on the BOX

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 5, 2012

On the latest edition of The BOX, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander takes time to discuss proposed welfare reforms. Despite accusations of wanting to “throw the…

Media

Read More: Welfare Sec. Alexander Discusses Mending the Safety Net on the BOX

Education

I’m Bringing Some Gumbo to the State Capitol

  • Charles Mitchell
  • April 5, 2012

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal refused to let government unions push him around.  His reward?  A sweet victory not just for himself, but for the taxpayers, parents, and students of…

Media

Read More: I’m Bringing Some Gumbo to the State Capitol

Regulation

Lottery Contract Could Make Everyone a Winner

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 4, 2012

The lottery is on the minds of those in Harrisburg this week, but it has nothing to do with the $656 Mega Millions jackpot won by three lucky ticket…

Media

Read More: Lottery Contract Could Make Everyone a Winner

Regulation

Schools Get Property Tax Referendum Exemptions for Pension Costs

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 4, 2012

Last year, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed, and Gov. Corbett signed, legislation reducing the number of exemptions to the school tax referendum requirement. But as noted this…

Media

Read More: Schools Get Property Tax Referendum Exemptions for Pension Costs

Taxes & Economy

Marcellus Shale: Pennsylvania’s Manna From Heaven

  • April 4, 2012

Yesterday, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council hosted a forum on the benefits of natural gas for Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector. David Taylor of the…

Media

Read More: Marcellus Shale: Pennsylvania’s Manna From Heaven

Public Union Democracy

Time for Prevailing Wage Reform | Support HB 1329

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • April 3, 2012

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives may soon vote on legislation that will update the half-century-old Prevailing Wage Law that adds zero value to the taxpayers but costs us a bundle…

Media

Read More: Time for Prevailing Wage Reform | Support HB 1329