Government Accountability

The True Purpose of Lobbyist Disclosure

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 17, 2010

I have recently learned the true motives behind Pennsylvania’s recent lobbyist disclosure law — as I, and everyone else on staff who registered with the state as a lobbyist has…

Media

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Regulation

Free Our Beer!

  • February 17, 2010

With the debate over Pennsylvania’s liquor laws heating up, new legislation would finally allow consumers to purchase six-packs of beer at their favorite local grocery store or distributor. Introduced by…

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Taxes & Economy

There PennFuture Goes Again!

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • February 16, 2010

This morning on Harrisburg’s NPR station WITF (audio), Commonwealth Foundation adjunct scholar Andrew Langer debated Jan Jarrett of PennFuture.  Afterward Jarrett slammed us…

Media

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Government Accountability

Biennial Legislatures

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 16, 2010

NCSL has a new podcast discussing biennial legislatures – i.e. states where the General Assembly meets for a limited session every two years.  There have been a handful of…

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Health Care

Virginia Passes Health Care Freedom Act

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 16, 2010

The Virginia House of Representatives passed SB 417, sending it on to Gov. McDonnell, who is expected to sign it.  The legislation would state, in defiance of health…

Media

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Regulation

Tracking the Bailout Money

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 16, 2010

Propublica has a good tool tracking all the money the federal government has given out in both the TARP bailout and the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

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Do as We Say, Not as We Do

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • February 15, 2010

Public sector unions argue that “defined-benefit” pension plans are necessary to attract and retain good government workers. They also argue that we must pay people equitably — i.e., we…

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Regulation

Government Pension Plans Facing Crisis in Many States

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 15, 2010

RiShawn Biddle has a good article at American Spectator on how public school pensions and health care benefits are a huge cost burden in many states. New Jersey is…

Media

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Government Accountability

The 70s Called, and Wants Its Legislators Back

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 15, 2010

State Rep. Frank Oliver announced he will be retiring at the end of his term.  This retirement – along with those of Sen. Bob Mellow, Sen. Barry Stout, and…

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