Government Accountability

Government Ethics: Alaska vs. Pennsylvania

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 22, 2009

Amanda Carpenter writes about a report that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin may be cited (though no penalties would be attached) for ethics violations for … wait for it ……

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Regulation

Gaming Board Cashing Out

  • July 22, 2009

It is common knowledge that the Gaming Control Board, and its employees, receive generous paychecks, fatter than they deserve relative to the prevailing market for comparable work and skills.

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State Budget

Your $28 Million Dollar Pork Dinner

  • July 21, 2009

With growing criticism of the effectiveness of President Obama $787 billion dollar economic stimulus plan mounting, several recent purchases by the Department of Agriculture have American taxpayers in a…

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State Budget

Who’s Telling Half-Truths on Pennsylvania Budget?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 21, 2009

Chuck Ardo, the Governor’s spokesman, became incensed (as reported by John Micek) when Sen. Piccola made a strong comment against the governor. During last night’s Senate debate on a…

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State Budget

Best Budget Practices For Legislators

  • July 21, 2009

Scott Pattison, the executive director of National Association of Budget Officers, in an interview with the Mercatus Center brought to light the most important question he feels legislators…

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Public Union Democracy

Coalition of Groups Call for Suspension of Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Law

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 21, 2009

The Commonwealth Foundation joined a coalition of organizations – including business groups, boroughs, and school boards – calling for reforming Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage law. Specific proposals include: Sun setting or…

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Education

Education Spending Goes Awry

  • July 20, 2009

The Easton Area School Board approved a reimbursement plan on Thursday that will be sent to the state Department of Education detailing more than $93 million spent to build…

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