Government Accountability

Merit Selection Not so Meritorious?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 26, 2008

Intriguing article in the Wall Street Journal on merit selection of judges, and John Grisham’s latest novel, (HT to PA Clean Sweep), that is timely given…

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Taxes & Economy

Higher Fuel Taxes Won’t Help Anything

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 26, 2008

John Hood editorial in Investor’s Business Daily on fuel taxes – pointing to both the absurd earmarks that the federal gas tax funds and the need to…

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Taxes & Economy

Tax Freedom Day for PA is April 21

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 26, 2008

The Tax Foundation released their annual report on Tax Freedom Day today. The national Tax Freedom day will be April 23 – the number of days it takes for…

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Education

Lobbying by State Universities

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 25, 2008

The blog, “Left of Centre,” has some details about lobbying by PA’s state universities, following up an article in the Daily Collegian. Of interest to those following lobbying…

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Taxes & Economy

Trade and National Defense

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 25, 2008

Don Boudreaux has an interesting discussion over at Cafe Hayek about the controversy over foreign companies contracting with the US Department of Defense (i.e. Airbus). His dismisses most of…

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Taxes & Economy

Which states give retirees the best deal?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 25, 2008

MSN Money quantifies which state is the best for retirees – in terms of taxes paid. Their assumption is a couple earning $60,000 – all from retirement income/pensions –…

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State Budget

The “Ed McMahon” Syndrome

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 25, 2008

The Republican Herald discusses Rep. Tim Holden’s earmarks, which his challenger, Toni Gilhooley labels “Ed McMahon” syndrome because of his desire to hand out large cardboard checks (a phrase…

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Health Care

State Legislators’ Guide to Health Insurance

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 24, 2008

The Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI) and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) have published a 2008 version of their guide to health insurance solutions, including recommendations and a…

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