Regulation

Plan would bar linking bonuses to pensions

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 23, 2008

Rep. Sean Ramaley proposes ending the pension bump from bonuses. Currently a bonus (or other compensation, such as “unvouchered expenses”) increases the salary used to calculate pensions for state…

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‘Foreign’ is not a dirty word

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 23, 2008

Great Op-Ed in the Post-Gazette by Todd Malan on the issue of “foreign” companies bidding on the Turnpike: Finally, if the bidding process is robust, the likely…

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Rendell offers toll parameters for Turnpike Lease

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 23, 2008

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article covers Governor Rendell’s statements on a potential lease, with the headline that “Turnpike fare increases will be regulated”. The idea that a Turnpike lease would result…

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Taxes & Economy

How important are elections?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 22, 2008

Here are a couple of good commentaries on the importance of politics and elections. Though they draw the opposite conclusion, they follow a similar theme, and I find myself agreeing…

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Education

(Not) A closer look at Cyber Schools

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 22, 2008

IssuesPA has a new article on Cyber School Funding. They claim to provide “a closer look at the ongoing debate”, but don’t look any closer than quoting what some…

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Bill for Turnpike Lobbying: $700,000

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 22, 2008

Joe Grata in the Post-Gazette with a look at the Turnpike Commission’s $700,000 in lobbying contracts for 2007 ($396,000 at the federal level and $316,000 for Harrisburg lobbyist –…

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Government Accountability

Rendell Commits $126 Million in Secret Letters

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 21, 2008

Democracy Rising on the fundraising letters sent by Governor Rendell (most during the 2006 campaign) promising taxpayer funding to a variety of corporations.

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Taxes & Economy

Economic Freedom and Prosperity

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 21, 2008

The Heritage Foundation, in conjuction with the Wall Street Journal, released the Index of Economic Freedom 2008. The rankings have not change dramatically from past years, but what I…

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Public Union Democracy

Workers’ Rights Model Legislation

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 21, 2008

Evergreen Freedom Foundation has released a new report with model legislation to protect workers’ rights – including paycheck protection, right to work, and others.

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