Commission on State Government Pay Proposed

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 10, 2007

Rep. Ron Marsico is proposing a commission to examine compensation of state officials. Now while proposing a commission doesn’t seem controversial, consider that in nearly two years since the…

Media

Read More: Commission on State Government Pay Proposed

Would you be a winner?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 10, 2007

Patriot News article on the May tax shifting referendum under Act 1. The shift to an income tax creates winners as loser, though the article identifies LLC firms as…

Media

Read More: Would you be a winner?

Is RendellCare good medicine?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 9, 2007

Three articles in the NE PA Business Journal on Governor Rendell’s health care proposals, all featuring the Commonwealth Foundation’s Rick Dreyfuss. Is Gov. Rendell’s ‘Prescription for Pennsylvania’ Good Medicine?:…

Media

Read More: Is RendellCare good medicine?

Are we all “supply-siders” now?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 9, 2007

I saw this Bruce Barltett editorial in the NY Times over the weekend. Bartlett makes the intriguing argument that politicians no longer need to claim to believe in “supply-side”…

Media

Read More: Are we all “supply-siders” now?

Passing the buck on Act 1 tax hikes

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 9, 2007

The Reading Eagle with more on using exemptions to avoid referendum on property tax hikes. A number of lawmakers are trying to defend the ineffective law they created: Rep.

Media

Read More: Passing the buck on Act 1 tax hikes

Congressmen get inferior health coverage

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 9, 2007

Morning Call article on former state lawmakers elected to Congress, but staying on the state health plan. Why? State lawmakers – even retired lawmakers – get better benefits and…

Media

Read More: Congressmen get inferior health coverage

Pittsburgh 2nd in population loss

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 6, 2007

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Census data showing that the Pittsburgh region ranks 2nd in the nation in total population loss from 2000-2006 (behind only the New Orleans region).

Media

Read More: Pittsburgh 2nd in population loss

210 districts can raise taxes without votes

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 5, 2007

Martha Raffaele of the AP reports that 210 school districts will be allowed to increase property taxesabove their index (which ranges from 3.4 to 5.5%, depending on the…

Media

Read More: 210 districts can raise taxes without votes

Taxpayer Protection Act attacked

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 5, 2007

Following the announcement of legislation to create a Taxpayer Protection Act and the unveiling of a website with information on the legislation, the Allentown Morning Call has already…

Media

Read More: Taxpayer Protection Act attacked