State Budget

Governor Rendell’s Sense of Irony

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 6, 2006

On the anniversary of the 2005 pay raise, Governor Rendell will be handing out pork in the Capitol … non-metaphorical pork in this case. From News Release: HARRISBURG…

Media

Read More: Governor Rendell’s Sense of Irony

Regulation

Want to braid hair? Talk to Big Brother.

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 6, 2006

Despite not having time to address lobbyist reform during the past few weeks, the General Assembly was able to pass a myriad of minor bills, including one (SB 707)…

Media

Read More: Want to braid hair? Talk to Big Brother.

Taxes & Economy

Wal-Mart Tax Fizzle

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 6, 2006

Wall Street Journal article on how the “Wal-Mart tax” push is failing in almost every state. Read our analysis of why the Wal-Mart tax is bad for Pennsylvania…

Media

Read More: Wal-Mart Tax Fizzle

State Budget

Budget Coverage

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 3, 2006

Some press coverage of the late night/early morning state budget deal: Herald Standard (Commonwealth Foundation quoted)Pittsburgh TribPost Gazette (Commonwealth Foundation quoted)Philadelphia Inquirer (Commonwealth…

Media

Read More: Budget Coverage

Platinum Parachutes

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 2, 2006

Read the John Kennedy’s latest commentary in today’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Media

Read More: Platinum Parachutes

Taxes & Economy

Bill to raise minimum wage gets House’s OK

  • July 1, 2006

Economics is once again trumped by political rhetoric in Harrisburg. Who can be against boosting the pay of someone on the lowest rung of the wage ladder? Unfortunately, by raising…

Media

Read More: Bill to raise minimum wage gets House’s OK

State Budget

Rendell: Budget Could Be Worse

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 30, 2006

Governor Rendell names states who will be increasing their budgets faster than PA. Ironically, his list is identical to our list of “States we least want to emulate.” From…

Media

Read More: Rendell: Budget Could Be Worse

Health Care

$1 Trillion Shock Awaits States, Local Governments

  • June 30, 2006

Joe Mysak asks on Bloomberg.com: “How much is it going to cost states and localities to pay for public employees’ health care and insurance after they retire? “Try between…

Media

Read More: $1 Trillion Shock Awaits States, Local Governments