Government Accountability
Senate Moves Key Transparency Measures
Today the Senate's State Government Committee advanced three bills to open up government collective bargaining negotiations to the public. SB 168, sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano, would require all levels of government…
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Read More: Senate Moves Key Transparency MeasuresRegulation
Following Zippo’s Lead on Pensions
Zippo’s recent retirement plan transition is another example of why Pennsylvania state government should do the same. As Zippo CFO Don Hall said, defined contribution plans like 401(k)s carry…
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Read More: Following Zippo’s Lead on PensionsState Budget
Pa.’s Economic Outlook is Poor but Not Permanent
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) released its annual Rich States, Poor States’ report, which includes economic rankings for each state. Unfortunately, the news isn’t good for Pennsylvania. The state…
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Read More: Pa.’s Economic Outlook is Poor but Not PermanentPublic Union Democracy
Top 10 Recipients of Government Union Money
Government unions wield enormous influence in Pennsylvania politics. Since 2010, the commonwealth’s largest government unions have spent over $71 million on politics—including $26 million in political action committee (PAC)…
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The Strong Case for?and Weak Case Against?Pension Reform
Pennsylvania’s public pension plans are woefully underfunded, with enough assets to cover just 60 percent of liabilities. This poor financial showing has relegated the commonwealth to the bottom of the Tax Foundation’s ranking of…
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Read More: The Strong Case for?and Weak Case Against?Pension ReformHealth Care
Senate Acts to Improve Health Access, Lower Costs
All Pennsylvanians deserve access to quality, affordable health care. That's why it was encouraging to see the Senate advance SB 25 out of the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee.
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Read More: Senate Acts to Improve Health Access, Lower CostsEducation
Charter Reform Nears the Goal-line
Charter school reform is advancing in Harrisburg. Long in the works, HB 97 (previously HB 530) is a sweeping bill that includes several important revisions to Pennsylvania’s charter school law.
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Read More: Charter Reform Nears the Goal-lineHealth Care
Reforming Medicaid Is a Moral Imperative
Note: This op-ed was originally published in the Lancaster LNP. Do you know someone who desperately needs medical care but can’t access it? Few things are more heartbreaking. Helping people…
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When a Spending Increase Is a Massive Cut
Last June, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a $31.53 billion General Fund budget. In February, Gov. Wolf proposed a $32.34 billion budget. This $800 million increase has actually been labeled “…
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