Education
Here’s some friendly advice to the new Pennsylvania general assembly
Originally published at The Patriot-News Pennsylvania lawmakers swore their oath of office in Harrisburg, and a new legislative session is upon us. As two former…
Read More: Here’s some friendly advice to the new Pennsylvania general assemblyThe state government is ultimately held accountable to the people through the electoral process—but that should not be the only line of defense against government overreach or waste. Taxpayers deserve a transparent government that works for them. Reforms are needed to reduce corruption and limit the scope of government to its constitutional authority. Additionally, reforms that ensure a transparent budgeting process, a fair electoral process, and a streamlined regulatory process should be pursued to increase the government’s integrity.
Government Accountability
Biennial Legislatures
NCSL has a new podcast discussing biennial legislatures – i.e. states where the General Assembly meets for a limited session every two years. There have been a handful of…
Media
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The 70s Called, and Wants Its Legislators Back
State Rep. Frank Oliver announced he will be retiring at the end of his term. This retirement – along with those of Sen. Bob Mellow, Sen. Barry Stout, and…
Media
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The End of Taxpayer-Funded Newsletters?
Darwyyn Deyo reports that the PA House of Representatives is moving from away from paper newsletters to email newsletters to registered voters. This is a good move, likely to…
Media
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CF Blog Round Up
Here is what the Commonwealth Foundation has bloggers discussing this week: The Pennsylvania Guardian links our work monitoring Pennsylvania’s deficit Conservative Network Reform Blog highlights our analysis of…
Media
Read More: CF Blog Round UpGovernment Accountability
Live Webinar: Job Opportunities in Public Policy
Looking for a career path that will enable you to advance the ideas of liberty? Already in a position, but looking to gain the professional skills and management training to…
Media
Read More: Live Webinar: Job Opportunities in Public PolicyGovernment Accountability
Hearing on Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office
The PA House and Senate Finance Committees held a joint hearing on creating a “Independent Fiscal Office”. The IFO was authorized in the fiscal code (part of the budget deal),…
Media
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Hyperbole and Hypocrisy on Campaign Finance Ruling
A must read article about the Citizen’s United case and the supposed destruction of democracy. Many states, including Illinois and Maryland, allow corporate contributions to state candidates. As…
Media
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CF Blog Roundup
Here are some recent Commonwealth Foundation mentions from various blogs: Bill Lawrence cites our alternatives to tolling I-80. GrassrootsPA gives us linkage on commentaries on Term Limits…
Media
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Time for a Part-Time Legislature?
Pennsylvania House Republicans Gordon Denlinger, Tim Krieger, and Bryan Cutler unveiled legislation that would return Pennsylvania to a part-time legislature. The bill, HB 1554, would limit sessions to…
Media
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More on Corporations and Free Speech
Following the Supreme Court ruling that our First Amendment right to free speech applied to corporations’ speech regarding candidates for federal office – a ruling started when the FEC…
Media
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Free Political Speech and Paycheck Protection
The US Supreme Court today upheld that the First Amendment protects speech around elections from corporations and unions. The case concerns Citizens United, which produced a film Hillary: The Movie,…
Media
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CF Challenges Gov. Rendell to Explain What’s In the Bill
Harrisburg, PA – Yesterday, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell told Fox News that voters oppose the current health care reform proposal because “the administration and its supporters, myself included, haven’t…
Press Release
Read More: CF Challenges Gov. Rendell to Explain What’s In the BillGovernment Accountability
The Perfidy of Per Diems
ABC 27 story covers the tens of thousands of dollars lawmakers receive in per diems (i.e. money ostensibly for food and lodging, though lawmakers need not offer any receipts).
Media
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Time for Term Limits Again
Unfortunately, this spirit of civic virtue yielded to self-aggrandizement. Early on, legislators served a few terms in a public office and then returned to private life to live under the…
Commentary
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Book Review: Money, Greed, and God
Jay Richards’ book Money, Greed, and God offers a defense of capitalism from a Christian perspective. Richards goes further, noting that capitalism depends on a virtuous society. A…
Media
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Bonusgate Makes National Headlines
Though it wasn’t one of their top 10 scandals of 2009, Time Magazine has a story today on “bonusgate”, and the subsequent corruption investigation, and its implications on Pennsylvania…
Media
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Onorato’s Economic Plan: Some Good Ideas, Some Bad Ideas
Pennsylvania Governor Candidate Dan Onorato outlined his economic development proposals yesterday. He has some good ideas in there, but a lot of the…
Media
Read More: Onorato’s Economic Plan: Some Good Ideas, Some Bad IdeasGovernment Accountability
Democrat Party Finally Condemns Pay Raise
An interesting response to State Senator Dave Argall’s announcement that he would challenge Congressman Tim Holden is that Democrats are going after Argall’s role in the 2005 Pennsylvania pay…
Media
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Intern for Liberty: the IHS Summer Fellow Program
Are a student or do you know a student looking to advance their career while advancing liberty? The Charles G. Koch Summer Fellows Program provides summer internships at over…
Media
Read More: Intern for Liberty: the IHS Summer Fellow ProgramGovernment Accountability
A Constitional Convention of Crazies?
Political consultant Larry Ceisler penned an op-ed denouncing a Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention. (Hat Tip: GrassrootsPA) While there are legitimate concerns about a Con Con, Ceisler addresses none of those,…
Media
Read More: A Constitional Convention of Crazies?Government Accountability
Right-to-Know Law Still on a Learning Curve
Since the new Open-Records law took effect last January, the number of requests for information have skyrocketed; increasing by as much as 130%, according to the Patriot News. The…
Media
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