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
More news on Government Reform
Round-up of a number of stories today on the push for government reform and transparency: Steve Samuelson has worked out a compromise with Babette Josephs – who stymied…
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Best Wishes to Bob Durgin
WHP host and good friend of the Commonwealth Foundation Bob Durgin will undergo triple bypass surgery today. We wish Bob a speedy recovery. Details and address to send Bob…
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How the left and right differ on reform
I was in DC on Monday at a conference hosted by the Brookings Institute on reforming Pennsylvania – yes, our state is so bad that we are a great case…
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Who has contracts with PA Government
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department has a great new tool for searching state contracts online. A description of the database – what you will find and will not find –…
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Calls for Reform
Here is a quick roundup of editorials from across the state calling for a Constitutional Convention and/or a special session (as well as criticizing lawmakers for a culture of corruption,…
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Why have a special session on reform?
Since the call for a special session for reform, some critics (i.e. Mark Cohen and Governor Rendell) oppose the idea, while others express support, but think it won’t do…
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Cerberus’s three heads not speaking to each other
Rep. Babette Josephs, chairman of the House State Government Committee, and the Cerberus of the General Assembly is calling for a ban to bonuses – her ban.
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Harrisburg Political Corruption News
For everything you ever wanted to know about bonusgate, the Fumo trial, and scandal in Pennsylvania, check out this new blog – Harrisburg Political Corruption News. It looks to…
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Activists, Politicians Push Reform in Harrisburg
ABC 27 News video from yesterday’s press conference calling for a special session. Get our news release here.
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A Call For Reform
HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation joined Sen. Jeff Piccola, Rep. Eugene DePasquale, and several other lawmakers and reform groups in calling for a Special Session to address important legislative…
Press Release
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Powerful Political Insiders
PolitickerPA released their list of Pennsylvania’s 50 most powerful political insiders. Topping the list is Pennsylvania AFL-CIO president William George. Be warned that the rankings were complied…
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Mark Cohen takes on James Madison
In Federalist #51, James Madison writes of the need to create laws and instititutions to protect citizens against abuses by ambitious men in government: If men were angels,…
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Everyone calls for reform – Except Rendell
Following the bonusgate indictments, there have been many more calls for action to clean up Pennsylvania state government, some from familiar voices, some from new members of the choir…
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Is graft getting worse or are prosecutors out of control?
Governing Magazine’s July 2008 cover story, “The Corruption Puzzle”, is apropos for Pennsylvania given the recent indictments of 12 people for allegedly using taxpayer money for personal and political…
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Pennsylvania’s super-sized legislature
There’s nothing like a government scandal to get people in the mood . . . for reform. An article by Anne Reeves in the Patriot-News reminds us why the…
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Why Turnpike Commission lobbying matters
A reader’s comments on our latest PikeTV video and reports on Turnpike lobbying argues that private bidders are also lobbying, and that tolling I-80 is “more fair” (i.e.
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Responses to Bonusgate
Following the bonusgate presentments (indictments), several lawmakers and newspapers are beginning to call for action to clean up state government. Sen Piccola will call for a special session on…
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What can we cut?
An anonymous poster to GrassrootsPA defends the recently enacted state budget against criticism from the Commonwealth Foundation, along with that in other comments. The budget…
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More Spending, More Debt, Less Transparency
Commonwealth Foundation expresses disappointment in overall budget deal HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation provided its perspective on the FY 2008-09 budget agreement making its way to the governor’s…
Press Release
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The state budget: Secret sham
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorializes on the secret nature of the budget negotiations and the wheeling and dealing that occurs behind closed doors.
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The end of “campaign finance reform”?
The Supreme Court was busy yesterday, in its second major ruling, they struck down a portion of McCain Feingold campaign finance restrictions, ruling that the “millionaire exemption” is unconstitutional.
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