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
PSU Study: Whites still think Blacks are apes
In addition to commenting on policy issues, I also like to comment on some of very weird, esoteric studies conducted by academic researchers. The most recent is this study…
Media
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Campaign-Finance Breakdown
John Lott and Bradley Smith in the Wall Street Journal on taxpayer-financing of presidential elections: Since 1976, taxpayers have shelled out about $3 billion in current dollars to…
Media
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Influence-Peddling
John Stossel on Townhall.com on the rhetoric against “special interests” and “corporate lobbyists” in Washington (also applicable to Harrisburg): None of the reforms gets near root of the…
Media
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After returning raise, LaGrotta took it back
Another bizarre twist in the payraise debacle was uncovered in the Frank Lagrotta case. Former Rep. LaGrotta was recenlty convicted and sentenced, and more recently face a ruling that…
Media
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RIP William F. Buckley
Roundup of obituaries, blogs, and other comments on conservative icon William F. Buckley Jr., who passed away at 82 today. National Review OnlineWashington Post ObituaryReason…
Media
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Odds of Dying by Cause
Interesting data from the National Safety Council on Odds of Dying for non-natural causes of death. Surprising figures The “safest way to travel” appears to be by streetcar, followed…
Media
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Q&A on Open Records
FAQ on the new Open Records Law from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.
Media
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Mickey Goes to Washington
Washington Post article on Walt Disney and other lobbyists pushing for taxpayer subsidies for tourism. If you don’t want to know how the sausage is made, don’t read this…
Media
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‘Black ops’ in the Legislature
Brad Bumsted on the “Black Ops” of BonusGate: The legality of bonuses might not be resolved for some time. But it’s clear that they were wrong, handled “off…
Media
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State bonus probe widens to Senate’s GOP caucus
The Bonus-Gate investigation extends to the Senate GOP, the Patriot News reports. Former staffer-turned-lobbyist Mike Long was one recipient whe defended the bonus process: Long, a former…
Media
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Rendell: Conservatives don’t like Black people
Gov. Rendell said today that conservatives (or at least a small, but meaningful percentage) “are probably not ready to vote for an African-American candidate.” He attributes his margin of…
Media
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Mommy, why is Vince Fumo in our kitchen?
The latest Vince Fumo for Senate ad ends with a little girl asking,”Mommy, why is that man in our kitchen?” Oh, so many punchlines to choose from. I’m going…
Media
Read More: Mommy, why is Vince Fumo in our kitchen?Government Accountability
Liberty Index released and GrassrootsPA relaunched
The Liberty Index, now produced by the Conservative Reform PAC was released today, rating all state legislators and Governor Rendell on legislation through the end 2007. Hat Tip…
Media
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“Groundhog day” on Open Records
The Open Records bill (SB 1) is expected to be voted on in the House this week, after passing the Senate last week. See the press release from Common…
Media
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Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader
This weekend, sports fans have the ineviable choice of rooting for Luke Skywalker or for Darth Vader in the Super Bowl. Yes, Luke is whiny and obnoxious (read: Eli Manning),…
Media
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State of the Union Word Analyzer
This neat website analyzes State of the Union speeches with word count (Jimmy Carter gave the longest speech) and key word analysis. I like playing with the graphic…
Media
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Campaign Finance Limits Destroy Democracy
Pennsylvania's Supreme Court recently upheld Philadelphia's law limiting the amount of money that an individual can contribute to a political candidate. While advocates of campaign contribution limits cheered the…
Commentary
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Rendell Commits $126 Million in Secret Letters
Democracy Rising on the fundraising letters sent by Governor Rendell (most during the 2006 campaign) promising taxpayer funding to a variety of corporations.
Media
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States Resist REAL ID Implementation
Budget & Tax News update on pushback from states (and in Congress) against the REAL ID, with deadlines looming.
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Are Secret Funding Letters Open Records?
PassOpenRecords.org asks if letters from Governor Rendell promising state funds to a variety of projects would be considered open records. They are looking for readers to comment on that…
Media
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Lawmakers Spend Hundreds Of Thousands To See If They Misspent Money
WGAL reports that state lawmakers spent $300,000 (mostly from House Democrats) on legal fees relating to the bonusgate investigation. The headline basically says it all. Props to freshmen Eugene…
Media
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