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
General Assembly Too Big & Expensive
Editorial in the Press Enterprise Online on reducing the legislature. While they use figures from my testimony, they fail to note that the crux of our position is…
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Swann on Reform
Gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann’s response to a survey on government reform, compiled by Democracy Rising PA, with comments from the Commonwealth Foundation.
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Rendell on Reform
Governor Rendell’s response to a survey on government reform, compiled Democracy Rising PA, with comments from the Commonwealth Foundation.
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Does Size Matter?
If you prefer audio podcast to the text version, you can listen to my testimony on reducing the size of the General Assembly. (Note: the file is 2MB…
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Shrinking the Legislature
Thank you, Chairman Scarnati, and members of the Senate Majority Policy Committee for the opportunity to testify before you today on the issue of whether or not Pennsylvania should reduce…
Commentary
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Database to Monitor Spending?
US Senators Tom Coburn and Jeff Flake have proposed a database tracking all recipients of federal grants (see Cato Institute analysis). Like many of you, I would enjoy easy…
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Is it 1994 all over again?
Former Congressman George Nethercutt in today’s Wall Street Journal on the fall election. He essentially argues that the party that does better is the party that offers the most…
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Mere Coincidence
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial on the six-figure government job awarded to Joseph Hoeffel – who earlier this year dropped out of the Lt. Gov. race after a meeting with Governor…
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In House, reform’s a no-starter
Brad Bumsted in today’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on the House’s reluctance (once again) to reform itself.
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Government Reform
Patriot-News on Lynn Swann’s proposals for change…well, sort of change.
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Legislative Pensions: Avoid Them to Fix Them
The distance between the rulers and ruled continues to widen in Pennsylvania. For retiring and defeated members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate, the daily perks and privileges of office…
Commentary
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Voters have spoken; legislators must now act
The Tribune Democrat ran my commentary on the “Mandate for Reform.”…
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Taxpayers spending over $1 million on lawyers to defend pay raise
As first broken by the Philadelphia Inquirer: “”Do I like hiring lawyers to defend these kinds of suits? No, I hate to do this,” said House Majority Leader Sam…
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The Real Candidates for Office: Liberty vs. Safety
On a stone pillar near the top of the steps ascending toward the Pennsylvania State Capitol is inscribed the following quote from Benjamin Franklin: “Those who would give up essential…
Commentary
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Is there a Speaker in the House?
According to Pete DeCoursey of Capitolwire.com, House Speaker John Perzel said this last night on public television’s “Smart Talk”: “When I see that a tattoo artist in the city of…
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A Mandate for Reform
Much has been written about the “message” of the May 16 primary election in the weeks since Pennsylvania’s voters thunderously registered their displeasure with “business as usual” in Harrisburg. By…
Commentary
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Arrogant PHEAA: More stonewalling
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial review on how the public agency PHEAA refuses to disclose how they spend their money. Hence we propose privatizing PHEAA in our Pennsylvania Piglet…
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Agency: Unvouchered expenses ‘income’
The REPUBLICAN & Herald notes that two lawmakers paid taxes on their “unvouchered expenses.” But I thought UEs are not “income” so as not to be a direct violation…
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Reform Needed in PA
Mike Folmer on the primary and the need for reform in Pennsylvania in today’s Wall Street Journal.
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It wasn’t the raise; it was the lack of Republican principles
Pat Toomy in the Philadelphia Inquirer on the message of May 16, 2006…the Primary Election that will go downin history for ousting 17 incumbents, more than every year combined…
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Savor these election snapshots
OK, for the record, I don’t sleep in a coat and tie, despite what Pat Carroll thinks! 🙂 It has indeed been a great experience to work alongside folks…
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