Fairness
A SEPTA Bailout Is as Predictable as It Is Irresponsible
Originally published by Penn Live. We hate to say, “We told you so.” But when it comes to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) demanding another state bailout, we told…
Read More: A SEPTA Bailout Is as Predictable as It Is IrresponsibleEvery family, business owner, and taxpayer in Pennsylvania should be able to increase their financial security without undue interference from our state government. Free-market policies that limit taxes, allow entrepreneurs to innovate and create jobs, and offer stability to families will put our state on track to become a national leader. Policies that enact spending limits, cut taxes, and reduce regulations will help Pennsylvania avoid debt and restore sound fiscal planning that will benefit citizens in the years to come.
Related Issues
Regulation
It’s Never Sunny for Philadelphia’s Small Businesses
The Institute for Justice (IJ), in its new report, No Brotherly Love for Entrepreneurs, depicts just how bad the small business climate in Philadelphia has become. The city has…
Media
Read More: It’s Never Sunny for Philadelphia’s Small BusinessesTaxes & Economy
State Business Tax Climate Index 2011
Yesterday, the Tax Foundation released its 2011 State Business Tax Climate Index. The study looks at five important tax areas: corporate taxes, individual income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes,…
Media
Read More: State Business Tax Climate Index 2011Health Care
Health Care Reform: An Update
Before enacting the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said Congress had to pass the bill before we'd find out what's in…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Health Care Reform: An UpdateEnergy
Never Enough Green for Renewable Energy
According to Pennsylvania's Public Utilities Commission, the annual cost of ownership for solar energy per kilowatt-hour is over 700% more than the cost of coal, and wind energy is almost…
Commentary
Read More: Never Enough Green for Renewable EnergyTaxes & Economy
What is the Source of Marcellus Misinformation?
On Friday, I attended a Marcellus Shale Forum, which featured presentations on a variety of issues, including methane migration, water disposal, and drilling safety. Contrary to some popular belief,…
Media
Read More: What is the Source of Marcellus Misinformation?Regulation
Time to End Public Sector Indentured Servitude
Public service is one of the few places where one still can find a defined benefit pot of gold at the end of their employment. Although defined benefit pensions are…
Commentary
Read More: Time to End Public Sector Indentured ServitudeTaxes & Economy
Sorry PennFuture, No Gas Tax for Staycations
That didn’t take long. After Senate Republican leaders Joe Scarnati, Dominic Pileggi, and Jake Corman notified Gov. Ed Rendell of their “best offer” for a tax plan on the natural…
Media
Read More: Sorry PennFuture, No Gas Tax for StaycationsState Budget
Rendell’s Legacy of Spending
Here is my letter to the editor in today’s Wall Street Journal on Gov. Rendell’s spending record: Regarding the contribution of Gov. Ed Rendell in “Four…
Media
Read More: Rendell’s Legacy of SpendingState Budget
Harrisburg Considers Bankruptcy, Act 47
Last night, Harrisburg officials held a hearing to determine if the city qualifies for Pennsylvania’s Municipalities Financial Recovery Program, Act 47. Mayor Linda Thompson and Governor Rendell support entrance…
Media
Read More: Harrisburg Considers Bankruptcy, Act 47Regulation
Cities and their Bankrupt Pension Plans
A recent study, published by Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, found shocking statistics about the solvency of most city and state pension funds. The total unfunded pension liability for…
Media
Read More: Cities and their Bankrupt Pension PlansGovernment Accountability
Get Ready to Be Amazed
In Lancaster County, PA, local government officials have done the inconceivable—they’ve given up their raises. Strasburg Borough’s ten employees including police, public works, and administrative assistants, agreed to forgo…
Media
Read More: Get Ready to Be AmazedHealth Care
Pelosi Explains the Health Care Bill
In a speech in Pittsburgh to the “Women of Steel”, which includes the Steelworkers union, Lois Lane, Lana Lang, and Supergirl, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi outlined what…
Media
Read More: Pelosi Explains the Health Care BillTaxes & Economy
Dear Gas Companies: Please Pay for Our Water Park
Next time you hear groups like PennFuture whining about the Growing Greener boondoggle stash running low, keep in mind that it funds projects like this one…
Media
Read More: Dear Gas Companies: Please Pay for Our Water ParkTaxes & Economy
They’re Laughing at Our Low Taxes
The Patriot News has an editorial today claiming Pennsylvania needs to enact a natural gas severance tax so that other states stop laughing at us. No really, states with…
Media
Read More: They’re Laughing at Our Low TaxesGovernment Accountability
Not-so-Effective Tax Credit Programs
The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee issued a new report on the utilization and accountability of Pennsylvania’s tax credit programs. The report looks at everything from the Research and…
Media
Read More: Not-so-Effective Tax Credit ProgramsTaxes & Economy
Agriculture Still Isn’t Number One
Lowman Henry leads off a recent commentary with the legend that Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s “number one industry” and employs nearly one million workers. Readers will recall that this is…
Media
Read More: Agriculture Still Isn’t Number OneRegulation
Harrisburg’s Woes: Coming to a City Near You
Gov. Rendell's recent state bailout of the city of Harrisburg has brought attention to the capital city's fiscal mismanagement. With millions in debt payments and an enormous pension obligation, Harrisburg's…
Commentary
Read More: Harrisburg’s Woes: Coming to a City Near YouHealth Care
More Side Effects of Obamacare
Every day it seems we are hearing more bad news about the effects of the new health care reform law. From rising premiums to narrowing coverage, the side effects…
Media
Read More: More Side Effects of ObamacareRegulation
Federal Cash for State Budget Cuts?
In an Investors Business Daily piece this summer, Nicole Gelinas puts forward an interesting idea about how to stimulate the economy, and at the same time cut back on…
Media
Read More: Federal Cash for State Budget Cuts?Regulation
Recap of the Pennsylvania Senate’s Busy Week
The PA State Senate had a busy week, all leading up to some key votes that took place yesterday. We have been closely following several bills and unfortunately a…
Media
Read More: Recap of the Pennsylvania Senate’s Busy WeekRegulation
RAMPing Up PA Liquor Control Board’s Monopoly Power
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the largest supplier of alcohol in the world, recently enacted regulations to become the sole provider of its now-mandated educational program for Pennsylvania businesses, the…
Media
Read More: RAMPing Up PA Liquor Control Board’s Monopoly Power