Energy
Fracking could decide the election in Pennsylvania — and nationwide
Originally published at the New York Post Pennsylvania may be the deciding state in the 2024 election. And new polling from my organization makes clear energy may be the deciding…
Read More: Fracking could decide the election in Pennsylvania — and nationwideEvery 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.
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Regulation
Philadelphia’s Blogger Tax
In case you missed it, the city of Philadelphia is demanding local bloggers pay a $300 business privilege license, as reported by the Philadelphia City Paper, despite not making…
Media
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Pennsylvania Guzzles PLCB Advertising
Snazzy Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) internet ads are making a splash, and the “largest purchaser of wine and liquor in the United States” has a slick new website at FineWineandGoodSpirits.com.
Media
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How to Write Leading Poll Questions
Gov. Rendell continues to push for higher taxes and fees for transportation, this time by commissioning a poll — paid for with campaign funds (which are legally only to be…
Media
Read More: How to Write Leading Poll QuestionsTaxes & Economy
Propaganda Without Logic
I previously highlighted a state-run newsletter on Marcellus Shale, which basically represents taxpayer-funded lobbying. But the latest Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Examiner would really blow Mr. Spock’s mind. The…
Media
Read More: Propaganda Without LogicRegulation
Rendell’s Pinocchio Moment on WAMs
During yesterday’s press conference, Roxbury News reported Gov. Rendell saying, “Opportunity Grants are not WAMS.” Really? Forget the numerous failures of Opportunity Grant recipients, like the $750,000 awarded to…
Media
Read More: Rendell’s Pinocchio Moment on WAMsTaxes & Economy
Alternative Energy Mandates Remain Costly
This month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) report evaluating the state’s alternative energy mandates surfaced, a mere two years overdue. Undoubtedly, pressure from the press for…
Media
Read More: Alternative Energy Mandates Remain CostlyState Budget
“Across the Board” Budget Cuts are Lazy Policy
Gov. Rendell announced that to balance the Pennsylvania state budget — after getting $250 million less from Congress than predicted — he would be ordering cuts of 1.9% “across-the-board,”…
Media
Read More: “Across the Board” Budget Cuts are Lazy PolicyTaxes & Economy
Pittsburgh’s Proposed Petroleum Prohibition
The Post-Gazette features an article on a proposed ban on natural gas drilling in the city of Pittsburgh: Ben Price, who helped draft the bill as projects director…
Media
Read More: Pittsburgh’s Proposed Petroleum ProhibitionTaxes & Economy
George Soros vs. Natural Gas
Is anyone surprised that George Soros is against the tapping of shale gas because of “dangerous hydrofracking”? One of America’s real hopes for economic recovery is on the line,…
Media
Read More: George Soros vs. Natural GasState Budget
State Budget Gaps and State Budget Growth
In a recent report, Matthew Mitchell from the Mercatus Center provides solutions to the “rock and hard place” situations states are finding themselves in while they try to…
Media
Read More: State Budget Gaps and State Budget GrowthPublic Union Democracy
Time to Exit Rendell’s Road to Higher Taxes
Governor Rendell has proposed a series of tax increases to fill a $415 million transportation funding deficit created when the federal government rejected his plan to toll I-80 for a…
Commentary
Read More: Time to Exit Rendell’s Road to Higher TaxesTaxes & Economy
Marcellus Shale: One Study Goes Beyond the Hype
A recent study that looks at the environmental and regulatory issues surrounding Marcellus Shale gas is a refreshing change of pace from the attacks and emotionally charged analyses. Frac…
Media
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Fact Check: DEP Funding
A Capitolwire article (subscription) on DEP funding highlights an argument between a former and current Department of Environmental Protection secretaries. Former DEP Secretary David Hess says the Department is…
Media
Read More: Fact Check: DEP FundingRegulation
Has Corporate Welfare Ever Failed?
A reader asks us if we know of any examples of corporate welfare where it has failed – not just on the Macro level, giving grants to select corporations while…
Media
Read More: Has Corporate Welfare Ever Failed?Taxes & Economy
But I Thought All the Tax Cuts were “For the Rich” …
The Club for Growth highlights a Washington Post article on the expiration of the “Bush tax cuts” in 2011 (or, depending on your word choice, the “currently-scheduled tax…
Media
Read More: But I Thought All the Tax Cuts were “For the Rich” …State Budget
Rendell and the Missing $30 Million
Yesterday, Gov. Rendell told lawmakers that after Congress passed legislation to increase federal aid to states for Medicaid (FMAP) and to school districts – and also cut funding…
Media
Read More: Rendell and the Missing $30 MillionGovernment Accountability
More Taxpayer Funded Propaganda
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has an email newsletter on Marcellus Shale (see PA Indy story). I, of course, signed up to see how my tax dollars were…
Media
Read More: More Taxpayer Funded PropagandaHealth Care
States Saying No to Individual Mandate
Merrill Matthews has a good article up on Forbes about what states are doing to fight the individual health insurance mandate in the new law. He touches both on…
Media
Read More: States Saying No to Individual MandateTaxes & Economy
How Attractive is Pennsylvania Drilling?
Pop quiz: Drilling in Pennsylvania is as attractive as drilling in A) Arkansas B) Kansas or C) Cambodia? The correct answer is Cambodia. Currently, the Keystone State is one of…
Media
Read More: How Attractive is Pennsylvania Drilling?Regulation
Silliest Defense of Government Pension Plans Yet
A letter in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader attacks the Commonwealth Foundation for supporting moving state government and school districts employees to a defined-contribution retirement plan, like a 401(k). The…
Media
Read More: Silliest Defense of Government Pension Plans YetEducation
Are Taxpayers Subsidizing Learning or Partying?
The good news: Penn State is no longer the #1 party school in the US, according to the Princeton Review’s (user account) annual student-produced rankings. It has fallen…
Media
Read More: Are Taxpayers Subsidizing Learning or Partying?