Every 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.

Public Union Democracy

State Tax Trends

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 20, 2009

ATR has a new report on state tax trends. In addition to a roundup of state tax changes, the new report highlights trends with policy implications. While we pointed…

Media

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Government Accountability

What Next for “Tea Party” Activists?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 20, 2009

Following the recent “Taxpayers March on Harrisburg,” as well as recent health care protests in Washington DC and elsewhere, a grassroots organizer posed the question, “what should we do now?”…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

New I-80 Tolling Study Lacks Credibility

  • November 19, 2009

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s ill-advised attempts to toll I-80 continues; yesterday, Brian Chase, an independent consultant, spoke to the House Republican Policy Committee (PLS Subscription) about the validity…

Media

Read More: New I-80 Tolling Study Lacks Credibility

Health Care

Guide to Harry Reid’s Health Care Bill

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 19, 2009

Yesterday, US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid put forth a new, 2,074 page health care reform bill. The Senate is expected to vote on it in the next few days.

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Electric Choice is Gaining Steam

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 19, 2009

With the expiration of rate caps in 2010 I've been tracking the entrance of new residential suppliers in the central PA electricity market. These days it's rare to see actual…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Has George W. Bush Seen the Light?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 18, 2009

Ever since former president George W. Bush unveiled plans for the new presidential center in his name which would focus on fiscal restraint, he has faced fair amount of…

Media

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Energy

Alternative Energy Mandates

  • November 18, 2009

Pennsylvania law requires utility companies to produce a certain percentage of their electricity from alternative sources in future years. Proposed legislation would increase this percentage and require new carbon sequestration…

Fact Sheet

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Government Accountability

The Illusion of Shrinking State Government

  • November 18, 2009

Back in September of 2008, Governor Rendell announced a state-wide hiring freeze in all agencies under his control to help curb declining revenues and a weakened national economy. Now,…

Media

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Government Accountability

Will State Lawmakers Take a Pay Cut?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 18, 2009

As many readers will be aware, Pennsylvania lawmakers, judges, and executive branch officials receive an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), using the CPI for Philadelphia as the measure for inflation. What…

Media

Read More: Will State Lawmakers Take a Pay Cut?

Taxes & Economy

Government Authors More “Jobs Created” Fiction

  • November 17, 2009

The recovery.gov website lists a number of job creation success stories in congressional districts accross many states. For instance, in Arizona’s 15th congressional district 30 jobs were created…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Increased Unemployment Benefits = Increased Unemployment

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 17, 2009

Alan Reynolds outlines a very basic economic concept: longer limits (and increased benefits) for taxpayer-funded unemployment compensation – as was mandated in the federal stimulus, and repeated by Congress…

Media

Read More: Increased Unemployment Benefits = Increased Unemployment

Taxes & Economy

Climate Change in Pennsylvania

  • November 17, 2009

A new report from the Science & Public Policy Institute (SPPI) focuses solely on climate trends in the Pennsylvania. The report highlights climate trends unique to the state…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

PA Climate Change Action Plan Violates Legislative Directives

  • November 16, 2009

In 2008, the General Assembly passed the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act (Act 70). This act created the Climate Change Advisory Committee (CCAC), which was charged with implementing a study…

Media

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Health Care

Congressional Candidates, Pay Attention on Health Care Debate

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 16, 2009

WFMZ features a story on a health care protest outside Congressman Charlie Dent’s office, featuring Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, who is also challenging Dent (HT Grassroots PA). Callahan…

Media

Read More: Congressional Candidates, Pay Attention on Health Care Debate

Criminal Justice Reform

Prison Overcrowding Solutions

  • November 16, 2009

Testimony submitted to the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee We would like to thank the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee for giving us the opportunity to submit testimony on the…

Testimony

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Regulation

Corporate Welfare Goes Green

  • November 13, 2009

The solar industry, teamed with congress, is trying to get the Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act passed. This act creates a 30% tax credit for solar manufactures and makes…

Media

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Health Care

Notes on Health Care Reform

  • November 12, 2009

Two slightly important questions are being neglected regarding the Health Care Reform bills in Congress: their constitutionality and their morality. Are the bill just passed in the House and that…

Commentary

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Taxes & Economy

The Economic Ignorance of “Fewer Jobs Lost”

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 12, 2009

Many pundits, members of the media, and elected officials (or their spokesman), cite employment data showing “fewer jobs lost” in October (or in the case of the state, September)…

Media

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