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.

Health Care

NTU Launches “Special Delivery” Video Project

  • October 5, 2009

The National Taxpayers Union has recently announced a new video project aimed at letting the American taxpayer have their say in the healthcare debate. Entitled the “Special Delivery Project”, NTU is encouraging Americans…

Media

Read More: NTU Launches “Special Delivery” Video Project

State Budget

“Big Helicopter” and Big Hollywood

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 3, 2009

While debating their myriad of tax increases (which was eventually approved by the chamber), Pennsylvania House Democrats continued to demonize “Big…

Media

Read More: “Big Helicopter” and Big Hollywood

State Budget

What’s in the PA House Democrats Tax Bill?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 2, 2009

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House Rules Committee approved a “gut-and-replace” amendment to HB 1531 – which had previously been a bill to extend tax relief for military families – which…

Media

Read More: What’s in the PA House Democrats Tax Bill?

State Budget

Pennsylvania Revenue Collections Fall Short Again

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 2, 2009

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue released their revenue estimates for September.  The collections were $119 million below estimates for the month, and $300 million less than collected one year…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania Revenue Collections Fall Short Again

State Budget

October Surprise: Rush to Vote on Tax Hikes

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • October 1, 2009

I’ve just received word that Democrats are planning to rush a tax increase vote in the state House of Representatives tomorrow! Specifically, House Democrats are going to hold a vote on legislation…

Media

Read More: October Surprise: Rush to Vote on Tax Hikes

Taxes & Economy

Tax Cuts, Not Government Spending, Good for Economic Growth

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 1, 2009

There is a good piece in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal on the effect of government spending on economic growth.  The conclusion is that government spending does not “stimulate” the…

Media

Read More: Tax Cuts, Not Government Spending, Good for Economic Growth

Regulation

Why State Government Shouldn’t “Invest” Taxpayer Money

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 1, 2009

There have been countless examples of failed corporate welfare under Governor Rendell, and Governor Ridge before him. The latest example coming from Lebanon, PA: Lebanon Daily News, August 14,…

Media

Read More: Why State Government Shouldn’t “Invest” Taxpayer Money

State Budget

Governing “Responsibly”

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 1, 2009

Lowman Henry has another good commentary on the Pennsylvania state budget “deal” over at PA Town Hall: I find it interesting that when Democrats stick to…

Media

Read More: Governing “Responsibly”

State Budget

Pennsylvania Budget Deal Appears Dead

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 30, 2009

The news service Capitolwire (subscribers only) is reporting that PA House Democrat leaders are admitting they don’t have enough votes to pass the state budget deal, give all of…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania Budget Deal Appears Dead

Taxes & Economy

Cap-and-Trade Threatens Pennsylvania Agriculture

  • September 30, 2009

The PA Farm Bureau recently released an article in the September edition of Country Focus illustrating the stifling effects Waxman-Markey legislation will have on rural farming communities across Pennsylvania.

Media

Read More: Cap-and-Trade Threatens Pennsylvania Agriculture

State Budget

An Honest Budget Debate

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 30, 2009

Gov. Rendell and many lawmakers continue to push higher taxes in Pennsylvania, using the rhetoric that if we don’t, students won’t learn,…

Media

Read More: An Honest Budget Debate

State Budget

Re-examine Public Welfare Spending

  • September 30, 2009

Pennsylvania has, as of this writing, gone 90 days without a budget, longer than any other state.  The impasse has been driven by Gov. Rendell's demand for higher spending and…

Commentary

Read More: Re-examine Public Welfare Spending

Health Care

States to Challenge Individual Mandate

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 30, 2009

The New York Times has a story on state legislators pushing back against the individual mandate that could be a part of health care reform.  Health Care Horse…

Media

Read More: States to Challenge Individual Mandate

Regulation

Hanger’s Flawed Defense of HB 80

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 29, 2009

Pennsylvania DEP Secretary John Hanger has an absurd editorial defending House Bill 80. His op-ed blatantly ignores the cost that the regulations in House Bill 80 would place…

Media

Read More: Hanger’s Flawed Defense of HB 80

Regulation

Torts, Taxes Hinder Pennsylvania’s Prosperity

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • September 29, 2009

Wrongheaded economic development policies and one of the nation's worst labor climates are serious impediments to Pennsylvania's prosperity. As if those obstacles were not enough, the commonwealth also has saddled…

Commentary

Read More: Torts, Taxes Hinder Pennsylvania’s Prosperity

Education

Is Gov. Rendell “for the Kids” at All?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 28, 2009

On Friday, the REACH Foundation hosted a rally at the state capitol in defense of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit, which…

Media

Read More: Is Gov. Rendell “for the Kids” at All?

State Budget

PA Budget Deal Undone?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 28, 2009

It would seem that the reported Pennsylvania state budget ‘deal’ is in jeopardy: GrassrootsPA reports at least 5 Senate Republicans will…

Media

Read More: PA Budget Deal Undone?

Taxes & Economy

New Resources on National Energy Proposals

  • September 28, 2009

Earlier this month, Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) released an updated version of their booklet, Energy Tax Analysis. The report includes seven new areas of interest and…

Media

Read More: New Resources on National Energy Proposals

Taxes & Economy

Two New State Business Climate Rankings

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 25, 2009

The Tax Foundation released their updated State Business Tax Climate Index for FY 2010. In the latest rendition, Pennsylvania ranks 27th overall. Broken down by category the Keystone State…

Media

Read More: Two New State Business Climate Rankings