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

Where will Obama go on health care?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 13, 2008

In our commentary today, Matt Brouillette and I argue that President Obama will pursue a somewhat tempered course – we will get the Obama of the general election campaign…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Bailout execs get bonus billions

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 13, 2008

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has a story on how executives of firms getting money from the financial bailout are also getting large bonuses (more at Beyond Bailouts). Personally, I…

Media

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Health Care

Medicaid reform: For the poor and the poor taxpayer

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 12, 2008

Cross-Posted at Capital Domes The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review recently looked at the looming budget shortfall and its potential impact on Medicaid spending. The legislature couldn’t simply…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Free markets are under attack again

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 12, 2008

Matt Welch has an excellent article on Reason Magazine on the financial bailout and the debate over the role of government and the free market: President George…

Media

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Health Care

Government Health Care Kills

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 11, 2008

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell is calling on the Pennsylvania Senate leadership to break their pledge not to hold a lame duck session. Among Rendell’s rhetorical arguments is that “nearly…

Media

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Health Care

Ten Pennsylvanians Die Each Day from Government Health Insurance

  • November 11, 2008

Uninsured citizens fare better than government insured HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation today illustrated the absurdity of Gov. Ed Rendell’s politically motivated claim that “two Pennsylvanians die each…

Press Release

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Government Accountability

Bailout Transparency Fading Fast

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 11, 2008

The Tribune-Review reports Bloomberg News has filed a FOIA and a federal lawsuit seeking to force the disclosure of recipients who received $2 trillion in emergency loans from…

Media

Read More: Bailout Transparency Fading Fast

Taxes & Economy

Detroit Auto Makers Need More Than a Bailout

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 10, 2008

A mostly on-target piece in the Wall Street Journal explains why a blank check to the Detroit automakers won’t solve their problems: In return for any direct…

Media

Read More: Detroit Auto Makers Need More Than a Bailout

State Budget

Taxpayers still buying promotional calendars for lawmakers

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 7, 2008

Dennis Owens of ABC 27 has a story that the latest Capitol Calendars (“courtesy” of your legislator) are now available.  Owens recalled our breakdown of the cost of…

Media

Read More: Taxpayers still buying promotional calendars for lawmakers

Health Care

Taxes, Health Care, and GOP Strategists

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 6, 2008

Fox News has an article about the future of the GOP, and its search for rising starts. It is a pretty good piece, except for comments by Republican strategist…

Media

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Public Union Democracy

Voters still like limited government, lower taxes

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 6, 2008

A poll from the Club For Growth surveyed voters in 12 competitive Congressional districts; eleven of the 12 switched hands from Republican to Democrat following Tuesday’s elections. The results…

Media

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Regulation

Massive Budget Hole Awaits New Legislature

  • November 6, 2008

Commonwealth’s revenue shortfall grows to $560 million  HARRISBURG, PA —  The Commonwealth Foundation today warned the newly minted General Assembly that it must immediately heed the voters’ call for “change”…

Press Release

Read More: Massive Budget Hole Awaits New Legislature

Regulation

The Fight for Free Speech in Philadelphia

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 6, 2008

This week Americans exercised their right to vote, but three tour guides in Philadelphia are fighting to keep their right to free speech. In July three tour guides sued…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

The end of Big Government Conservatism?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 6, 2008

Following John McCain’s loss, conservatives and pundits will start looking to offer an explanation. To keep it simple, let me say this: The financial bailout killed whatever chance McCain’s had.

Media

Read More: The end of Big Government Conservatism?

Taxes & Economy

Remember Remember the Fifth of November

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 5, 2008

In honor of Guy Fawkes day, here are some clips for V for Vendetta because ideas, not politicians offer real hope and change “We are told to remember…

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Taxes & Economy

Capitalism and the Financial Crisis

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 5, 2008

Walter Williams has a great column on the mortgage meltdown and the free market You can decide whether we have in an unregulated laissez-faire economy. There are 15…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Rendell lies on Social Security

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 4, 2008

A few days ago, Governor Rendell complained that the McCain campaign was “deplorable” and “despicable” for trying to scare voters by painting an inaccurate portrait of “spreading the wealth”…

Media

Read More: Rendell lies on Social Security

Taxes & Economy

Higher taxes won’t help Pennsylvania economy

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 3, 2008

The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center (PBPC) issued a news release, gleefully welcoming the looming state budget deficit and tax increase. Their exuberance is due to the fact…

Media

Read More: Higher taxes won’t help Pennsylvania economy