State Budget
Pennsylvanians Are in Dire Need of Tax Reform
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. Today is Tax Day. Each year, April 15th reminds us of the costliness of government spending – and why lawmakers must reduce this financial burden on…
Read More: Pennsylvanians Are in Dire Need of Tax ReformHigh taxes make for a slow-growing economy. And communities feel the pinch of high taxes as more and more native Pennsylvanians leave the Keystone State to prosper elsewhere. To remain economically competitive, Pennsylvania must lower state taxes and ensure businesses have the opportunity to succeed. Lower taxes will incentivize more individuals to call Pennsylvania their home, ultimately spurring our statewide economy forward.
Taxes & Economy
Townhall.com::Wages of Stagnation
Bruce Bartlett Commentary on economic gains of workers and households: “In short, despite all the talk about the rich getting richer at the expense of the poor, the fact…
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States could be overwhelmed by health care burden
AP Story on how the cost of health care plans for retired state workers will be enormous across the nation, as preliminary numbers (required by new GASB rules) roll…
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The Estimated Impact of the Swann Tax Cuts
Executive Summary Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann has proposed a number of changes to state tax rates. This analysis focuses on four major components of that proposal—namely reductions in the…
Fact Sheet
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Ethanol: Bumper Crop for Agribusiness, Bitter Harvest for Taxpayers
NTU Report on how ethanol subsidies and mandates are driving up the costs for taxpayers on gasoline, taxes, and food.
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How States are Solving the Tax and Spending Problem
An overview of the provisions of various tax and spending limit initiatives on the ballot in other states, from the National Taxpayers Union.
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The Invisible Hand at Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart, the epitome of greed and all that is evil in the world, is doing what government and Medicare part D cannot – make prescription drugs more affordable. Read the…
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Why Are Health Costs Rising?
Brief analysis of the rising costs of health care from NCPA.
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Transportation Pork
Here is the listing of the $706 million in federal Transportation Earmarks for PA cited in my testimony today.
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State senator suggests pumping up gasoline tax – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Why is that the ONLY solution politicians can come up with to solve a “funding crisis” is to raise taxes? Today, Nate Benefield will provide the Pennsylvania Transportation…
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Tougher emissions rule in PA?
FAQ about the news proposed standards and its effects.Coverage of the standards and the decision making process.
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Read More: Tougher emissions rule in PA?Public Union Democracy
What to do About the Transportation Crisis?
The Pennsylvania Transportation and Funding Reform Commission is currently holding hearings on the funding “crisis” in transportation. From 1995-96 to 2005-06, while inflation increased 28%, transportation spending in the state…
Commentary
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Wal-Mart and Chicago
Following Chicago Major Daley’s 1st ever veto, the city council is reconsidering the law they passed requiring “Big Box Retailers” to pay a “living wage” and benefits. Investor’s Business…
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Why are people rich?
A study, summarized by NCPA, takes on the critics of free markets, with some common sense finding. While some on the left insist that “the rich are getting richer…
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Total Cost of Pennsylvania State & Local Government
The total cost of state and local government in Pennsylvania reached an estimated $108.3 billion in FY 2005-06, and will likely exceed $130 billion by FY 2010-11 (by conservative projections).
Fact Sheet
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Rendell Looks to Raise Taxes on Oil Companies in Pennsylvania
From The Tax Foundation.
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Property Tax Relief that Isn’t
The new property tax “relief” plan, Act 1, is already taking heat for not providing much relief – even for senior citizens, the group targetted for immediate relief – based…
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Will Mandatory Health Insurance Work?
NCPA Analysis of Health Insurance Mandates, such as the new Massachusetts law and proposals discussed at recent hearings in Pennsylvania. Bottom line: they won’t work, and they could drive…
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Incomes and Politics
Wall Street Journal article on income disparity and inconsistent political rhetoric.
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Household Income Analysis
Interesting note by the The Tax Foundation on recent household income data. While a recent Census Report indicates that real median household income (adjusted for inflation) has declined since…
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Tax Credits for Health Care
While Pennsylvania lawmakers discuss mandating universal health care coverage, a Census Bureau report indicates fewer people are receiving health insurance from their employers, and more are paying for…
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Soak the Poor
Analysis of how not “extending the Bush tax cuts” (i.e. raising taxes dramatically in 2011) would hurt low- and moderate-income familes from Investors Business Daily, summarize here by…
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