Public Union Democracy

Government Unions Torpedo Agenda

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 3, 2013

The state budget deadline came and went without passage of any of the “Big Three” policy items—liquor store privatization, pension reform, or transportation tax and fee increases. It was clear…

Media

Read More: Government Unions Torpedo Agenda

Regulation

Consumers Still Waiting for Convenience

  • July 2, 2013

Consumers still demand convenience when it comes to purchasing alcohol, according to a story in the Patriot News, despite the General Assembly’s delay on passing liquor privatization until after…

Media

Read More: Consumers Still Waiting for Convenience

Health Care

Lawmakers Stand up for Taxpayers, Reject Medicaid Expansion

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • July 2, 2013

Yesterday, 108 House Representatives voted to protect taxpayers from an expansion of the broken and unaffordable Medicaid program. You can thank them here. Medicaid expansion is an optional part of…

Media

Read More: Lawmakers Stand up for Taxpayers, Reject Medicaid Expansion

Public Union Democracy

Disappointing Budget Shows Need to Keep Fighting

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • July 1, 2013

This past weekend was not for the political faint of heart. Special interests, led by government union bosses and crony capitalists, prevented real liquor privatization and effective pension reform from…

Media

Read More: Disappointing Budget Shows Need to Keep Fighting

Regulation

Liquor Liberty Coming to PA?

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • June 29, 2013

Early this morning, the Pennsylvania Senate passed an amendment written by Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi to the historic liquor privatization bill that passed the House three months ago. …

Media

Read More: Liquor Liberty Coming to PA?

Health Care

Medicaid Expansion is Risky Business

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 29, 2013

Both Republicans and Democrats have recently engaged in some risky business by pushing for the Medicaid expansion. They’ve been quick to assure state taxpayers they won’t be left with an enormous…

Media

Read More: Medicaid Expansion is Risky Business

Regulation

New Senate Liquor Proposal Still Falls Short, Part Deux

  • June 28, 2013

The Senate’s latest liquor proposal is out, but from the consumer perspective, leaves much to be desired. The plan does not get government out of the booze business. Although…

Media

Read More: New Senate Liquor Proposal Still Falls Short, Part Deux

Education

School Districts’ Fund Balances Grow Despite Budget Squeeze

  • Priya Brannick
  • June 28, 2013

Despite claims of severe budget cuts, school districts’ fund balances—their rainy day funds—grew last year.  School districts increased their fund balances in 2011-12 by more than $200 million.  As of…

Media

Read More: School Districts’ Fund Balances Grow Despite Budget Squeeze

Education

The Truth on Cyber School Performance

  • Priya Brannick
  • June 28, 2013

Here is a letter to the editor I submitted to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Pennsylvania cyber school performance: Mary Niederberger reports on a new, largely positive charter school study…

Media

Read More: The Truth on Cyber School Performance