Taxes & Economy

Pa. Job Growth Triples National Rate

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 22, 2012

Last week saw the release of September state jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Media coverage of this jobs report focused on the unemployment rate only, which…

Media

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Public Union Democracy

Unions Allowed to Stalk, Harrass, Threaten with WMDs

  • Priya Brannick
  • October 19, 2012

In August we told you about a U.S. Chamber of Commerce report that was pretty embarrassing for Pennsylvania. The report highlighted special protection for labor unions on activities that…

Media

Read More: Unions Allowed to Stalk, Harrass, Threaten with WMDs

Criminal Justice Reform

Pennsylvania Gets Landmark Corrections Reform

  • October 18, 2012

On Tuesday, Pennsylvania passed the final piece, House Bill 135, of a landmark corrections reform package that transforms our ailing prison system to one that works better for YOU. Commonwealth Foundation…

Media

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Education

Union Party Kills Charter Reform

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 18, 2012

Yesterday, I noted that despite watering down a proposed charter school reform bill, legislators were still hearing from government union bosses and other…

Media

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Education

Why Lawmakers Should Embrace Bold Action

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 17, 2012

Yesterday, the State Senate approved SB 1115, a charter school reform bill, which now goes to the House. This is a positive development for Pennsylvania children and parents. However, the…

Media

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Education

Teachers Union Worse Than Hollywood Portrayal

  • Priya Brannick
  • October 17, 2012

Pennsylvania State Education Association President Mike Crossey takes issue with the film “Won’t Back Down” for not matching “real-life experience” on teachers unions. He’s right—in real…

Media

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Education

Top 5 Charter School Myths

  • Priya Brannick
  • October 15, 2012

Session days in the Pennsylvania legislature are dwindling, but the assembly still has time to pass essential reforms to how charter schools are run. The valuable reforms contained in…

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Taxes & Economy

Foreign Federation Finances Phony Frackophobic Film

  • October 12, 2012

A new anti-fracking movie, Promised Land, is set to release in a couple of months, but controversy around the movie is already in full swing. The film has come…

Media

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State Budget

Lowe’s Shows Dignity of Work, Helps Disabled

  • Charles Mitchell
  • October 11, 2012

The Union Party never minces words:  They believe the best way to help people is to grow government.  That’s the message they’ve brought to bear throughout the Corbett Administration,…

Media

Read More: Lowe’s Shows Dignity of Work, Helps Disabled

Regulation

Mailbag: Would Eliminating Tax Credits Really Lower Taxes?

  • October 10, 2012

Last month, I testified to the House Finance Committee that targeted tax breaks and corporate welfare subsidies prevent across-the-board tax rate reductions that would benefit all Pennsylvanians. As a follow-up…

Media

Read More: Mailbag: Would Eliminating Tax Credits Really Lower Taxes?

Criminal Justice Reform

Corrections Home Run for Gov. Corbett?

  • October 10, 2012

Under Gov. Tom Corbett’s leadership, Pennsylvania unanimously passed (Senate Bill 100) part of a landmark corrections reform package last session. SB 100, now Act 122 of 2012, aims to…

Media

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State Budget

Gov. Corbett Earns “A” for Fiscal Firefighting

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 9, 2012

Gov. Tom Corbett was one of only four governors to get an “A” in Cato Institute’s Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors. Corbett was joined by Govs. Sam…

Media

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Education

How Much Do Philadelphia Schools Spend?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 9, 2012

Following Matt’s appearance on WHYY yesterday morning, we’ve received questions over our calculation on Philadelphia school district spending per student. The error was ours.  Based on the latest spending…

Media

Read More: How Much Do Philadelphia Schools Spend?