Media

Taxes & Economy

How to Write Leading Poll Questions

• Nathan Benefield
• August 20, 2010

Gov. Rendell continues to push for higher taxes and fees for transportation, this time by commissioning a poll — paid for with campaign funds (which are legally only to be…

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Taxes & Economy

Propaganda Without Logic

• Nathan Benefield
• August 20, 2010

I previously highlighted a state-run newsletter on Marcellus Shale, which basically represents taxpayer-funded lobbying. But the latest Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Examiner would really blow Mr. Spock’s mind. The…

Media

Happy Cost of Government Day 2010

• August 19, 2010

Today is Cost of Government Day, a date on your calendar you probably won’t want to celebrate. Americans for Tax Reform calculated the date Americans collectively have earned enough…

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Regulation

Rendell’s Pinocchio Moment on WAMs

• Elizabeth Stelle
• August 19, 2010

During yesterday’s press conference, Roxbury News reported Gov. Rendell saying, “Opportunity Grants are not WAMS.” Really? Forget the numerous failures of Opportunity Grant recipients, like the $750,000 awarded to…

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Taxes & Economy

Alternative Energy Mandates Remain Costly

• August 19, 2010

This month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) report evaluating the state’s alternative energy mandates surfaced, a mere two years overdue. Undoubtedly, pressure from the press for…

Media

Public Union Democracy

How Could this Not Increase Costs?

• Nathan Benefield
• August 19, 2010

The Tribune Review writes today about a project labor agreement (PLA) that Allegheny County Chief Executive (and Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate) Dan Onorato is taking some flak for. Amazingly, a…

Media

State Budget

“Across the Board” Budget Cuts are Lazy Policy

• Nathan Benefield
• August 18, 2010

Gov. Rendell announced that to balance the Pennsylvania state budget — after getting $250 million less from Congress than predicted — he would be ordering cuts of 1.9% “across-the-board,”…

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Education

Who Got PSEA Money?

• August 18, 2010

The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) remains one of the most powerful special interest groups in Harrisburg, whether it be fighting school choice and merit pay for teachers,…

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Time to exit Rendell’s road to higher taxes

• August 18, 2010

Media Hit

Taxes & Economy

Pittsburgh’s Proposed Petroleum Prohibition

• Nathan Benefield
• August 18, 2010

The Post-Gazette features an article on a proposed ban on natural gas drilling in the city of Pittsburgh: Ben Price, who helped draft the bill as projects director…

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Education

Administrative Costs Keep Tuition High

• Elizabeth Stelle
• August 17, 2010

The Goldwater Institute puts higher education on the spot in a new study entitled: Administrative Bloat at American Universities, authored by Jay Greene. The study finds university administration costs…

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Taxes & Economy

George Soros vs. Natural Gas

• August 17, 2010

Is anyone surprised that George Soros is against the tapping of shale gas because of “dangerous hydrofracking”? One of America’s real hopes for economic recovery is on the line,…

Media

State Budget

State Budget Gaps and State Budget Growth

• August 17, 2010

In a recent report, Matthew Mitchell from the Mercatus Center provides solutions to the “rock and hard place” situations states are finding themselves in while they try to…

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Pennsylvania needs more educational opportunities

• August 17, 2010

Media Hit

Defined contribution plan would benefit workers

• August 17, 2010

Media Hit

Taxes & Economy

Marcellus Shale: One Study Goes Beyond the Hype

• Elizabeth Stelle
• August 16, 2010

A recent study that looks at the environmental and regulatory issues surrounding Marcellus Shale gas is a refreshing change of pace from the attacks and emotionally charged analyses. Frac…

Media

Taxes & Economy

Fact Check: DEP Funding

• Nathan Benefield
• August 16, 2010

A Capitolwire article (subscription) on DEP funding highlights an argument between a former and current Department of Environmental Protection secretaries. Former DEP Secretary David Hess says the Department is…

Media

Commonwealth Foundation supports stewardship

• August 16, 2010

Media Hit

Education

Seven PA Universities Have High Racial Graduation Gaps

• Elizabeth Stelle
• August 16, 2010

Several universities in Pennsylvania have a large gap between white and black graduation rates, according to a recent report from Education Trust. Shippensburg University, with a 30.3% difference…

Media

Lawmakers: Cut WAMs, ease shortfall

• August 15, 2010

Media Hit

Ex-IUP leader raked in perks

• August 15, 2010

Media Hit