Media

Regulation

Presentation on Pensions and Why Your Taxes Will Skyrocket

• Nathan Benefield
• October 27, 2009

If you missed our RE Harper Economic Forums on pensions, here is an online version of Rick Dreyfuss’s presentation. You should also check out related articles on “…

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Government Accountability

There is No Defense for WAMs

• October 26, 2009

Among the many faults with WAMs, perhaps the most egregious is that taxpayers can never figure out where this money is going. For example,…

Media

Regulation

Gov. Rendell Expresses Concerns with Net Neutrality

• Nathan Benefield
• October 26, 2009

Gov. Rendell recently submitted a Letter to the FCC expressing concerns with proposed Internet regulation known as “Net Neutrality.” This was part of the…

Media

Health Care

Is Mackey Wacky?

• Nathan Benefield
• October 26, 2009

In August, John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, penned a Wall Street Journal piece outlining his ideas for health care reform – these include equalizing the tax code, interstate…

Media

Cities get a break on pensions but critics aren’t so sure it’s a good idea

• October 25, 2009

Media Hit

Taxes & Economy

Coburn vs. Levy on Funding Political Science

• Nathan Benefield
• October 24, 2009

In the American, Philip Levy of the American Enterprise Institute defends federal funding of political science research against charges that it represents wasteful spending from Sen. Tom Coburn. As…

Media

Taxes & Economy

Time to Eat the Dog

• October 23, 2009

According to a book by Brenda and Robert Vale; dogs equivalent to the size of German Shepherds have the same “carbon footprint” as a typical SUV driving 10,000 miles/year. “A lot of…

Media

Education

Privatizing State Universities

• Elizabeth Stelle
• October 23, 2009

In wake of a state budget crisis and a temporary infusion of stimulus funds, Colorado State University is considering a partial privatization of the public university. By 2011, it will…

Media

Health Care

Government Health Care Still Kills

• Nathan Benefield
• October 23, 2009

A couple of PA state legislators have recently cited a recent Harvard study to make the claim that thousands “are dying because of a lack of insurance”…

Media

Taxes & Economy

Yet Another Rendell No-Bid Contract

• October 22, 2009

Just as it seemed the dust was settling in the fight to lease state land for shale exploration, recent closed-door meetings (Capitolwire, subscription needed) conducted by the Rendell Administration…

Media

State Budget

Yes, We Really Do Mistrust Lawmakers

• Nathan Benefield
• October 22, 2009

Gerald Prante of the Tax Foundation raises a philosophical question about state spending limits. Namely he wonders, if we don’t trust how legislators spend money now – a…

Media

Education

Despite Recession, Pennsylvania College Costs Increase

• Elizabeth Stelle
• October 22, 2009

On Tuesday, the College Board released their annual report on tuition and financial aid. Despite a national recession, college tuition is still rising at an alarming pace. On average,…

Media

Punishing the next generation in Pa.

• October 21, 2009

Media Hit

Government Accountability

Auditor General Says No-Bid Contracts are Costing State Taxpayers

• Nathan Benefield
• October 21, 2009

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner issued a scathing rebuke of the Rendell administration’s use of no-bid contracts, specifically in relation to over a half-billion dollars given to Deloitte for…

Media

Taxes & Economy

ACORN Sting in Philadelphia

• Nathan Benefield
• October 21, 2009

BigGovernment.com has released their video from Philadelphia’s ACORN office from July 24. As in other videos, ACORN Philadelphia provided advice to the fake pimp and prostitute for what sort…

Media

Regulation

Betting on Table Games to Balance the Budget

• October 21, 2009

Harrisburg lawmakers are waiting on passing funding for “non-preferred” appropriations (e.g. state-related universities like Penn State and Pitt) until legislation to legalize, tax, and set license fees for table games…

Media

State Budget

PA Business Survey: Bad Budget Deal

• Nathan Benefield
• October 21, 2009

The Lincoln Institute released its Fall Business Climate Survey for Pennsylvania (mostly surveying small business owners). Click here for results and here for a summary of findings. Not…

Media

Government Accountability

Common Sense on Legislative Size

• Nathan Benefield
• October 20, 2009

Paul Jacob’s latest “Common Sense” deals with the size of the Pennsylvania Legislature.  Jacob advises: [D]on’t cut the size of the legislature. But by all means cut the…

Media

Regulation

WAMs Strike Again – Allentown Gets Hockey Rink

• October 20, 2009

Despite the numerous studies concluding subsidized sport arenas provide little to no overall economic benefits to communities – Allentown is getting a minor league hockey rink built with at least …

Media

Public Union Democracy

Political Power of Public Sector Unions

• Nathan Benefield
• October 20, 2009

The Weekly Standard has a good piece on the growing political power of public sector unions, with a short history lesson, and many of the consequences (e.g.

Media

Government Accountability

Why Tort Reform is Ignored in the Health Care Debate

• October 19, 2009

The discussion surrounding tort reform is often subdued when talking about health care costs. Trial lawyers, like the American Association for Justice, claim that undermine litigation costs as a part…

Media