Public Union Democracy
Unions Fight Flexible Funding
Gov. Corbett’s budget proposed combining five county human services programs into one flexible block grant. In the past, state legislation dictated how much counties could spend under each category, regardless…
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Read More: Unions Fight Flexible FundingCriminal Justice Reform
Corrections Reform: Don’t Fire Arrows Without Arrowheads
The Justice Reinvestment Initiative, commissioned by Gov. Tom Corbett and led by national corrections reform experts, generated broad bipartisan support for a reform package that will: Make the…
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Read More: Corrections Reform: Don’t Fire Arrows Without ArrowheadsEducation
Pennsylvania Higher Education Spending
Pennsylvania taxpayers subsidize higher education through appropriations to 14 state-owned universities (Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, or PASSHE), four state-related universities (Penn State, Pittsburgh, Temple, and Lincoln), community colleges,…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Pennsylvania Higher Education SpendingTaxes & Economy
Job-Killing Marcellus Energy TAX Emerges
A new TAX on Marcellus Shale appears on the horizon. Below is a summary of the behind-closed-doors deal struck by a handful of legislators and staff, according to a memo…
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Read More: Job-Killing Marcellus Energy TAX EmergesTaxes & Economy
Impact Fee: Compromise on Details, not Principles
Capitolwire reports (subscription required) on the negotiations between the House and Senate Marcellus Shale impact fee bills — HB 1950 and SB 1100. Here’s a recap: The fee…
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Read More: Impact Fee: Compromise on Details, not PrinciplesTaxes & Economy
Drilling Regulations in Pennsylvania vs. Neighbors
Marcellus Shale opponents often mislead the public with claims such as the industry doesn’t pay taxes (debunked here), the economic benefits are overstated (read here,…
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Read More: Drilling Regulations in Pennsylvania vs. NeighborsRegulation
PLCB: Buy More, Drink Less, Embrace Hypocrisy!
From the growing library of Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board doublespeak comes a PLCB news release today urging responsible drinking over the holiday season. What’s wrong with that you ask? Well, nothing if you…
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Read More: PLCB: Buy More, Drink Less, Embrace Hypocrisy!Taxes & Economy
100,000+ Improperly Get Pa. Med Benefits
Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare testified that hundreds of thousands of individuals were improperly receiving Medicaid, taxpayer-funded health care for the poor and the disabled. Capitolwire writes:…
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Read More: 100,000+ Improperly Get Pa. Med BenefitsRegulation
Is Liquor Liberty Dangerous?
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board operates with a clear conflict of interest. It is charged with both enforcement and managing sales. It spends millions to advertise alcohol products.
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