Government Accountability
Whistle-Blower Protection
Good morning. I’m Katrina Currie, a Research Fellow for the Commonwealth Foundation. I am joined by my colleague Elizabeth Bryan. The…
Testimony
Read More: Whistle-Blower ProtectionGovernment Accountability
The True Purpose of Lobbyist Disclosure
I have recently learned the true motives behind Pennsylvania’s recent lobbyist disclosure law — as I, and everyone else on staff who registered with the state as a lobbyist has…
Media
Read More: The True Purpose of Lobbyist DisclosureTaxes & Economy
Will Mandates Create “Green Jobs”?
Yes, to answer the question posed by the title, the state can mandate the creation of “green jobs” via alternative energy mandates – just as it…
Media
Read More: Will Mandates Create “Green Jobs”?Government Accountability
Spending Transparency & Accountability
There is a national movement to make government spending and finances accessible to taxpayers. Pennsylvania lags behind, but state lawmakers are moving toward greater transparency.
Fact Sheet
Read More: Spending Transparency & AccountabilityGovernment Accountability
Full Time Legislator, Part Time County Councilman?!?
Capitolwire (subscription) is reporting that State Representative Mario Civera (R- Delaware), who was recently elected to the Delaware County Council, is now rethinking resigning, and planning both to stay…
Media
Read More: Full Time Legislator, Part Time County Councilman?!?Regulation
PA Homeowners Come Second To Horse Racing Industry
The Pennsylvania Legislature’s willingness to succumb to special interests has been well documented by the Commonwealth Foundation, but the amount of attention given to the horse racing industry is…
Media
Read More: PA Homeowners Come Second To Horse Racing IndustryRegulation
Rendell Teaches Obama How to Create Phony Jobs
A report released on Friday by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services shows 7,400 jobs have been either created or retained(Capitolwire Subscription) in Pennsylvania using federal stimulus dollars. Jim…
Media
Read More: Rendell Teaches Obama How to Create Phony JobsState Budget
Spending Limits: Not Special Exemptions
Yesterday, Republican state Rep. Sam Rohrer of Berks County introduced legislation to help local governments cope with declining revenues, ever-increasing amounts of regulation and new programs from…
Media
Read More: Spending Limits: Not Special ExemptionsCriminal Justice Reform
Mandatory Minimum Sentences Increase Costs
A study by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing found that mandatory minimum sentences increase the cost of the corrections system without decreasing crime. Corrections costs are already a major…
Media
Read More: Mandatory Minimum Sentences Increase Costs