Government Accountability

Are All Lawmakers Crooks?

• Nathan Benefield
• June 21, 2010

This past Friday, former State Rep. Mike Veon, who had served as PA House Democrat Whip, was sentenced to 6 to 14 years in prison for his role in…

Media

Government Accountability

Bonusgate Developments and Senate Reforms

• Nathan Benefield
• November 6, 2009

Tom Barnes of the Post-Gazette notes that the Pennsylvania Senate is outlining a number of new rules, largely related to legislative staff and taxpayer dollars being used to support…

Media

Taxes & Economy

Budget deficit was predicted, and ignored.

• June 2, 2009

This was our blog post from July 04, 2008…yes, Independence Day, but also the day Gov. Ed Rendell signed the 2008-09 budget despite clear evidence that it was unrealistic in…

Media

State Budget

Will this budget’s ink be red in 2009?

• July 4, 2008

No, that’s not our headline, but Pete DeCoursey‘s at Capitolwire.com…

Media

House Republicans in double trouble

• Nathan Benefield
• October 24, 2007

First, the bonusgate investigation has added subpoenas for House Republicans to those of House Democrats. One can only assume the Senate is next. Now Brett Feese’s…

Media

Oh to be an ex-lawmaker

• Nathan Benefield
• October 22, 2007

Philadelphia Inquirer on former state rep Brett Feese’s $250,000 salary as counsel to the House Republicans. Though Feese’s salary is far higher than almost anyone in state government, including…

Media

State Budget

Ending Pennsylvanias Business as Usual Budget

• June 7, 2006

The General Assembly’s post-primary return to Harrisburg signals the start of budget season in Pennsylvania—and taxpayers all across the Commonwealth should be clutching their wallets a little tighter in nervous…

Commentary

State Budget

Breaking Pennsylvania’s Budget Tradition

• April 17, 2006

Traditionally in Pennsylvania’s “budget season,” the governor has submitted his spending plan for the coming fiscal year, and the General Assembly has accepted it as the starting point for the…

Commentary

Taxes & Economy

A Horsepower Boost to PAs Economic Engine

• Matthew Brouillette
• June 6, 2005

When it comes to state officials spending their tax dollars, Pennsylvanians want some restraint. That is the clear message contained in a recent statewide survey of citizens by Susquehanna…

Commentary