Regulation

PA Taxpayers to Build Specter Library, Murtha Center

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 3, 2010

Pete DeCoursey of Capitolwire (subscription) reports today that the line items from the RACP legislation ($600 million in borrowing for corporate welfare, included as part of the budget deal),…

Media

Read More: PA Taxpayers to Build Specter Library, Murtha Center

Regulation

Another Budget Trick Revealed

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 1, 2010

During our PA Budget Chat yesterday, we were commenting on how the the line item for School Employees’ Retirement – i.e., the state’s contribution to teacher’s pensions – was…

Media

Read More: Another Budget Trick Revealed

State Budget

Balancing the PA Budget with Gimmicks

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 24, 2010

The temperature is in the 90s in Harrisburg this week, and most folks are wearing short sleeves. One exception is budget negotiators, who are still keeping plenty of tricks up…

Media

Read More: Balancing the PA Budget with Gimmicks

Government Accountability

How Rendell Gets Shills

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 13, 2010

In each of their “budget updates” (see: this one or this one) the Department of Public Welfare ends with this line “For information on…

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Government Accountability

Need for an Independent Fiscal Office in PA?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 11, 2010

A new Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office was the subject of a recent legislative hearing this week, with several lawmakers arguing the need for the office (which was included in…

Media

Read More: Need for an Independent Fiscal Office in PA?

Government Accountability

Best and Worst Bonusgate Quotes

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 12, 2009

Following the indictment of 10 State House Republicans (a current lawmaker and a former lawmaker and 8 staff), the Pennsylvania Capitol has been abuzz (click here for a…

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Read More: Best and Worst Bonusgate Quotes

Government Accountability

Full Time Legislator, Part Time County Councilman?!?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 11, 2009

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?!?

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…

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Read More: Bonusgate Developments and Senate Reforms

Regulation

More Info on What WAMS are in PA Budget

  • Elizabeth Stelle, Nathan Benefield
  • October 7, 2009

The news service Capitolwire (subscription) has new information about the debate on WAMs in the budget, including a secret memo – disclaimed by all sides – explaining which…

Media

Read More: More Info on What WAMS are in PA Budget