Government Accountability

Bonusgate, corruption, and reform news

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 5, 2008

There are plenty of stories on corruption and reform in today’s papers: DeWeese under fire: State Rep. Josh Shapiro calls on House Majority Leader Bill Deweese to stop down…

Media

Read More: Bonusgate, corruption, and reform news

Regulation

House Republicans Highlight Debt, Rendell Spending

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 24, 2008

AP article on House Republicans (at least some of them) noting the enormous burden of debt on Pennsylvania taxpayers before voting on more borrowing for corporate welfare.

Media

Read More: House Republicans Highlight Debt, Rendell Spending

Government Accountability

Perzel, Fumo at Secret Budget Negotiations

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 24, 2008

John Micek reports on the details of the secret budget negotiations: The players last night:House Dems: Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, Whip Keith McCall and Appropriations Chair Dwight…

Media

Read More: Perzel, Fumo at Secret Budget Negotiations

Government Accountability

Secret budget meetings have begun

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 3, 2008

John Micek reports on (and mocks) Governor Rendell’s press conference on the state budget yesterday: Rendell and some House Democrats called for an end to the annual posturing…

Media

Read More: Secret budget meetings have begun

How the Pa. budget deal was sealed

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 11, 2007

Inquirer Story on how the budget deal was made. If you have a weak stomach, read how sausage is made, that won’t be as sickening as this. “You folded…

Media

Read More: How the Pa. budget deal was sealed

Taxes & Economy

How to Fix Mass Transit

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 26, 2007

In their final report, the Pennsylvania Transportation Funding and Reform Commission wrote: The Commission concludes that no additional funding should be provided for highways, bridges and transit unless a series…

Commentary

Read More: How to Fix Mass Transit

State Budget

Senate Takes Step to Put PA on Spending Diet

  • June 21, 2007

Commonwealth Foundation applauds WAM-free, low-growth budget HARRISBURG, PA — On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a 2007-08 budget in the spirit of the Taxpayer Protection Act. This $27.0 billion budget…

Press Release

Read More: Senate Takes Step to Put PA on Spending Diet

New, higher taxes and fees in Pa. transit fund plan

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 20, 2007

Dwight Evans and other House Democrats apparently have their own plan for funding transportation, which includes: Certificate of vehicle title, now $22.50, would increase by $6.50, to $29…

Media

Read More: New, higher taxes and fees in Pa. transit fund plan

More on House Reform

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 14, 2007

Pete DeCoursey of Capitolwire (subscription) with a scathing column about the lack of propsects for real reform: If you wanted to see how much is changing in the…

Media

Read More: More on House Reform