State Budget

Putting Rendell’s Layoffs in Perspective

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 11, 2009

Yesterday, Gov. Rendell announced layoffs for 255 state workers at a press conference, and said more might be coming if lawmakers don’t pass a budget to Rendell’s liking. But…

Media

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Health Care

Rendell Declares Autism Mandate a Failure

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 10, 2009

In 2008, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed, and Gov. Rendell signed, a new mandate that private insurers would have to cover autism services. At the time, we said the new…

Media

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Education

Low Standards De-Value Diplomas

  • August 5, 2009

The U.S. dollar isn’t the only piece of paper plagued by inflation.  While the Federal Reserve drives down the value of the greenback, low academic standards in Pennsylvania are decreasing…

Commentary

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State Budget

Ed Rendell Demands More Taxes

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 5, 2009

At a press conference yesterday, Gov. Rendell says he will “compromise” on the budget – so long as he gets $1.6 billion in new revenue.  That he, he needs…

Media

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State Budget

State of Pennsylvania has 5,000 Vacant Positions

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 4, 2009

In response to a recent question posed us – about how many actual workers vs. unfilled positions Gov. Rendell would have to eliminate when he talks about cutting state…

Media

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State Budget

What Do July Revenue Collections Mean?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 4, 2009

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue released the July 2009 revenue collections yesterday.  The state collected $1.65 billion in General Fund revenue in July. Normally, this report would include how…

Media

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State Budget

What the #$#! is Going on with Pennsylvania Budget?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 3, 2009

If you are following any of the proceedings on the Pennsylvania budget – such as #pabudget on Twitter – you will find a lot has changed with nothing really…

Media

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Government Accountability

Pennsylvania Pulls the Shade on Sunshine

  • July 31, 2009

Commonwealth Foundation president and CEO Matthew J. Brouillette issued the following statement today in response to closed-door budget negotiations between Gov. Rendell and selected legislative leaders: “A mere…

Press Release

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