Government Accountability

Size Isn’t Everything

• November 1, 2009

Sen. Dave Argall has introduced another attempt to reduce the size of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly. Pennsylvania is ranked 2nd in the nation for largest state legislator size (totaling…

Media

Regulation

Government-Run Liquor Stores: The Social Impact of Privatization

• October 29, 2009

Evidence from 48 states over time shows no link between market controls and these social goals.  Divestiture of Pennsylvania's state liquor stores would represent a financial windfall to the state,…

Fact Sheet

Tort Reform Key to Reducing Health Care Costs

• October 28, 2009

As Washington continues debating how to curb health care costs, one area  largely ignored is medical malpractice reform.  Ample evidence from states indicates tort reform is central to overhauling the…

Commentary

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Raided by FBI?

• Nathan Benefield
• October 28, 2009

Toll Roads News is reporting that the FBI has raided the PA Turnpike Commission, seizing computers and records (HT Capitol Ideas) We’re informed the FBI “raid” comprised three…

Media

Regulation

$80 Million from Stimulus for Norfolk Southern Freight Rail in PA

• October 27, 2009

With only 25% of the $787 billion dollar federal stimulus package spent thus far, the remaining $593 billion has many states coming to the table for a piece of…

Media

Regulation

Betting on Table Games to Balance the Budget

• October 21, 2009

Harrisburg lawmakers are waiting on passing funding for “non-preferred” appropriations (e.g. state-related universities like Penn State and Pitt) until legislation to legalize, tax, and set license fees for table games…

Media

Health Care

Guide to National Health Care Reform Proposals

• October 20, 2009

President Obama has pushed national health care reform, making it a priority. While there is no official "Obama plan," and several different proposal in Congress, the leading proposals have several…

Fact Sheet

Regulation

Punishing the Next Generation: The Rendell Pension Legacy

• Richard Dreyfuss
• October 14, 2009

As the Rendell administration moves inexorably toward its finish line in January 2011, it is reasonable to begin considering the issues awaiting the next governor. Of significant note is Rendell's…

Commentary

Regulation

Washington Post Highlights Pension Crisis

• Nathan Benefield
• October 12, 2009

The Washington Post ran an article Sunday on how market losses have put state and local government pension plans seriously in the red.  The article makes mention of the…

Media