Taxes & Economy

New Paradigm Equals New Opportunities

  • March 22, 2007

The global environment for transportation financing is entering a new paradigm. Like many states, Pennsylvania finds itself at the convergence of two intersecting trends that demand fiscal attention: First, growing…

Commentary

Read More: New Paradigm Equals New Opportunities

The Benefits of Leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • March 21, 2007

MARCH 20, 2007 Thank you Senator Madigan and members of the Senate Transportation Committee for this opportunity to share with you why the Commonwealth Foundation believes that leasing the Pennsylvania…

Testimony

Read More: The Benefits of Leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike

The Turnpike Strikes Back

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 20, 2007

As a counter-proposal to lease, the Turnpike Commission proposes generating more revenue for transportation by: Putting Tolls on I-80 Putting “congestion tolls” on all Turnpike exits around Pittsburgh,…

Media

Read More: The Turnpike Strikes Back

A New Day in Harrisburg?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 14, 2007

The new PA House rules passed last night unanimously to much praise from lawmakers. The major changes include Provide online access to bills, votes, and financial information Banning “ghost voting”…

Media

Read More: A New Day in Harrisburg?

Education

Spending Restraint Needed

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 14, 2007

Good afternoon. My name is Nathan Benefield, I am the Director of Policy Research for the Commonwealth Foundation. I would like to thank Chairman Armstrong and the members of the…

Testimony

Read More: Spending Restraint Needed

Taxes & Economy

Financing and Managing Transportation in PA

  • March 6, 2007

Commonwealth Foundation report recommends Public-Private Partnerships Harrisburg, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation released a new report, The Emerging Paradigm: Financing and Managing Pennsylvania’s Transportation Infrastructure and Mass Transit, which…

Press Release

Read More: Financing and Managing Transportation in PA

Taxes & Economy

Higher Taxes Wont Cure Cancer

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 22, 2007

Governor Ed Rendell has, on occasion, joked that some state lawmakers would oppose any tax increase, “even if we could cure cancer tomorrow.” Unfortunately, Governor Rendell adopts the opposite view…

Commentary

Read More: Higher Taxes Wont Cure Cancer

$650/Month For Cars Goes To Part-Time Gaming Board Members

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 20, 2007

Ben Simmoneau of WGAL uncovers more of the luxuries of state government work, this time by the Gaming Control Board members. Doug Harbach tries to defend the perks saying,…

Media

Read More: $650/Month For Cars Goes To Part-Time Gaming Board Members

State judge pay system worse than legislative bonuses.

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 5, 2007

From Capitolwire.com (subscription): Ditzen also wrote: “For all the controversy surrounding Act 44, I have not heard anyone argue that the salary linkage for state judges to the federal…

Media

Read More: State judge pay system worse than legislative bonuses.