Health Care

Health Care Mandates No Silver Bullet

Nathan Benefield
August 21, 2006

In April 2006, Massachusetts enacted a dramatic health care reform package. Dubbed “Romneycare” after Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, this plan calls for reforms in the health insurance market, a mandate…

Commentary

Taxes & Economy

“Back-End Referendum”: No Taxpayer Protection

August 15, 2006

The recent enactment of Special Session Act 1 of 2006, the so-called “Pennsylvania Taxpayer Relief Act”, came as a disappointment to taxpayers throughout the Commonwealth who are fed up with…

Commentary

Government Accountability

Principles Worth Fighting For

Nathan Benefield
August 10, 2006

Though I have watched Braveheart several dozen times, last weekend was the first time that the blood, violence, and men in kilts reminded me of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Unfortunately,…

Commentary

Health Care

The 1% Solution

Richard Dreyfuss
August 7, 2006

In the daily travails of state government, it appears the Senate is prepared to take action best described as “self-reform.” According to reports, beginning as early as September, employees of…

Commentary

Government Accountability

Shrinking the Legislature

Nathan Benefield
August 1, 2006

Thank you, Chairman Scarnati, and members of the Senate Majority Policy Committee for the opportunity to testify before you today on the issue of whether or not Pennsylvania should reduce…

Commentary

Regulation

Harrisburg pensions: 50 lawmakers leaving seats this year

Nathan Benefield
July 22, 2006

Chambersburg Public Opinion on retiring lawmakers’ pensions and the need to fix the pension system.

Media

Regulation

21st Retiring Rep to Profit from Repealed Pay Raise

Nathan Benefield
July 20, 2006

Rock the Capital reports that Rep. Steven Stetler, who announced this week he would be retiring from office in September, will receive a pension increase of over $2,000/year from…

Media

Regulation

Boeing-Sized Welfare Checks

July 17, 2006

For the past three and one-half years, the ostensible premise of Gov. Ed Rendell’s “economic stimulus” plan has been that by making “targeted investments” in politically chosen companies and industries,…

Commentary

Taxes & Economy

Minimum Rationality for Minimum Wage

July 14, 2006

In an election year, legislators do irrational things, such as spend more money than the budget supports, fund pork projects for their districts, and raise the minimum wage.

Commentary