Taxes & Economy
The Marcellus Shale: A Real Stimulus
The Marcellus Shale formation is believed to be the largest unconventional natural gas reservoir in America, and its exploration has been coined a modern-day gold rush. A Penn State study…
Commentary
Read More: The Marcellus Shale: A Real StimulusState Budget
Welfare Fraud and Abuse
Good afternoon, my name is Elizabeth Stelle, and I am a research associate with the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives, a non-partisan educational institute based in Harrisburg. Thank you…
Testimony
Read More: Welfare Fraud and AbusePublic Union Democracy
Cost-Saving Ideas for Pennsylvania State Budget
Testimony of Nathan A. Benefield, Director of Policy Research, Commonwealth Foundation to the Pennsylvania Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission, April 12, 2010 Good morning; I am Nathan…
Testimony
Read More: Cost-Saving Ideas for Pennsylvania State BudgetTaxes & Economy
Budget Facts 2010: Natural Gas Severance Tax
Gov. Rendell has proposed a tax of 5% on the value of extracted natural gas, plus $.047 per thousand cubic feet of extracted gas. There is an exemption for marginal…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Budget Facts 2010: Natural Gas Severance TaxTaxes & Economy
Facts and Myths About a Natural Gas Tax
Gov. Rendell has labeled himself as the “best ally” of the natural gas industry, an odd statement for someone who frequently gets the facts wrong. Here are some corrections…
Media
Read More: Facts and Myths About a Natural Gas TaxGovernment Accountability
Kanjorski Gets Sweetheart Deal for Geisinger Health
Like previous deals given to Senator Ben Nelson (Nebraska) and Mary Landrieu (Louisiana), Speaker Pelosi and President Obama offered reluctant House Democrats more favors in exchange for their support…
Media
Read More: Kanjorski Gets Sweetheart Deal for Geisinger HealthRegulation
The Future of State Parks
State parks across the nation are struggling to stay open: Arizona has decided to close 13 parks, New York is considering closing 41 parks, Washington is thinking…
Media
Read More: The Future of State ParksState Budget
No Solutions in Rendell’s Budget
The Keystone State for years has been afflicted by government inefficiency and overspending. Since Gov. Rendell took office in 2003, Pennsylvania’s burden of state and local taxes has increased from…
Commentary
Read More: No Solutions in Rendell’s BudgetTaxes & Economy
Natural Gas Tax Just Another Slush Fund
Letter in the Scranton Times-Tribune Editor: Those calling for a state tax on natural gas extraction – including Gov. Ed Rendell and The Times-Tribune – use poor logic…
Media
Read More: Natural Gas Tax Just Another Slush Fund