Public Union Democracy

Will the Union Party Win Again?

• Matthew Brouillette
• February 15, 2012

On Tuesday, everyone in the Capitol anticipated a final vote in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on a bill to increase the “prevailing wage” threshold for public construction…

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Public Union Democracy

Who Would Oppose Reforming a Costly, Unnecessary Law?

• Nathan Benefield, Priya Brannick
• February 14, 2012

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives may vote today on a bill to reform the 1961 prevailing wage mandate.  The prevailing wage requires government to pay higher wages and benefits for…

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Taxes & Economy

PA House Roll Call Vote on Marcellus Shale Billl

• Nathan Benefield
• February 9, 2012

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House passed the HB 1950 Conference Committee Report by a 101-90 margin with 99 Republicans and 2 Democrats FOR it and 10 Republicans and 80 Democrats AGAINST…

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Government Accountability

Does Pennsylvania Need Fewer Legislators?

• Nathan Benefield
• January 26, 2012

A proposal to reduce the Pennsylvania State House from 203 representatives to 153 will be voted on in the coming weeks by the House. The proposal is certainly…

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Public Union Democracy

County Data Shows Prevailing Wage Hikes Costs

• Priya Brannick
• December 16, 2011

We have documented the racist origins of Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage law, how it artificially raises the costs of taxpayer-funded construction projects by 20 percent (or approximately $1 billion…

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Know Choice, Know Freedom, No Choice, No Freedom

• December 14, 2011

Parents with kids trapped in failing and violent schools are pleading with PA House members today to throw them an educational lifeline before it is too late for their…

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Regulation

WTF! Why the Failure?

• December 13, 2011

In a move requiring mental gymnastics that would make even Nadia Comaneci pack it in, some Pennsylvania House members are praising an “historic” liquor privatization bill that cleared…

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House to Vote Marcellus Impact Fee

• Matthew Brouillette, Nathan Benefield
• November 17, 2011

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is expected to vote on HB 1950 today, which would enact an impact fee on “nonconventional gas wells,” largely aimed at Marcellus Shale gas drilling.

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State Budget

PA House Passes Fiscally Responsible Budget

• May 25, 2011

Last night, the Pennsylvania House passed a $27.3 billion General Fund budget bill (HB 1485). The fiscally responsible proposal includes no new taxes, prioritizes resources and maintains the…

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