Government Accountability

Conklin Would Serve as LG and State Rep

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 19, 2010

If the results hold, and they remain extremely close, Scott Conklin would be the Democrat nominee for Lieutenant Governor and for reelection to his PA House seat. Conklin recently promised…

Media

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State Budget

PA’s Biggest Porkers

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 18, 2010

Taxpayers for Common Sense has a new database on FY 2010 earmarks by Congress. As a state, Pennsylvania ranks 6th in value of earmarks, getting $366 million from 457…

Media

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Government Accountability

The 70s Called, and Wants Its Legislators Back

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 15, 2010

State Rep. Frank Oliver announced he will be retiring at the end of his term.  This retirement – along with those of Sen. Bob Mellow, Sen. Barry Stout, and…

Media

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Government Accountability

Hearing on Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 3, 2010

The PA House and Senate Finance Committees held a joint hearing on creating a “Independent Fiscal Office”.  The IFO was authorized in the fiscal code (part of the budget deal),…

Media

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Government Accountability

PennsylvaniaVotes.org Year in Review

  • January 3, 2010

Below is a handy set of indicators as to how your state legislators performed in 2009, courtesy of PennsylvaniaVotes.org, the Commonwealth’s first and only website that…

Media

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State Budget

Pennsylvania Lawmakers to End Calendar Givewaways

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 27, 2009

ABC 27 reports that both the Pennsylvania House and Senate will not be printing calendars to give away this year (which typically featured a “courtesy of Rep. Name”) sticker.

Media

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State Budget

PA House Votes to De-fund ACORN

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 7, 2009

In addition to concurring with the tax hikes previously approved by the Senate, the Pennsylvania House voted earlier today 157-42 in favor of an amendment to HB 1407…

Media

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Regulation

An Honest Debate About State Spending

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 6, 2009

Throughout the budget process, Rendell has used this same tactic, called a "Washington Monument" ploy.  From claiming education would be set back decades, to asserting state police would have to…

Commentary

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State Budget

PA House Approves More Debt for Pork

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 5, 2009

Lost in the shuffle over the Pennsylvania state (operating) budget was a vote over the weekend over the state capital budget, which was approved by the Pennsylvania House. The…

Media

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