State Budget

The True Cost of Unemployment Compensation

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • February 17, 2010

Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation fund is bankrupt. Beginning in March 2009, the Keystone State borrowed over $2 billion from the federal government to keep it solvent. Unfortunately, unemployment continues to grow,…

Commentary

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Government Accountability

The True Purpose of Lobbyist Disclosure

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 17, 2010

I have recently learned the true motives behind Pennsylvania’s recent lobbyist disclosure law — as I, and everyone else on staff who registered with the state as a lobbyist has…

Media

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Regulation

Free Our Beer!

  • February 17, 2010

With the debate over Pennsylvania’s liquor laws heating up, new legislation would finally allow consumers to purchase six-packs of beer at their favorite local grocery store or distributor. Introduced by…

Media

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Energy

Business Guide to Electric Choice & Competition

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • February 16, 2010

In the late 1990s, Pennsylvania's electricity rates were 15% above the national average, despite the abundance of low-cost coal generation in the Commonwealth. At that time, electricity was sold by…

Fact Sheet

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Government Accountability

Biennial Legislatures

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 16, 2010

NCSL has a new podcast discussing biennial legislatures – i.e. states where the General Assembly meets for a limited session every two years.  There have been a handful of…

Media

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Health Care

Virginia Passes Health Care Freedom Act

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 16, 2010

The Virginia House of Representatives passed SB 417, sending it on to Gov. McDonnell, who is expected to sign it.  The legislation would state, in defiance of health…

Media

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Regulation

Government Pension Plans Facing Crisis in Many States

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 15, 2010

RiShawn Biddle has a good article at American Spectator on how public school pensions and health care benefits are a huge cost burden in many states. New Jersey is…

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

Read More: The 70s Called, and Wants Its Legislators Back