Public Union Democracy

Five Alternatives to Tolling I-80

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 19, 2010

A recent Pocono Record article calls the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s proposal to toll I-80 “a riddle with no easy answers” (HT GrassrootsPA). However, there are alternatives to that…

Media

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Government Accountability

Bonusgate Makes National Headlines

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 18, 2010

Though it wasn’t one of their top 10 scandals of 2009, Time Magazine has a story today on “bonusgate”, and the subsequent corruption investigation, and its implications on Pennsylvania…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Pennsylvania Natural Gas Tax Resurrected

  • January 15, 2010

Governor Rendell has, once again, changed his mind deciding that taxing Pennsylvania’s emerging natural gas industry is a good idea. What changed the Governor’s mind? Recently, five companies…

Media

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A Third Stimulus Won’t be the Charm

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 15, 2010

Some members of Congress are pushing a third economic "stimulus" in as many years (pundits often forget the Bush stimulus of 2008). Supporters of yet another round of deficit spending…

Commentary

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Regulation

Two Thumbs Down for Film Tax Credits

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 15, 2010

The Tax Foundation released a report on movie production incentives (MPIs), such as film tax tax credits and film grants (full report here). Forty-four states offer some sort…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Rendell on HB 80: Now it’s war!

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • January 14, 2010

Yesterday, Governor Rendell had some harsh albeit entertaining words for opponents of HB 80, which would increase the state’s mandated alternative energy requirements. According to Rendell “Powerful special interests…

Media

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State Budget

What is Rendell Cutting in Pennsylvania Budget?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 14, 2010

In his mid-year budget address, Governor Rendell outlined a plan to cut spending by $170 million in the Pennsylvania state budget. This week, he identified $161 specific cuts (see…

Media

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Regulation

Tax Breaks for Select Few Companies Not Creating Jobs

  • January 13, 2010

A study by Good Jobs First indicates that Pennsylvania’s tax incentives for high-tech companies has not been able to attract investment from other states. A net 43 high-tech companies…

Media

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Government Accountability

Onorato’s Economic Plan: Some Good Ideas, Some Bad Ideas

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 13, 2010

Pennsylvania Governor Candidate Dan Onorato outlined his economic development proposals yesterday. He has some good ideas in there, but a lot of the…

Media

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