Government Accountability
Government Ethics: Alaska vs. Pennsylvania
Amanda Carpenter writes about a report that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin may be cited (though no penalties would be attached) for ethics violations for … wait for it ……
Media
Read More: Government Ethics: Alaska vs. PennsylvaniaRegulation
Gaming Board Cashing Out
It is common knowledge that the Gaming Control Board, and its employees, receive generous paychecks, fatter than they deserve relative to the prevailing market for comparable work and skills.
Media
Read More: Gaming Board Cashing OutState Budget
Who’s Telling Half-Truths on Pennsylvania Budget?
Chuck Ardo, the Governor’s spokesman, became incensed (as reported by John Micek) when Sen. Piccola made a strong comment against the governor. During last night’s Senate debate on a…
Media
Read More: Who’s Telling Half-Truths on Pennsylvania Budget?Public Union Democracy
Coalition of Groups Call for Suspension of Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Law
The Commonwealth Foundation joined a coalition of organizations – including business groups, boroughs, and school boards – calling for reforming Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage law. Specific proposals include: Sun setting or…
Media
Read More: Coalition of Groups Call for Suspension of Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage LawState Budget
“Blue Dog” Democrats Still Against Pennsylvania Tax Increase
State Rep. John Pallone, one of Pennsylvania’s “Blue Dog” Democrats, has penned a statewide letter to the editor noting that he, along with about 20 other unnamed House Democrats, should…
Media
Read More: “Blue Dog” Democrats Still Against Pennsylvania Tax IncreaseEducation
The Faulty Premise of the Budget Impasse
Governor Rendell wants the taxpayers to spend more on public schools. So do Republicans in the General Assembly—nearly 12 percent more. Yet education funding remains a major obstacle in the…
Commentary
Read More: The Faulty Premise of the Budget ImpasseState Budget
What Next for Pennsylvania State Budget?
Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House passed HB 1416, a vehicle for the state budget. But that should not be taken to mean that Pennsylvania is much closer to having a…
Media
Read More: What Next for Pennsylvania State Budget?Taxes & Economy
Job Losses are Never “Good News”
A number of media outlets, such as the AP, are reporting Pennsylvania’s June job losses of 3,400 with a positive spin, as in the “smallest monthly job loss…
Media
Read More: Job Losses are Never “Good News”Government Accountability
PA Ranks Low on Ethics Disclosure, Ask Bob Mellow
The Pennsylvania legislature got a “F” from the Center for Public Integrity in a national report on lawmakers disclosing information about assets, holdings or connections to special interests. In…
Media
Read More: PA Ranks Low on Ethics Disclosure, Ask Bob Mellow