Taxes & Economy

Pennsylvania’s Revenue Shortfall Climbs

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 2, 2009

The PA Department of Revenue released the January Revenue Collections this afternoon.  We’ll have the full “Deficit Watch” up on the website tomorrow, but here are the quick…

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Taxes & Economy

501 added to Pa. payroll since state hiring freeze

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 1, 2009

AP story on the 501 employees hired since the hiring freeze, including several over $100,000 (former legislator Dan Surra, for whom a new $95,000 position was created, just missed…

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Regulation

PA Judge Overturns State Mercury Rule

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 31, 2009

A Pennsylvania judge ruled that a state-specific regulation on mercury emissions (one that was put into place by the Department of Environmental Protection over the objections of many…

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Health Care

Stimulating Government

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 30, 2009

The Galen Institute has a new analysis of health care proposal in the propose “economic stimulus”, specifically proposals moving toward greater federalization of health care, which has indeed been…

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Pennsylvania Auditor Finds Millions Wasted in Medicaid

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 29, 2009

Auditor General Jack Wagner has a new finding that $3.3 million was spend on Medicaid benefits for those inelligible (HT Tony Phyrillas).  That $3.3 million figure (on 1,648…

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Taxes & Economy

PA Business Groups Offer Budget Ideas

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 29, 2009

A coalition of business association and groups unveiled their recommendations for reforming Pennsylvania’s budget process and improving the business climate: Oppose increasing taxes on the job creators, including…

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Taxes & Economy

Layoffs coming for Pennsylvania state workers?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 28, 2009

Governor Rendell’s latest statements about the state budget are that 1,000 to 2,000 state workers could be laid off (or have unfilled positions eliminated).  The head of the AFSCME…

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Regulation

Endorsement for Pension Reform

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 28, 2009

The Courier Expess expresses support for moving Pennsylvania state and school district employees to a 401(k) model defined contribution retirement plan. Specifically, they mention the proposal put forth…

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Public Union Democracy

Putting Taxpayers First?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 27, 2009

A group of Pennsylvania House Republicans today announced a series of proposals intended to reduce government spending and revitalize the Pennsylvania economy. Among the proposals: Implementing constitutional or statutory…

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