Government Accountability

Pennsylvania budget shortfall more than expected

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 6, 2009

In our latest Pennsylvania Deficit Watch update, we take a look at the current state revenue shortfall, noting Governor Rendell’s revised estimate of a $1.6 Billion shorftall for…

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Government Accountability

Another $1 million spent to defend lawmakers in “Bonusgate”

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 6, 2009

As new legislators are coming to Harrisburg to be sworn in, Brad Bumsted reports that the Pennsylvania Senate Republicans have spent $1 million in legal fees (despite the number…

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Government Accountability

Would you pay $75 for bobblehead of Harrisburg mayor?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 6, 2009

From the “News of the Weird” (that is the Patriot News local section) is the report that bobblehead’s of Harrisburg mayor Stephen Reed are being sold for $75 apiece…

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Government Accountability

Less than 40 hours to help us meet our goal!

  • December 30, 2008

UPDATE from the Commonwealth Foundation12.30.08 $1,315 needed for “40in40” Challenge!With only 40 hours left in 2008, we are $1,315 shy of…

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Education

Scholarships for Student Conference on Liberty

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • December 29, 2008

Students For Liberty (a non-profit organization dedicated to liberty) will host their 2009 International Students For Liberty Conference from February 20-22nd at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. The…

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Regulation

Snyder County refuses Boscov’s Bailout

  • Nathan Benefield
  • December 29, 2008

Officials in Snyder County are refusing to back a loan as part of the Boscov’s Bailout – even though Pennsylvania officials are pressuring them to do so, arguing…

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Taxes & Economy

Residents Still “Movin Out” of Pennsylvania

  • Nathan Benefield
  • December 23, 2008

The Census Bureau released the latest annual population estimates.  The trends for Pennsylvania remain much the same: Pennsylvania grew by 0.2% between July 2007 and July 2008 – ranking…

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Government Accountability

Taxpayer Funded Lobbying and the Growth of Government

  • Nathan Benefield
  • December 22, 2008

Americans for Prosperity has a new analysis of taxpayer-funded lobbying of the federal government.  I don’t want to point out the obvious, but this taxpayer-funded lobbying is almost all…

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Education

Why Pennsylvania leads the nation in teacher walkouts

  • Nathan Benefield
  • December 22, 2008

The Wall Street Journal features an article on teacher strikes in Pennsylvania, noting that the Keystone State leads the nation in school employees strikes. The piece cites a…

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