Education

School district consolidation unlikely to cut cost

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 9, 2009

Over at School Board Transparency blog, Fred Baldwin writes that consolidating school districts (to county wide districts) is unlikely to result in substantial cost savings – that is…

Media

Read More: School district consolidation unlikely to cut cost

Education

The PSEA: A Worm in the Apple

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • January 7, 2009

Every taxpayer in the Commonwealth should be aware of the influence and agenda of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA). Despite its name, the organization’s top priority is not educating…

Commentary

Read More: The PSEA: A Worm in the Apple

Taxes & Economy

Talking economics

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 7, 2009

The podcast from yesterday’s Pittsburgh Renaissance Radio with Matt Brouillette features discussion of a federal bailout of the states, “economic stimulus”, and Pennsylvania’s budget crunch. Full Program…

Media

Read More: Talking economics

State Budget

Pennsylvania Deficit Watch | January 2009

  • January 6, 2009

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue released the December revenue collections showing state General Fund revenues are $815 million short for the fiscal year to date. This shortfall exceeds the…

Press Release

Read More: Pennsylvania Deficit Watch | January 2009

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…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania budget shortfall more than expected

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…

Media

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

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…

Media

Read More: Would you pay $75 for bobblehead of Harrisburg mayor?

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…

Media

Read More: Less than 40 hours to help us meet our goal!