Public Union Democracy

PA Congressional Delegation Ratings on Worker Freedom

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 26, 2008

The Alliance for Worker Freedom has their new scorecard on the 2nd session of the 110th Congress.  Key votes include a number of expansion of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws…

Media

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Regulation

Why government spending is no economic stimulus

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 24, 2008

In my commentary today, I tackle the idea of “economic development” spending as a stimulus for economic growth, and contrast that with lower taxes. More detailed analysis of…

Media

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Regulation

Government Can’t Cure Our Economic Woes

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 23, 2008

Pennsylvania is facing a deep shortfall in revenue which, through October, stands at $565 million. Putting this in perspective, the shortfall in 2002-03—which led to increases in the state…

Commentary

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Taxes & Economy

Small Businesses in the Pennsylvania Economy

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 21, 2008

The Small Business Administration has published their latest profiles of small businesses in the US and each of the 50 states. Some of the data is a bid old…

Media

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Education

We’re Number One! In Teacher Strikes…still

  • November 21, 2008

The Allegheny Institute, one of our sister think tanks, posted a brief about teacher strikes. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania maintains its reputation of being the “teacher strike capital” of the world.

Media

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State Budget

Budget shortfall, but money (and giant checks) for pork is plentiful

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 20, 2008

Even though Pennsylvania is facing a massive budget shortfall, don’t expect Governor Rendell to stop touring the state handing out taxpayer funds. Yesterday, he announced $44 million in “investments”…

Media

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Pennsylvania’s economic climate gets another bleak ranking

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 20, 2008

The Beacon Hill Institute has issued a new report on state economic competitiveness.  Not surprising, Pennsylvania ranks poorly – 39th out of the fifty states.  You can find the…

Media

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Government Accountability

PA Lawmakers, Executives, Judges Get Pay Raise

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 20, 2008

Patriot News story on the 2.8% cost of living increase that Pennsylvania lawmakers will get beginning Dec. 1, and state judges and executive branch officials will get the raise…

Media

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