Government Accountability

A Call For Reform

  • July 17, 2008

HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation joined Sen. Jeff Piccola, Rep. Eugene DePasquale, and several other lawmakers and reform groups in calling for a Special Session to address important legislative…

Press Release

Read More: A Call For Reform

Government Accountability

Powerful Political Insiders

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • July 16, 2008

PolitickerPA released their list of Pennsylvania’s 50 most powerful political insiders. Topping the list is Pennsylvania AFL-CIO president William George. Be warned that the rankings were complied…

Media

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Government Accountability

Everyone calls for reform – Except Rendell

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 16, 2008

Following the bonusgate indictments, there have been many more calls for action to clean up Pennsylvania state government, some from familiar voices, some from new members of the choir…

Media

Read More: Everyone calls for reform – Except Rendell

Taxes & Economy

Pennsylvania shouldn’t turn I-80 into state’s cash cow

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 16, 2008

Vindy.com has an editorial against I-80 tolling, noting The state pledges to spend nearly $200 million more on maintenance than it is spending now, But revenue from…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania shouldn’t turn I-80 into state’s cash cow

Government Accountability

Is graft getting worse or are prosecutors out of control?

  • July 15, 2008

Governing Magazine’s July 2008 cover story, “The Corruption Puzzle”, is apropos for Pennsylvania given the recent indictments of 12 people for allegedly using taxpayer money for personal and political…

Media

Read More: Is graft getting worse or are prosecutors out of control?

Welfare

Welfare Reform: PA gets poor grades

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 15, 2008

The Heartland Institute has a new report, Welfare Reform after Ten Years: A State-by-State Analysis (for PDF version click here) ranking the states both on welfare outcomes –…

Media

Read More: Welfare Reform: PA gets poor grades

Government Accountability

Pennsylvania’s super-sized legislature

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • July 14, 2008

There’s nothing like a government scandal to get people in the mood . . . for reform. An article by Anne Reeves in the Patriot-News reminds us why the…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania’s super-sized legislature

Government Accountability

Why Turnpike Commission lobbying matters

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 14, 2008

A reader’s comments on our latest PikeTV video and reports on Turnpike lobbying argues that private bidders are also lobbying, and that tolling I-80 is “more fair” (i.e.

Media

Read More: Why Turnpike Commission lobbying matters

Regulation

Lease It, If You Must Toll It

  • July 14, 2008

Turnpike Commission’s plans for I-80 will cost Pennsylvanians billions HARRISBURG, PA — As the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission rolled out its plans for Interstate 80, the Commonwealth Foundation called on Gov.

Press Release

Read More: Lease It, If You Must Toll It