Regulation

State to save us from danger of unauthorized massages

• Nathan Benefield
• June 25, 2008

The PA House voted 193-5 to create a new board to license massage therapists (HT GrassrootsPA). The board will collect licensing fees fees, certify educational requirements, test would-be…

Media

Regulation

House Republicans Highlight Debt, Rendell Spending

• Nathan Benefield
• June 24, 2008

AP article on House Republicans (at least some of them) noting the enormous burden of debt on Pennsylvania taxpayers before voting on more borrowing for corporate welfare.

Media

Regulation

The State’s Rosy Scenarios

• Richard Dreyfuss
• June 24, 2008

We live in uncertain times. This maxim is often heard in the corridors of the state Capitol where Excel spreadsheets support the marketing of new initiatives based on long-term financial…

Commentary

TurnpikeFacts.com Exposes Turnpike Commissions Fiction

• June 23, 2008

Commonwealth Foundation educational campaign explores the costs, benefits, and potential pitfalls of a Turnpike lease  HARRISBURG, PA — In anticipation of the upcoming debate in Harrisburg about the merits…

Press Release

Taxes & Economy

Electricity Deregulation in Pennsylvania

• Elizabeth Stelle
• June 23, 2008

In 2010, PPL rate caps will expire, which is expected to result in a sudden rise in the price of electricity. Ending government regulation signals an end to artificial…

Media

Government Accountability

Smoking Ban shows need for part-time legislature

• Nathan Benefield
• June 23, 2008

Nathan Shrader makes the case that the smoking ban – along with other nonsensical legislation – shows why Pennsylvania should move to a part-time, citizen legislature.

Media

State Budget

Pennsylvania Senate Proposes Spending Diet

• June 20, 2008

Low-growth budget is a step in the right direction, but will House and Governor agree?  HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed a state spending plan for the upcoming…

Press Release

How many lobbyists does it take to drive a bus?

• Nathan Benefield
• June 20, 2008

Mass transit is in trouble, we are told. Despite exposes of waste, legislators and the Governor feel we need to pump more money into transit systems (without reforming them),…

Media

Taxes & Economy

State Personal Income and Ethanol Policy

• Nathan Benefield
• June 19, 2008

The BEA issued their quarterly update of state personal income. Normally, my comments on these reports are limited to how Pennsylvania is lagging behind the national average (true again…

Media