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

Taxes & Economy

Economic Benefits of NAFTA

Nathan Benefield
June 16, 2008

National Center for Policy Analysis has a new analysis on the economic benefits of NAFTA. NAFTA critics most frequently point to the “lost jobs” but here are some facts:…

Media

Regulation

Corporate Welfare In, Fiscal Restraint Out

June 16, 2008

Commonwealth Foundation calls House budget irresponsible and misguided HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation charged that proposals by the Pennsylvania House Democrats to increase Governor Rendell’s proposed budget by…

Press Release