Regulation

Want to braid hair? Talk to Big Brother.

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 6, 2006

Despite not having time to address lobbyist reform during the past few weeks, the General Assembly was able to pass a myriad of minor bills, including one (SB 707)…

Media

Read More: Want to braid hair? Talk to Big Brother.

Taxes & Economy

Wal-Mart Tax Fizzle

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 6, 2006

Wall Street Journal article on how the “Wal-Mart tax” push is failing in almost every state. Read our analysis of why the Wal-Mart tax is bad for Pennsylvania…

Media

Read More: Wal-Mart Tax Fizzle

Health Care

$1 Trillion Shock Awaits States, Local Governments

  • June 30, 2006

Joe Mysak asks on Bloomberg.com: “How much is it going to cost states and localities to pay for public employees’ health care and insurance after they retire? “Try between…

Media

Read More: $1 Trillion Shock Awaits States, Local Governments

Regulation

The Merits of a Judicial Pay Raise in Pennsylvania

  • June 30, 2006

On July 7, 2005, a political firestorm was ignited in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the form of a controversial pay raise for legislators, members of the executive branch, and…

Fact Sheet

Read More: The Merits of a Judicial Pay Raise in Pennsylvania

Education

Preschool Algebra

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 29, 2006

From Governor Rendell’s News Release: “An independent study by a renowned firm confirms that more than 160,000 students in 48 Pennsylvania schools are benefiting from investments in early childhood…

Media

Read More: Preschool Algebra

Regulation

Senators vs. Pork

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 28, 2006

Not a game between minor league baseball teams, but three State Senators (Jane Orie, R-Allison Park, Pat Vance, R-Silver Spring Twp, and Pat Browne, R-Allentown) trying to Shift Focus…

Media

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Government Accountability

Legislative Pensions: Avoid Them to Fix Them

  • June 26, 2006

The distance between the rulers and ruled continues to widen in Pennsylvania. For retiring and defeated members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate, the daily perks and privileges of office…

Commentary

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Government Accountability

The Real Candidates for Office: Liberty vs. Safety

  • June 19, 2006

On a stone pillar near the top of the steps ascending toward the Pennsylvania State Capitol is inscribed the following quote from Benjamin Franklin: “Those who would give up essential…

Commentary

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Taxes & Economy

Decoding the Swann Property Tax Plan

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 15, 2006

The property tax relief plan introduced by gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann last month offers a radically different approach to the problem. Swann’s proposal contains some good provisions, some flawed provisions,…

Commentary

Read More: Decoding the Swann Property Tax Plan