Taxes & Economy

Rendell Lured to Stimulus Like a Moth to a Flame

  • February 23, 2010

The lure of federal stimulus funds is encouraging Pennsylvania to spend more of state taxpayers’ money as well. Here are three examples: The Commonwealth was awarded $35 million through the…

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Regulation

Pension Obligation Bonds: Worst Idea Ever

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 21, 2010

Rick Dreyfuss has a new article for the Mackinac Center in Michigan, where lawmakers are floating the idea of Pension Obligation Bonds to help fill their pension gap.  Of…

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State Budget

Proposed Pennsylvania Sales Tax Expansion Categories

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 10, 2010

As part of his budget, Gov. Rendell has proposed lowering Pennsylvania’s sales tax from 6% to 4% (Philadelphia has an additional 2% and Allegheny County 1% on top of the…

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Should the Turnpike Commission Toll I-80?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 26, 2010

It’s been 88 days since the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission resubmitted its application to toll Interstate 80 (after being denied twice).  We’re told that the Federal Highway Administration will soon be…

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Taxes & Economy

PA Mayors Facing Budget Crunch – Whose Fault Is It?

  • January 20, 2010

Pennsylvania mayors have voiced their frustrations with public sector unions forcing counties to pay higher wages even as they face budget constraints. Inevitably, that has led to higher taxes,…

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Government Accountability

Democrat Party Finally Condemns Pay Raise

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 12, 2010

An interesting response to State Senator Dave Argall’s announcement that he would challenge Congressman Tim Holden is that Democrats are going after Argall’s role in the 2005 Pennsylvania pay…

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Government Accountability

A Constitional Convention of Crazies?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 7, 2010

Political consultant Larry Ceisler penned an op-ed denouncing a Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention. (Hat Tip: GrassrootsPA) While there are legitimate concerns about a Con Con, Ceisler addresses none of those,…

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Regulation

Deal on Pennsylvania Table Games Appears Done

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 5, 2010

After Gov. Rendell threatened to lay off 1,000 state workers if he didn’t sign legislation to establish table games (and the licensing fee and tax) at Pennsylvania casinos by…

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Regulation

Of Mice And G-Men

  • December 28, 2009

An inspection by the Pennsylvania Agriculture Department found rodent droppings “just about everywhere” in the cafeteria at the Pennsylvania state capitol. The cafeteria, reportedly, also has a severe rodent…

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