Regulation

Steelers, developer ask state to help subsidize amphitheater

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 12, 2008

Post-Gazette story on the demand that taxpayers pay $4 million dollars for an amphitheater. (HT GrassrootsPA). The developer notes, “the entertainment complex itself will be a source of…

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Taxes & Economy

Who’s your cable guy?

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • August 7, 2008

For the first time in 30 years Pittsburgh residents will be able to choose who provides their cable. The Post-Gazette reports the city is negotiating a contract that would…

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Regulation

PA Lottery lags overall economic growth

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 22, 2008

There have been seemingly conflicting media reports on the Pennsylvania’s Lottery growth. Tom Barnes in the Post Gazette repeats, without analysis, the state revenue department’s self-congratulatory release by writing…

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Lease the turnpike

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 18, 2008

Pennsylvania Transportation Partners has an op-ed in the Post-Gazette on leasing the Turnpike. Here are some key points: Pennsylvania Transportation Partners’ $12.8 billion bid to manage the…

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Government Accountability

Responses to Bonusgate

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 14, 2008

Following the bonusgate presentments (indictments), several lawmakers and newspapers are beginning to call for action to clean up state government. Sen Piccola will call for a special session on…

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Taxes & Economy

Philly population declines – only New Orleans loses more residents

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 10, 2008

A Philadelphia Inquirer article looks at Philadelphia’s population decline from 2000-2007, in which the city lost 68,000 residents (continuing a downward trend). The Post-Gazette has a related article…

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Rendell losing patience with turnpike commission

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 9, 2008

Post-Gazette reports that Governor Rendell is fed up with the Turnpike Commission’s stalling on their I-80 tolling application. He says he has been a nice guy about it,…

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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),…

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Lease opponents fail to offer all the facts

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 5, 2008

Here is my letter to the editor in the Post-Gazette (online only) on the oversight of key facts about Act 44 and a Turnpike Lease: Your May 28…

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