Government Accountability

Calls for Reform

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 21, 2008

Here is a quick roundup of editorials from across the state calling for a Constitutional Convention and/or a special session (as well as criticizing lawmakers for a culture of corruption,…

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Taxes & Economy

Steelers for sale?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 8, 2008

In what may be a shock to Pittsburgh Steelers fans, the Wall Street Journal reports the Rooney family may be looking to sell the team (also see Tribune Review article).

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Government Accountability

The state budget: Secret sham

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 1, 2008

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorializes on the secret nature of the budget negotiations and the wheeling and dealing that occurs behind closed doors.

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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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Regulation

Pensions ‘spike’ troubles state officials

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 18, 2008

Deb Erdley has an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on how lawmakers are starting to pay attention to the looming crisis in state pension plans. The only quibble…

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Taxes & Economy

PA lags behind US economy again

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 6, 2008

The latest state GDP report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that, despite a national slowdown, Pennsylvania’s economy continues to lag behind the rest of the nation. PA’s…

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Education

Real Savings: Cutting Cybers vs. School Choice

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 4, 2008

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Post-Gazette have stories on the renewed push to reduce cyber school funding. Rep. Karen Beyer and other proponents are touting that: The bill…

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Is the Turnpike Commission stalling on I-80?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 28, 2008

Congressman Peterson seems to think so, as the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports, and I have already assumed as much. For the record, here is the Act 44 timeline: –…

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What bid? That’s ridiculous!

  • May 10, 2008

Apparently Turnpike Commission CEO Joe Brimmeier was surprised to learn from the Pittsuburgh Post-Gazette that he had submitted a bid on to operate the Turnpike. Well, it’s not a…

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Read More: What bid? That’s ridiculous!