Government Accountability

Campaign Finance Limits & Public Funding

  • August 15, 2007

Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering legislation that would limit campaign contributions and would allow for taxpayer financing of gubernatorial campaigns. This legislation is based on the “Clean Election” model passed by…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Campaign Finance Limits & Public Funding

Eichelberger Speaks Out on Budget

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 16, 2007

Senator Eichelberger’s floor statement on why he could not support the budget. (Eichelberger was one of only two “no” votes in the Senate, joining Senator Folmer).

Media

Read More: Eichelberger Speaks Out on Budget

Regulation

Gov. Ed Rendells Ransom

  • July 9, 2007

PA Governor holds state workers and public services hostage for higher taxes and fees, despite $650M tax surplus. HARRISBURG, PA – Nearly 25,000 state workers were furloughed and many public…

Press Release

Read More: Gov. Ed Rendells Ransom

Spending Increases = Cuts

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 2, 2007

Rep. Tim Solobay issues the first press release calling spending increases “cuts” (though several House Democrats did so in the floor debate): “The Senate removed millions from education” –…

Media

Read More: Spending Increases = Cuts

Stealth Lawmaking Lives

  • July 2, 2007

From Democracy Rising….Stealth Lawmaking Lives: House Suspends Rules, Commits $1.65 BillionThis week the PA House proved why changing the rules doesn’t…

Media

Read More: Stealth Lawmaking Lives

Senate votes to ban lame duck session

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 29, 2007

The state Senate voted to pass a Constitutional amendment, authored by Sen. Regola that would ban the “lame duck” session. One small step for reform.

Media

Read More: Senate votes to ban lame duck session

Higher Debt and tolls coming soon

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 29, 2007

Marc Levy of the AP reports that the Turnpike Commission’s Mike Long’s Vince Fumo’s “Senate compromise” plan to toll I-80, issue $4 billion in new debt, and increase Turnpike…

Media

Read More: Higher Debt and tolls coming soon

Orie wants to change turnpike commission

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 26, 2007

Post-Gazette on Sen. Orie’s three proposals to reform the Turnpike Commission: Prohibit the commission from hiring outside lobbyists. Turnpike contracts and bond work would be competitively bid. Future employees…

Media

Read More: Orie wants to change turnpike commission

Will Rendell and Senate GOP sell out on transportation?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 23, 2007

Capitolwire.com reports that Governor Rendell, and possibly Senate Republicans, will go along with House Democrats plan to toll I-80 and raise Turnpike tolls, and have higher local taxes…

Media

Read More: Will Rendell and Senate GOP sell out on transportation?