Are WAMs Back in the Budget?

  • December 9, 2015

Bad news for good government: After reforms a few years ago eliminated “WAMs” in the state budget, these discretionary funds seem to have been resurrected. On Monday, the state Senate…

Media

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State Budget

Senate Budget Hides Millions in ‘Walking-Around Money’

  • December 9, 2015

Senate Budget Hides Millions in ‘Walking-Around Money’ Budget Plan Flush with Slush Fund Increases December 9, 2015, HARRISBURG, Pa.—The state Senate’s $30.8 billion budget plan rushed through Monday…

Press Release

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Education

80 Ideas for a Prosperous Pennsylvania

  • January 17, 2011

Pennsylvania must undergo a rapid transformation to reverse the poor policy decisions that have eroded economic freedoms and brought the state to its present condition.  To provide a roadmap for…

Report

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Regulation

No WAMS Pledge

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 18, 2010

The Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania is starting a new campaign to banish WAMs (Walking Around Money) from the General Assembly, much like some members of Congress are attempting to…

Media

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Government Accountability

Are All Lawmakers Crooks?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 21, 2010

This past Friday, former State Rep. Mike Veon, who had served as PA House Democrat Whip, was sentenced to 6 to 14 years in prison for his role in…

Media

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Government Accountability

Does Legislative Size Matter?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 30, 2010

Good morning.  I am Nathan Benefield, Director of Policy Research for the Commonwealth Foundation.  We are a nonprofit, independent public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg.  I…

Testimony

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Government Accountability

The Case for a Part-Time Legislature

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 19, 2010

There is a direct link between our full-time legislature and our state economy.  A Commonwealth Foundation analysis shows a strong connection between legislative professionalization and higher spending per capita, a…

Commentary

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Government Accountability

For Whom The Turnpike Tolls

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • March 9, 2010

Tolls are appropriate because they are imposed directly upon travelers for their use of roads.  However, the plan to toll I-80 represents more than a toll.  It is also a…

Commentary

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Government Accountability

Whistle-Blower Protection

  • February 23, 2010

Good morning. I’m Katrina Currie, a Research Fellow for the Commonwealth Foundation.  I am joined by my colleague Elizabeth Bryan. The…

Testimony

Read More: Whistle-Blower Protection