JUNE 18, 2013

Senate Liquor "Reform" Falls Short

This afternoon, Sen. Chuck McIlhinney introduced his liquor "reform" plan which falls short in delivering the convenience, selection, and pricing that Pennsylvanians demand. His proposal, which keeps the state-owned and operated liquor stores as well as the government-run wholesale monopoly of wine and spirits cannot be considered privatization.

With the government continuing as the wholesale middleman consumers will not see greater selection or lower prices in wine and spirits.

JUNE 14, 2013

Pension Cost Conundrum: Cut Teachers or Raise Taxes?

A recent report released by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute estimates Philadelphia School District (SDP) pension payments will total $349 million by 2020, which is a 378% increase from what the state and school district had to pay in 2011.

May 9, 2013

Good for Business: One Beer Distributor's Privatization Perspective

What business owner wouldn’t jump at the chance to expand their business?  Some of my fellow beer distributors, apparently.  The association that is supposed to be representing my business interests in Harrisburg opposes the liquor privatization bill currently in the Senate—a bill that would allow us to expand our selection beyond beer, and into wine and liquor.  As a result, they’re standing in the way of a movement to bring Pennsylvania’s 1930s-era alcohol control system into the 21st century.

JUNE 18, 2013

Get Rid of the Government Middleman

If lower prices and greater selection are what you’re looking for, you won’t get it unless the government privatizes retail and wholesale operations. If the PLCB maintains its monopoly on wholesale operations, you may be able to find wine and liquor more easily, but the government will still determine what products you can choose.

MAY 30, 2013

Cyber School Funding in Pennsylvania

Cyber schools currently spend significantly less per student than school districts and only represent about 1% of spending on public education. Discrepancies in cyber school funding are the result of problems in the overall system of public education finance.  Reductions to cyber school funding fail to address these issues. Cyber schools have been a popular and successful option for parents.  Punitive cuts to cyber school funding will reduce options for families. Cyber school students should not be treated as second-class citizens who deserve less funding for their education than students who choose other options.

MAY 29, 2013

Charter School Rescues Students, Community

What does a neighborhood do when its surrounding school districts are underperforming, or downright violent and failing? Where can the kids go? In the Pittsburgh area, many students find refuge in a different type of public school: Propel Braddock Hills High. Against the odds, the charter school is achieving great results—a testament to the power of school choice.