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March 11, 2010 | Policy Brief by NATHAN BENEFIELD, ELIZABETH BRYAN
The Case for a Citizen Legislature
The operating cost of the Pennsylvania General Assembly has steadily increased, while Pennsylvania's economy has been stagnant. The Keystone State's burden of state and local taxes is among the heaviest in the country, while it ranks near the bottom in economic growth and freedom. This reality can be addressed by a number of reforms that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Pennsylvania's legislature.
February 10, 2010 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD
No Solutions in Rendell's Budget
The Keystone State for years has been afflicted by government inefficiency and overspending.
Since Gov. Rendell took office in 2003, Pennsylvania’s burden of state and local taxes has increased from the 17th heaviest in the nation to the 11th. State spending has increased by $3,600 per family of four (in inflation-adjusted dollars). State debt has increased by $18 billion to a whopping $41 billion—a 78 percent increase—or $5,600 per family of four.
February 3, 2010 | Commentary by KATRINA CURRIE, NATHAN BENEFIELD
Six Opportunities for Pennsylvania
Once upon a time, "Keystone State" represented more than just a nickname, as Pennsylvania was central to America's economy. Over the past several decades, however, our importance has diminished.
Our Commonwealth lags the rest of the nation in economic growth. We lose residents every year to other states, and we've surrendered-and are projected to continue to surrender-congressional seats and influence. Pennsylvania's business climate now ranks among the worst in the nation. Furthermore, the state faces numerous economic threats that could make things even worse. However, there are several reasons to be optimistic about our return to prosperity.
Recent Blog Posts
MARCH 17, 2010
More Opposition to Rendell's Sales Tax Expansion
The Post-Gazette sums up additional opposition to Gov. Rendell's proposed expansion of the sales tax - this time from the computer services industry.
The article also notes how Gov. Rendell touts "silly" exemptions, such as for helicopters. But it was a grand total of six months ago he signed the helicopter exemption, and his spokesman praised the exemption as it would create jobs.
Indeed, while lower taxes do foster job creation, the Rendell scheme has always been to lower taxes for select special interests (while at the same bashing "special interests").
posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 10:11 AM | 0 comment
MARCH 16, 2010
Sunshine Week...Time for Spending Transparency in PA
This week is Sunshine Week, created to promote open government and celebrate James Madison's birthday (which is today, and an aside, he is my favorite founding father).
Now would be an opportune time for the Pennsylvania Senate to take up HB 1880, which has been in the Senate State Government committee since early February. The bill - which passed the House, unanimously, in December - would create an online spending database, and is very similar to SB 105, which passed the Senate in July 2009.
The Commonwealth Foundation has written previously on state spending transparency and testified in support of similar legislation.
The Center for Fiscal Accountability also has a good number of resources on spending transparency across the country.
posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 01:51 PM | 0 comment
MARCH 16, 2010
When Will These Guys Learn?
Pennsylvania Independent reports on two PA House contracts for voter lists, costing taxpayers over $225,000. Readers will recognize that this sounds quite a bit like the actions of former Republican speaker John Perzel, who was indicted for using taxpayer funds for data mining, to win elections.
Of course, this time they tell us its OK, because its "bipartisan", and for legitimate legislative expenses - like sending mailers to constituents (segment by how often they voted) with fancy photos of lawmakers appearing in parades.
But even if one was naive enough to believe that voter lists were the only way to reach constituents, or that the mailings lawmakers send out are important information that constituents could not do without, this is still and exorbitant waste of taxpayer dollars. The PA Department of State sells the entire statewide voter lists for a whopping 20 bucks! And with the nation's largest legislative staff, you'd think someone would be able to use that database.
posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 09:11 AM | 0 comment
