April 6, 2010 | Commentary by ABHILASH SAMUEL

Rendell’s Higher Taxes Equals Fewer Jobs

Pennsylvania's latest budget shortfall is the result of a pattern in which state legislators abandon fiscal prudence in "good years" and face spending cuts or tax hikes in down times. Indeed, Gov. Rendell has proposed massive spending increases with each of his budgets, usually requiring new or higher taxes. This year he is pushing for combined reporting to close "tax loopholes" for businesses, taxing cigars and smokeless tobacco, a new tax on natural gas, and expanding the Sales and Use Tax.

December 8, 2009 | Commentary by ABHILASH SAMUEL

Outward Bound - Taxes Driving People Out Of Pennsylvania

Between 2000 and 2008, Pennsylvania suffered the depletion of one of its most valuable resources - people. During this period, the state lost 56,000 net residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, ranking 11th in migration loss among all states. In the decade prior, Pennsylvania lost over 250,000 net residents to interstate migration - ranking 5th worst.

October 28, 2009 | Commentary by ABHILASH SAMUEL

Tort Reform Key to Reducing Health Care Costs

As Washington continues debating how to curb health care costs, one area  largely ignored is medical malpractice reform.  Ample evidence from states indicates tort reform is central to overhauling the healthcare system.

The Pacific Research Institute's (PRI) 2008 Tort Liability Index ranks states' tort laws, giving Pennsylvania a lowly 45.  Lawrence J. McQuillan, co-creator of the index, says, "Because Pennsylvania has done little in terms of meaningful tort reform compared to other states, it is poorly positioned to contain its future tort costs and risks."

September 30, 2009 | Commentary by ABHILASH SAMUEL

Re-examine Public Welfare Spending

Pennsylvania has, as of this writing, gone 90 days without a budget, longer than any other state.  The impasse has been driven by Gov. Rendell's demand for higher spending and new taxes.  Though Rendell argues that the budget has been "cut to the bone," the work of a leading member of his own party, Auditor General Jack Wagner, proves otherwise.