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MARCH 8, 2010 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE
Rendell’s War on (Some) Special Interests
Gov. Rendell, of course, didn't declare war on all special interests - only those who oppose his tax-borrow-and-spend agenda. For example, while he lambasts the natural gas industry for opposing yet another tax upon the several it already pays, he gives a pass to the special interests clamoring for more of its money.
OCTOBER 6, 2009 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD
An Honest Debate About State Spending
Throughout the budget process, Rendell has used this same tactic, called a "Washington Monument" ploy. From claiming education would be set back decades, to asserting state police would have to be laid off (allowing child predators like Roman Polanski to roam free), to drumming up fears of social service agencies closing, Rendell has used
SEPTEMBER 4, 2009 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE, JAKE HAULK
Pennsylvania’s Failed Economic Development Spending
State and local governments are locked in a constant competition to attract and retain businesses. Unfortunately, instead of addressing a poor business climate and flawed economic policies, they have increasingly relied on public subsidies in the form of grants, loans, tax incentives, and other blandishments.
Recent Blog Posts
MARCH 5, 2010
State Office Deal Highlights Rendell's Cronyism
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review has a story about the state paying to lease office space, even though they've closed the office. But the more interesting part of the is the shading dealings surrounding selling the state office building and leasing space - ostensibly to save money.
Millcraft Industries Inc., owners of Piatt Place -- the former Lazarus building renovated with a $2.1 million assist from the state -- bought the State Office Building for $4.6 million, or about half of its appraised value. Millcraft, owned by Jack and Lucas Piatt, was sole bidder for the building.
The sale occurred despite Auditor General Jack Wagner's objections that it would cost less to renovate the State Office Building. ...
Although most of the state's Pittsburgh offices relocated to Piatt Place, where the state is leasing 165,500 square feet of space at a cost of $3.1 million a year, some operations are in the Chamber of Commerce Building and an office building at 11 Stanwix St.
Just to summarize:
- The state gave a $2.1 million grant to fix up Piatt Place.
- Gov. Rendell sold the state building to the owners of Piatt Place for half its value ($4.6 million) in another sole-bid deal.
- The state now pays $3.1 million in rent for the space in Piatt Place.
By sheer coincidence, Jack Piatt gave $75,000 to Rendell's campaign, and Lucas Piatt another $10,000, in 2006.
This is why we need to raise taxes.
posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 09:13 AM | 0 comment
FEBRUARY 18, 2010
PA's Biggest Porkers
Taxpayers for Common Sense has a new database on FY 2010 earmarks by Congress. As a state, Pennsylvania ranks 6th in value of earmarks, getting $366 million from 457 earmarks (the state ranks 32nd in terms of earmark dollars per capita).
Sen. Arlen Specter leads all members of the PA delegation in value of earmarks requested (by himself and with other members) with $179 million in earmarks, not all designated for Pennsylvania. The late Rep. Jack Murtha leads in terms of solo earmarks, as well as the PA House delegation, with $92 million in earmarks, $82 million as the solo requester.
Full list of PA Congress member's earmarks.
posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 00:24 PM | 0 comment
FEBRUARY 11, 2010
The End of Taxpayer-Funded Newsletters?
Darwyyn Deyo reports that the PA House of Representatives is moving from away from paper newsletters to email newsletters to registered voters. This is a good move, likely to save tens to hundred of thousands of taxpayer dollars.
Of course, the e-newsletters still represent part of the incumbency protection plan - email lists bought by taxpayers, email services paid for by taxpayers, email designers on state payroll or contact. Indeed, if the print newsletters were any indication, there will be nothing in the emails the constituents need to know, but lots of photos of lawmakers at parades and ribbon cuttin ceremonies. You will note that the emails are going to "Registered Voters," rather than all citizens...gee, I wonder why that is.
posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 10:20 AM | 0 comment
