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DECEMBER 13, 2010 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD
The Pot of Debt at the End of Rendell’s Rainbow
These days it's hard enough for Pennsylvania families to think about meeting their obligations let alone piling on more debt. But that's exactly what outgoing Gov. Ed Rendell did this week, when Pennsylvania State Treasurer Rob McCord signed off on Gov. Rendell's final $650 million bond issue, after Auditor General Jack Wagner refused
AUGUST 27, 2010 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD
Gov. Rendell's Gamesmanship
While table games have been in Pennsylvania casinos for more than a month, I don't know if Gov. Rendell has tried his luck. But it would be a safe wager that he's a fantastic poker player. Why? For eight years, he's been able to bluff, bully, and stare down anyone who opposes his tax-borrow-and-spend agenda.
JULY 13, 2010 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD
The Real Problem with the Specter Library
As part of the state budget deal, Gov. Rendell secured $600 million in new borrowing for pork-barrel projects, including $10 million for the "Arlen Specter Library" at Philadelphia University and another $10 million for the "John P. Murtha Center for Public Policy." These monuments to politicians have sparked outrage, but represen
JUNE 23, 2010 | Policy Report by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION
A Taxpayer's Budget 2010: Responsible Spending for Pennsylvania
A Taxpayer's Budget 2010: Responsible Spending for Pennsylvania identifies opportunities to cut over $4 billion in wasteful state spending in Gov. Rendell's proposed FY 2010-11 budget. The report also offers a series of recommendations for resolving the current revenue shortfall and reducing the size and burden of government on
JUNE 15, 2010 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD
Are Pennsylvania Taxes “Money Well Spent?”
Gov. Rendell proposes balancing the state budget with a combination of new and higher taxes, another federal bailout, and additional state borrowing. When confronted by opposition to additional taxes on working Pennsylvanians, Gov. Rendell and the special interests who feed on tax dollars frequently ask, "What key services should we cu
APRIL 27, 2010 | Commentary by MICHAEL NEROZZI
Rendell's "Press Release Economics"
Press-release economics has long been part of a political charade in which lawmakers use other people's money to fund their political gain. In Pennsylvania, agencies such as the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) offer a plethora of subsidies to entice businesses to move to or stay in the Commonwealth. State la
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.
MAY 21, 2009 | Testimony by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE
Now is the Time to Practice Fiscal Restraint
Testimony of Mathew J. Brouillette President & CEO, Commonwealth Foundation, to the PA House Appropriations Committee You really only have two choices: You can raise taxes or you can reduce spending. You can do both, of course, but raising taxes during a recession for more government spending is precisely the wron
