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 27, 2010 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

Can Tom Corbett Keep His "No Tax" Pledge?

Attorney General Tom Corbett has taken significant criticism for his pledge to not raise taxes if elected governor.  That was to be expected from his Democrat rival, Allegheny County executive Dan Onorato, who hasn't ruled out raising taxes to fill a budget gap expected to be as high as $5 billion next year.  But it's the friendly fire from Senate Republican Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi that has wounded the AG (aspiring governor).

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 represent only the tip of the iceberg in Pennsylvania's debt-fueled pork spending.

JUNE 29, 2010 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania Budget Facts 2010: Corporate Taxes

The Commonwealth has the second highest state corporate income tax (behind Iowa, which has more generous deductions and exemptions).  When compounding state and federal corporate taxes, Pennsylvania's corporate income tax rate is higher than that of every other country.

JUNE 29, 2010 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania Education Spending

Pennsylvania's education spending increased from $4 billion in 1980 to over $25 billion in 2009-a 133% increase in per-pupil spending, after adjusting for inflation. School construction and debt spending has doubled in just 10 years.  Prevailing wage laws increase the cost of construction by 20% or more; repealing this mandate would save $400 million.

JUNE 23, 2010 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Time for A Taxpayer's Budget

CF identifies $4 billion in spending cuts

The Commonwealth Foundation today released A Taxpayer's Budget 2010: Responsible Spending for Pennsylvania, a report identifying $4 billion in spending reductions to Gov. Rendell's proposed state budget and outlining needed spending reforms.

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 Pennsylvanians.

JUNE 21, 2010 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

The True Beneficiaries of Education Subsidies

Gov. Rendell's budget once again demands significant increases in public school spending.  Ostensibly, these increases are "for the children," but a close examination of education spending and policy proposals reveals Gov. Rendell's priority - appeasing education's special interests.

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 cut?"

But the burden should be on those who demand more from workers and businesses to demonstrate that all current expenditures are an effective and appropriate use of taxpayer money

JUNE 10, 2010 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

Lay Off the Private Sector with Public Sector Layoffs

Gov. Rendell is threatening once again to lay off state government employees if the General Assembly refuses to go along with his spend-more, tax-more budget proposals. But should the public sector be immune to the downsizing occurring in the private sector across the Commonwealth?