August 31, 2010 | Commentary by ELIZABETH STELLE

Traditional Energy Fuels Pennsylvania's Economy

Pennsylvania has always been a leading provider of America's energy. From timber and coal to the nation's first commercial oil well, and now the Marcellus Shale boom, traditional energy is vital to our state's economy.

But these industries, and the prosperity that accompanied them, are now threatened because they have become politically unpopular. Instead of entrepreneurship and the responsible development of natural resources, today's energy companies are rewarded on the basis of their lobbying.

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.

August 26, 2010 | Commentary by DAVID KIRKPATRICK

Teachers and their Unions, Part II

This is another look raising legitimate questions as to how, or even if, teacher unions can reasonably be said to recommend their members which, of course, they maintain they do.  These are not carefully selected events but essentially random occurrences that have appeared in a wide variety of districts over a long period of time, and continue to do so.

August 19, 2010 | Commentary by DAVID W. KIRKPATRICK

Teachers and Their Unions

Teacher unions like to say they represent their members and look out for their best interests, including protecting their rights to speak out without reprisal.  Teachers  are by the nature of their work college graduates. So it's a bit more common for them to try to have their say than in many other occupations.

August 17, 2010 | Commentary by NATALIE ROGOL

Time to Exit Rendell's Road to Higher Taxes

Governor Rendell has proposed a series of tax increases to fill a $415 million transportation funding deficit created when the federal government rejected his plan to toll I-80 for a third time. The state's highway system is in sorry condition, but not because taxpayers pay too little.

Pennsylvania spends more on transportation than nearly every other state, and since the Governor took office, transportation spending increased 53%. The biggest problems with the state's infrastructure are misguided spending and inefficiency, which can be resolved without new taxes.

August 10, 2010 | Commentary by JOSHUA HOERNER

A School Choice Governor?

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett recently made headlines by announcing his support for full-fledged school choice in Pennsylvania. Democrat Dan Onorato has also expressed support for school choice, particularly the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC).  A school choice governor will be a welcome change from the past eight years, during which Governor Rendell and his allies worked to stymie educational options.

August 3, 2010 | Commentary by DOUG MCLINKO

Gas Fuels Growth

The national economy is in a slump, unemployment remains stubbornly high, and economic growth is being hampered by misguided policies. Meanwhile, Bradford County, Pennsylvania led the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in net job growth from March of 2009 through March of 2010 with 2500 new jobs or a 7.2% employment increase. The robust increase in jobs is a direct result of Marcellus Shale drilling and its ancillary economic benefits.

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 22, 2010 | Commentary by MICHAEL NEROZZI, NATHAN BENEFIELD

I&R: Our Inalienable Right to Reform

It is clear our government will not reform itself.  Article I, Section 2 of the Pennsylvania Constitution recognizes the right of the citizens to "alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper."  It is past time to exercise this right, but the General Assembly and Governor have not provided the means to do so.

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.