House to Vote Marcellus Impact Fee

  • Matthew Brouillette, Nathan Benefield
  • November 17, 2011

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is expected to vote on HB 1950 today, which would enact an impact fee on “nonconventional gas wells,” largely aimed at Marcellus Shale gas drilling.

Media

Read More: House to Vote Marcellus Impact Fee

Education

End Transparency Exemption for Penn State

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 17, 2011

Penn State officials will soon be under a different kind of investigation—an investigation by taxpayers. In the aftermath of the child sexual abuse scandal, Rep. Eugene DePasquale is…

Media

Read More: End Transparency Exemption for Penn State

Education

Teacher Evaluation Bill Up for Committee Vote

  • Priya Brannick
  • November 15, 2011

Reforming Pennsylvania’s teacher evaluation system is an important leg of Gov. Tom Corbett’s education reform agenda, along with school vouchers, charter school reform, and expanding the successful Educational Improvement Tax…

Media

Read More: Teacher Evaluation Bill Up for Committee Vote

Education

Is the Education Status Quo a Success?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 15, 2011

Former Gov Ed Rendell was in town today to defend the status quo in education, claiming that more spending has produced great improvements in performance.  Is he looking at…

Media

Read More: Is the Education Status Quo a Success?

Education

Rockin’ Rally to Rescue Kids in Crime-Ridden Schools

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • November 15, 2011

I’m surprised the Capitol Dome stayed on its foundation this afternoon.  Hundreds of children filled the steps and balconies in the Capitol rotunda to call on the House of…

Media

Read More: Rockin’ Rally to Rescue Kids in Crime-Ridden Schools

Education

Vouchers a Proven Solution

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 15, 2011

  Today’s Philadelphia Inquirer featured a letter to the editor I wrote on school choice. Here is my full submission: I was disappointed to see the Inquirer’s…

Media

Read More: Vouchers a Proven Solution

Taxes & Economy

Are Gas Drillers Paying Their “Fair Share”?

  • Elizabeth Stelle, Nathan Benefield
  • November 14, 2011

The Scranton Times-Tribune and the Patriot-News criticize HB 1950 (the natural gas fee proposal) for not taxing gas drillers enough, yet fail to include basic information about…

Media

Read More: Are Gas Drillers Paying Their “Fair Share”?

Education

Poll: Voters Want Broader School Choice

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 14, 2011

A new poll by Pulse Opinion Research, commissioned by Unite PA and the Independence Town Hall Tea Party Association, offers interesting information on public opinion on school choice.

Media

Read More: Poll: Voters Want Broader School Choice