Regulation

Pennsylvania’s Path to Prosperity

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • May 7, 2009

In any economic crisis, politicians scramble to “do something” to show voters they’re   “on the job.”  Ironically, the greatest threat to our recovery is not government’s inaction, but rather its…

Commentary

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Public Union Democracy

Prevailing Wage Law Harms Philadelphias Black Workers

  • April 24, 2009

Since construction began on the Philadelphia Convention Center, the city's black construction workers have protested, with good reason, the lack of opportunity for minority workers on public construction projects.  Unwilling…

Commentary

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Taxes & Economy

The Un-Silent Majority

  • Matthew Brouillette, Nathan Benefield
  • April 20, 2009

Nearly 10,000 Pennsylvanians rallied on Tax Day, April 15th, against wasteful government spending, high and rising taxes, and burgeoning government debt and deficits.  The nonpartisan, anti-establishment “Tea Parties” were held…

Commentary

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Taxes & Economy

Tax Freedom Day 2009

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 14, 2009

Circle April 14th on your calendar this year as Tax Freedom Day for Pennsylvania.  While tomorrow is the deadline for filing income tax forms, today is the day Pennsylvanians can…

Commentary

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Energy

Electricity Deregulation: A Successful Transition

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 7, 2009

Most Pennsylvania residents will soon see significant increases in their electricity bills. Many state lawmakers are concerned about the political backlash they will receive as a result. But it is…

Commentary

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Regulation

Philadelphia’s “Pension Reform” is Generational Theft

  • Richard Dreyfuss
  • March 31, 2009

Faced with significant budget deficits and the burden of ever-increasing pension contributions, Philadelphia is attempting to finesse itself out of a financial dilemma. In simple terms, the city cannot afford…

Commentary

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Public Union Democracy

The Coming Union Bailout

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • March 27, 2009

America's history is filled with stories about entrepreneurs who persevered through repeated failure before eventually succeeding. These pre-21st century men and women didn't get help from the government, they turned…

Commentary

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Education

State Can’t Spend Its Way to Student Success

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • March 19, 2009

For years, the educational establishment has claimed that not enough is being spent on public schools – that if more money is pumped into the system, student achievement will improve. …

Commentary

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Health Care

Free Markets: An Unknown Ideal

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 17, 2009

President Obama, Governor Rendell, and many in the media have been echoing a similar refrain recently, "Conservatives had their chance.  We tried free markets, and they failed."  When exactly they…

Commentary

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Taxes & Economy

Scotland Students Need More Educational Choices

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • March 13, 2009

To plug a $2.3 billion deficit caused by overspending, Gov. Rendell has proposed closing the Scotland School for Veterans' Children.  Although the $13 million in state funds the school received…

Commentary

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Regulation

Pennsylvanias Spending Problem

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • February 27, 2009

Imagine our economy is a pond.  In the name of “economic stimulation,” Gov. Ed Rendell goes to one side of the pond, dips in a bucket, pulls it out and…

Commentary

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Education

School District Consolidation is a Red Herring

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 13, 2009

In the movie Men in Black, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) carries a small device that flashes, allowing him to make people forget meeting him (or seeing aliens).  Gov. Rendell…

Commentary

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Education

Obama Transparency Standard Challenges School Boards

  • February 3, 2009

Pennsylvania school boards have been presented an opportunity to measure up to the standard set by our new President.  In his inaugural address, Barack Obama promised that public business would…

Commentary

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Regulation

Six Years of Rendells Stimulus is Enough

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 27, 2009

Gov. Ed Rendell is, as head of the National Governor’s Association as well as the chief of a state facing a major revenue shortfall, leading the push for a federal…

Commentary

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Regulation

Boscovs Bailout is Bad for Business

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 19, 2009

With bailout mania sweeping the nation, it is hardly a surprise to see the struggling Boscov’s department store with its hand out.  But the current proposal to give Boscov's $35…

Commentary

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Education

The PSEA: A Worm in the Apple

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • January 7, 2009

Every taxpayer in the Commonwealth should be aware of the influence and agenda of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA).  Despite its name, the organization’s top priority is not educating…

Commentary

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Regulation

Rendells Wicked Game

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • December 12, 2008

People are but mere pawns for Gov. Ed Rendell’s use as political leverage in an inexorable pursuit of his policy agenda. Thousands of state employees were unnecessarily furloughed…

Commentary

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Education

What’s Wrong With Pennsylvania Higher Education

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • December 2, 2008

In the midst of rising tuition, dwindling tax revenue, and a recession, the presidents of 13 state-owned colleges are collectively receiving $147,427 in raises, which would equal tuition for 27…

Commentary

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Regulation

Government Can’t Cure Our Economic Woes

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 23, 2008

Pennsylvania is facing a deep shortfall in revenue which, through October, stands at $565 million. Putting this in perspective, the shortfall in 2002-03—which led to increases in the state…

Commentary

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Public Union Democracy

Which Obama Will Be President?

  • Matthew Brouillette, Nathan Benefield
  • November 13, 2008

Will an Obama presidency bring a lurch to the political Left in America?  This is of great concern for those of us who believe that our prosperity and security do…

Commentary

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Public Union Democracy

Worker Freedom Ensures Economic Prosperity

  • November 10, 2008

Along with the rest of the nation, Pennsylvania is struggling to rebound from the recent economic turmoil. Unfortunately, being a compulsory union state puts the Commonwealth at a marked disadvantage.

Commentary

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