Pennsylvania will only become a beacon for opportunity when its policies are in the hands of taxpayers and citizens, not special interests and bureaucrats. It’s vital that our government is accountable to the people—not organizations or institutions. Policies that advance transparency and restore workers’ rights are the keys to this happening.

Public Union Democracy

Texas v. Ohio

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 3, 2008

Wall Street Journal article contrasts the economic fortunes between Texas (good) and Ohio (bad), and explores some of the reasons behind this – namely taxes (Texas=low, Ohio=high and increasing)…

Media

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Government Accountability

After returning raise, LaGrotta took it back

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 29, 2008

Another bizarre twist in the payraise debacle was uncovered in the Frank Lagrotta case. Former Rep. LaGrotta was recenlty convicted and sentenced, and more recently face a ruling that…

Media

Read More: After returning raise, LaGrotta took it back

Government Accountability

RIP William F. Buckley

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 27, 2008

Roundup of obituaries, blogs, and other comments on conservative icon William F. Buckley Jr., who passed away at 82 today. National Review OnlineWashington Post ObituaryReason…

Media

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Public Union Democracy

Broad Based Coalition Supports Davis-Bacon Reform

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 26, 2008

News release from the Alliance for Worker Freedom on coalition of organizations (including the Commonwealth Foundation) supporting Davis-Bacon reform: According to James Sherk of the Heritage Foundation, “In…

Media

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Government Accountability

Odds of Dying by Cause

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 22, 2008

Interesting data from the National Safety Council on Odds of Dying for non-natural causes of death. Surprising figures The “safest way to travel” appears to be by streetcar, followed…

Media

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Government Accountability

Q&A on Open Records

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 22, 2008

FAQ on the new Open Records Law from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

Media

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Government Accountability

Mickey Goes to Washington

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 19, 2008

Washington Post article on Walt Disney and other lobbyists pushing for taxpayer subsidies for tourism. If you don’t want to know how the sausage is made, don’t read this…

Media

Read More: Mickey Goes to Washington

Government Accountability

‘Black ops’ in the Legislature

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 18, 2008

Brad Bumsted on the “Black Ops” of BonusGate: The legality of bonuses might not be resolved for some time. But it’s clear that they were wrong, handled “off…

Media

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Government Accountability

State bonus probe widens to Senate’s GOP caucus

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 13, 2008

The Bonus-Gate investigation extends to the Senate GOP, the Patriot News reports. Former staffer-turned-lobbyist Mike Long was one recipient whe defended the bonus process: Long, a former…

Media

Read More: State bonus probe widens to Senate’s GOP caucus

Government Accountability

Rendell: Conservatives don’t like Black people

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 12, 2008

Gov. Rendell said today that conservatives (or at least a small, but meaningful percentage) “are probably not ready to vote for an African-American candidate.” He attributes his margin of…

Media

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Government Accountability

Mommy, why is Vince Fumo in our kitchen?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 12, 2008

The latest Vince Fumo for Senate ad ends with a little girl asking,”Mommy, why is that man in our kitchen?” Oh, so many punchlines to choose from. I’m going…

Media

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Government Accountability

Liberty Index released and GrassrootsPA relaunched

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 5, 2008

The Liberty Index, now produced by the Conservative Reform PAC was released today, rating all state legislators and Governor Rendell on legislation through the end 2007. Hat Tip…

Media

Read More: Liberty Index released and GrassrootsPA relaunched

Government Accountability

“Groundhog day” on Open Records

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 4, 2008

The Open Records bill (SB 1) is expected to be voted on in the House this week, after passing the Senate last week. See the press release from Common…

Media

Read More: “Groundhog day” on Open Records

Government Accountability

Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 1, 2008

This weekend, sports fans have the ineviable choice of rooting for Luke Skywalker or for Darth Vader in the Super Bowl. Yes, Luke is whiny and obnoxious (read: Eli Manning),…

Media

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Government Accountability

State of the Union Word Analyzer

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 28, 2008

This neat website analyzes State of the Union speeches with word count (Jimmy Carter gave the longest speech) and key word analysis. I like playing with the graphic…

Media

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Government Accountability

Intern at Commonwealth Foundation through Koch Fellows Program

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 28, 2008

The Charles G. Koch Summer Fellow Program is offering State-Based Policy Internships. Students interested in interning at the Commonwealth Foundation this summer need to apply by Jan…

Media

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Government Accountability

Campaign Finance Limits Destroy Democracy

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • January 23, 2008

Pennsylvania's Supreme Court recently upheld Philadelphia's law limiting the amount of money that an individual can contribute to a political candidate. While advocates of campaign contribution limits cheered the…

Commentary

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Government Accountability

Rendell Commits $126 Million in Secret Letters

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 21, 2008

Democracy Rising on the fundraising letters sent by Governor Rendell (most during the 2006 campaign) promising taxpayer funding to a variety of corporations.

Media

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Public Union Democracy

Workers’ Rights Model Legislation

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 21, 2008

Evergreen Freedom Foundation has released a new report with model legislation to protect workers’ rights – including paycheck protection, right to work, and others.

Media

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Government Accountability

States Resist REAL ID Implementation

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 19, 2008

Budget & Tax News update on pushback from states (and in Congress) against the REAL ID, with deadlines looming.

Media

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