Public Union Democracy
Government Union Political Spending in the 2021–22 Election Cycle
Key Points Government unions are a top interest group in Pennsylvania, spending more than $190 million on politics since 2007. Government union political action committee (PAC) spending continues to increase,…
Read More: Government Union Political Spending in the 2021–22 Election CyclePennsylvania 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.
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Public Union Democracy
Texas v. Ohio
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
Read More: Texas v. OhioGovernment Accountability
After returning raise, LaGrotta took it back
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 backGovernment Accountability
RIP William F. Buckley
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…
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Read More: RIP William F. BuckleyPublic Union Democracy
Broad Based Coalition Supports Davis-Bacon Reform
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
Read More: Broad Based Coalition Supports Davis-Bacon ReformGovernment Accountability
Odds of Dying by Cause
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
Read More: Odds of Dying by CauseGovernment Accountability
Q&A on Open Records
FAQ on the new Open Records Law from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.
Media
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Drew Carey Video on Education & Teachers’ Unions
ReasonTV video with Drew Carey on union opposition to school reform in Watts Commentary on the video from NTU’s Government Bytes blog…
Media
Read More: Drew Carey Video on Education & Teachers’ UnionsGovernment Accountability
Mickey Goes to Washington
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 WashingtonGovernment Accountability
‘Black ops’ in the Legislature
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
Read More: ‘Black ops’ in the LegislatureGovernment Accountability
State bonus probe widens to Senate’s GOP caucus
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 caucusGovernment Accountability
Rendell: Conservatives don’t like Black people
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
Read More: Rendell: Conservatives don’t like Black peopleGovernment Accountability
Mommy, why is Vince Fumo in our kitchen?
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
Read More: Mommy, why is Vince Fumo in our kitchen?Government Accountability
Liberty Index released and GrassrootsPA relaunched
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 relaunchedGovernment Accountability
“Groundhog day” on Open Records
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 RecordsGovernment Accountability
Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader
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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State of the Union Word Analyzer
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
Read More: State of the Union Word AnalyzerGovernment Accountability
Intern at Commonwealth Foundation through Koch Fellows Program
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
Read More: Intern at Commonwealth Foundation through Koch Fellows ProgramGovernment Accountability
Campaign Finance Limits Destroy Democracy
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
Read More: Campaign Finance Limits Destroy DemocracyGovernment Accountability
Rendell Commits $126 Million in Secret Letters
Democracy Rising on the fundraising letters sent by Governor Rendell (most during the 2006 campaign) promising taxpayer funding to a variety of corporations.
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Read More: Rendell Commits $126 Million in Secret LettersPublic Union Democracy
Workers’ Rights Model Legislation
Evergreen Freedom Foundation has released a new report with model legislation to protect workers’ rights – including paycheck protection, right to work, and others.
Media
Read More: Workers’ Rights Model LegislationGovernment Accountability
States Resist REAL ID Implementation
Budget & Tax News update on pushback from states (and in Congress) against the REAL ID, with deadlines looming.
Media
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