Government Accountability
Dems are determined to stop voter ID, even if it comes at the expense of their top legislative goal
Originally published at City & State PA For two months, Democrats and left-wing activists stonewalled the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to prevent a vote on the voter ID and…
Read More: Dems are determined to stop voter ID, even if it comes at the expense of their top legislative goalThe state government is ultimately held accountable to the people through the electoral process—but that should not be the only line of defense against government overreach or waste. Taxpayers deserve a transparent government that works for them. Reforms are needed to reduce corruption and limit the scope of government to its constitutional authority. Additionally, reforms that ensure a transparent budgeting process, a fair electoral process, and a streamlined regulatory process should be pursued to increase the government’s integrity.
Government Accountability
The real meaning of ‘reform’
Brad Bumsted column in Sunday’s Pittsburgh Tribune Review on the need for legislative reform. He cites the recent Commonwealth Foundation study on reforms needed.
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Legislative leaders need a diet
A must-watch story from KDKA exposing how many legislators leaders take $141 per-diem for “lodging and meals” every day they are in Harrisburg, then charge taxpayers for catering or…
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Potential Effects of Reducing the Size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly
One of the most discussed legislative reforms in Harrisburg is a reduction in the size of the General Assembly. One version of this proposal, SB 890, sponsored by Sen. John…
Fact Sheet
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The Fumo Legal Defense Fund
State Sen. Vince Fumo, under federal investigation for corruption, used $900,000 of taxpayer’s dollars for his legal defense (in addition to $300,000 of campaign contributions) the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
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Principles Worth Fighting For
Though I have watched Braveheart several dozen times, last weekend was the first time that the blood, violence, and men in kilts reminded me of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Unfortunately,…
Commentary
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The Lieberman Lesson
New York Times analysis of the new partisan dynamics: “Traditional Democratic interest groups have steadily lost ground to a more partisan, progressive movement skilled at using the Internet to…
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Lobbyist disclosure first
Paul Carpenter editorial in The Morning Call on why we need a strong lobbyist and regulation and disclosure law before we consider shrinking the size of the General Assembly.
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General Assembly Too Big & Expensive
Editorial in the Press Enterprise Online on reducing the legislature. While they use figures from my testimony, they fail to note that the crux of our position is…
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Swann on Reform
Gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann’s response to a survey on government reform, compiled by Democracy Rising PA, with comments from the Commonwealth Foundation.
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Rendell on Reform
Governor Rendell’s response to a survey on government reform, compiled Democracy Rising PA, with comments from the Commonwealth Foundation.
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Does Size Matter?
If you prefer audio podcast to the text version, you can listen to my testimony on reducing the size of the General Assembly. (Note: the file is 2MB…
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Shrinking the Legislature
Thank you, Chairman Scarnati, and members of the Senate Majority Policy Committee for the opportunity to testify before you today on the issue of whether or not Pennsylvania should reduce…
Commentary
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Database to Monitor Spending?
US Senators Tom Coburn and Jeff Flake have proposed a database tracking all recipients of federal grants (see Cato Institute analysis). Like many of you, I would enjoy easy…
Media
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Is it 1994 all over again?
Former Congressman George Nethercutt in today’s Wall Street Journal on the fall election. He essentially argues that the party that does better is the party that offers the most…
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Mere Coincidence
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial on the six-figure government job awarded to Joseph Hoeffel – who earlier this year dropped out of the Lt. Gov. race after a meeting with Governor…
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In House, reform’s a no-starter
Brad Bumsted in today’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on the House’s reluctance (once again) to reform itself.
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Government Reform
Patriot-News on Lynn Swann’s proposals for change…well, sort of change.
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Legislative Pensions: Avoid Them to Fix Them
The distance between the rulers and ruled continues to widen in Pennsylvania. For retiring and defeated members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate, the daily perks and privileges of office…
Commentary
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Voters have spoken; legislators must now act
The Tribune Democrat ran my commentary on the “Mandate for Reform.”…
Media
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Taxpayers spending over $1 million on lawyers to defend pay raise
As first broken by the Philadelphia Inquirer: “”Do I like hiring lawyers to defend these kinds of suits? No, I hate to do this,” said House Majority Leader Sam…
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The Real Candidates for Office: Liberty vs. Safety
On a stone pillar near the top of the steps ascending toward the Pennsylvania State Capitol is inscribed the following quote from Benjamin Franklin: “Those who would give up essential…
Commentary
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