The 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

Mere Coincidence

  • Nathan Benefield
  • July 12, 2006

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…

Media

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Government Accountability

In House, reform’s a no-starter

  • July 11, 2006

Brad Bumsted in today’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on the House’s reluctance (once again) to reform itself.

Media

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Government Accountability

Government Reform

  • June 26, 2006

Patriot-News on Lynn Swann’s proposals for change…well, sort of change.

Media

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Government Accountability

Legislative Pensions: Avoid Them to Fix Them

  • June 26, 2006

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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Government Accountability

The Real Candidates for Office: Liberty vs. Safety

  • June 19, 2006

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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Government Accountability

Is there a Speaker in the House?

  • June 16, 2006

According to Pete DeCoursey of Capitolwire.com, House Speaker John Perzel said this last night on public television’s “Smart Talk”: “When I see that a tattoo artist in the city of…

Media

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Government Accountability

A Mandate for Reform

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • June 14, 2006

Much has been written about the “message” of the May 16 primary election in the weeks since Pennsylvania’s voters thunderously registered their displeasure with “business as usual” in Harrisburg. By…

Commentary

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Education

Arrogant PHEAA: More stonewalling

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 13, 2006

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial review on how the public agency PHEAA refuses to disclose how they spend their money. Hence we propose privatizing PHEAA in our Pennsylvania Piglet…

Media

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Government Accountability

Agency: Unvouchered expenses ‘income’

  • June 12, 2006

The REPUBLICAN & Herald notes that two lawmakers paid taxes on their “unvouchered expenses.” But I thought UEs are not “income” so as not to be a direct violation…

Media

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Government Accountability

Reform Needed in PA

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 1, 2006

Mike Folmer on the primary and the need for reform in Pennsylvania in today’s Wall Street Journal.

Media

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Government Accountability

Savor these election snapshots

  • May 21, 2006

OK, for the record, I don’t sleep in a coat and tie, despite what Pat Carroll thinks! 🙂 It has indeed been a great experience to work alongside folks…

Media

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Government Accountability

John Baer on Tuesday’s Impact

  • May 18, 2006

There wasn’t a “clean sweep,” but there may very well be some “housecleaning.” Read more in the Philadelphia Daily News.

Media

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Government Accountability

Even The Gray Lady Gets The Message In PA

  • May 18, 2006

From Captain’s Quarters Even The Gray Lady Gets The Message In PAThe New York Times recognized the Pennsylvania Earthquake which removed at least thirteen…

Media

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Government Accountability

The Harrisburg Hogs

  • May 17, 2006

Wall Street Journal takes note of the PA primaries. The lesson from Tuesday’s results? “It seems this is a message GOP politicians have to relearn over and over: When…

Media

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Government Accountability

Defeats leave power vacuum in Pa. Senate GOP leadership

  • May 17, 2006

AP story on the upcoming leadership changes in the Senate. Sen. Jake Corman apparently got part of the message: “Clearly the election was a mandate for government reform,” Corman…

Media

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Government Accountability

The Victory In Primaries For Conservatives

  • May 17, 2006

From the Captain’s Quarters Blog…. Over the past week, many of us have written on the frustration felt by conservatives (especially fiscal conservatives) over the past few years. Some…

Media

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Government Accountability

The king is dead

  • May 17, 2006

Philadelphia Daily News’ John Baer on the “Astonishing defeats for Jubelirer, Brightbill”…

Media

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