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

Payback: Pennsylvania voters kick out incumbents

  • May 17, 2006

Tony Phyrillas says: “The incumbents had the money. They had the name recognition. They had the party machine behind them. They had all the advantages. But they still lost.”…

Media

Read More: Payback: Pennsylvania voters kick out incumbents

Government Accountability

Incumbents Under Fire

  • May 15, 2006

The Wall Street Journal’s John Fund sees PA’s primary tomorrow as a possible bellwether election for conservative anger at unprincipled leadership.

Media

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Government Accountability

Democracy vs incumbency

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 11, 2006

John Baer on the power of incubmency in the Philadelphia Daily News (citing Commonwealth Foundation data).

Media

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Government Accountability

A Revolution in 2006?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 9, 2006

The 2006 primary election will serve as an important yardstick as to the lingering outrage in the electorate from the legislative pay raise on July 7, 2005 and failure to…

Commentary

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Government Accountability

The price of gas

  • April 25, 2006

Gouging…by government. Read the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Editorial.

Media

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Government Accountability

One Man Collection Agency

  • April 13, 2006

John Baer of the Philadelphia Daily News on Gov. Rendell’s campaign contributions.

Media

Read More: One Man Collection Agency

Government Accountability

Cohen hits the books: $28,200 worth

  • April 3, 2006

Rep. Cohen, the #3 leader of the House Dems, is a self-described “voracious reader.” The bad news is that we taxpayers are being compelled to support his habit. According to…

Media

Read More: Cohen hits the books: $28,200 worth

Government Accountability

TV Coverage of Commonwealth Foundation at PLC

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 31, 2006

If you won’t be able to attend the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, you will still be able to catch it all live on PCN – Pennsylvania Cable Network, starting…

Media

Read More: TV Coverage of Commonwealth Foundation at PLC

Government Accountability

Rendell Vetoes “Fair Share Act”

  • March 24, 2006

From the PA Manufacturers Association… FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2006 GOV. RENDELL VETOES BILL CANDIDATE RENDELL ENDORSEDFair Share Act vetoed by governor was identical to measure passed in…

Media

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Government Accountability

Sound Policy IS Sound Politics!

  • March 7, 2006

We are encouraged by the very familiar-sounding policy stance of these candidates for office. Sound policy IS sound poilitics! ______________ Text of March 7 news release…. Coalition of GOP challengers…

Media

Read More: Sound Policy IS Sound Politics!

Government Accountability

Thinking about running for public office?

  • February 11, 2006

The Associated Press provides a good Q&A on what it takes to run for the Pennsylvania Legislatures. Interested? Click here to learn more.

Media

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Government Accountability

City Slickers #1 and #2

  • February 10, 2006

This is funny. The Lt. Governor’s office issued this news release announcing that she and Gov. Rendell purchased the first and second fishing license. Talk about two fishies out of…

Media

Read More: City Slickers #1 and #2

Government Accountability

How a Bill Becomes a Law … PA style

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 8, 2006

In an effort to settle a dispute between some shareholders of Philly-based Sovereign Bank, as reported by the Patriot News, some “ghost voting” ocurred in the Senate. The bill,…

Media

Read More: How a Bill Becomes a Law … PA style

Government Accountability

#254 on the Liberty Index lives up (down?) to his ranking

  • January 31, 2006

Philly Democratic Senator Vince Fumo (who scored the worst on our Liberty Index) has proposed a graduated income tax to further punish the producers in Pennsylvania. Nevermind that the “rich”…

Media

Read More: #254 on the Liberty Index lives up (down?) to his ranking

Government Accountability

Rep. Metcalfe on the Liberty Index

  • January 31, 2006

From a news release from Rep. Daryl Metcalfe… Rep. Daryl Metcalfe: Metcalfe tops Liberty Index for second year in a row. HARRISBURG — Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) is again the…

Media

Read More: Rep. Metcalfe on the Liberty Index

Government Accountability

Liberty Index in Lancaster

  • January 31, 2006

Democratic Rep. Mike Sturla’s response to his F- grade in the Intelligencer Journal is classic: “[T]hese are people who never bothered to drive, or get prescription drugs for their…

Media

Read More: Liberty Index in Lancaster

Government Accountability

Will 2006 be the year of reform?

  • January 6, 2006

Democratic Representative Greg Vitali hopes so. Read his commentary in today’s Philly Inquirer.

Media

Read More: Will 2006 be the year of reform?