Public Union Democracy

Forced speech atrocity

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 15, 2006

Dimitri Vassilaros column in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review about the Washington state lawsuit on whether unions can use mandatory dues for political activity, without consent of the dues paying member.

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Government Accountability

Pay Raise is Back

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 14, 2006

The Patriot News reports that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reinstated last July’s pay raise, for judges–a ruling which raises the pay of the Supreme Court Justices. The ruling also…

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Taxes & Economy

Property Tax Relief that Isn’t

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 11, 2006

The new property tax “relief” plan, Act 1, is already taking heat for not providing much relief – even for senior citizens, the group targetted for immediate relief – based…

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Regulation

Hair Braiding Drama

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 6, 2006

Patriot News article on the fear of unlicensed hair-braiders vs. the danger in regulatory professions (though they emphasize the former). Read Stephen Albert’s commentary on the burdens of…

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Health Care

Will Mandatory Health Insurance Work?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 6, 2006

NCPA Analysis of Health Insurance Mandates, such as the new Massachusetts law and proposals discussed at recent hearings in Pennsylvania. Bottom line: they won’t work, and they could drive…

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Government Accountability

The real meaning of ‘reform’

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 5, 2006

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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Health Care

Tax Credits for Health Care

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 31, 2006

While Pennsylvania lawmakers discuss mandating universal health care coverage, a Census Bureau report indicates fewer people are receiving health insurance from their employers, and more are paying for…

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Regulation

Fines for Sex without a License

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 29, 2006

Legislation proposed by State Rep. Keith McCall would require prospective massage therapists to take 600 hours of classroom training, have instruction in CPR and HIV, pass an exam, and…

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Government Accountability

Legislative leaders need a diet

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 26, 2006

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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