Our Spendthrift States Don't Need a Bailout

nate — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Last year at this time, many governors and state legislators were imploring Congress to let them spend more money by expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Since the states share the cost of the program with Washington, the expansion would have allowed them to cover families with incomes up to 300% of the poverty level (more in some cases). It also would have meant hundreds of millions in additional state spending, and an estimated $24 billion in additional federal spending. President Bush vetoed the bill.

The Road to Serfdom

jessica — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It's exciting that the world is so excited about Barack Obama. I'm excited, too. That he achieved the presidency says something good about America.

Why Spending Stimulus Plans Fail

nate — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Congressional Democrats are now demanding another economic stimulus package to "inject" as much as $300 billion into the economy. The package will fail -- just like last year's $333 billion in emergency spending and $150 billion in tax rebates failed. There's a simple reason why.

Five Principles to Guide Our Commonwealth

nate — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:08:50 -0500

Remarks on Receipt of the 2008 Speaker Franklin Award of the Commonwealth Foundation, Nov. 11, 2008

Thank you for this splendid award named for one of my favorite Pennsylvanians. In the spirit of Ben Franklin, let me state in brief five basic principles which I believe should provide guidance to our nation and our Commonwealth as we try to work our way through these perilous times.

Say No to the Auto Bailout

nate — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and the United Auto Workers union are pouring millions of dollars into a lobbying campaign for a taxpayer bailout.

The money devoted to influence peddling in Washington would be better spent on improving quality and finding ways to reduce a bloated cost structure, but both management and UAW have decided that fleecing taxpayers is a better option.

Promises, Promises

nate — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:58:25 -0500

Here’s a stunner. Based on the 2008 general fund budget of $526.6 million and a September enrollment of 26,649, the Pittsburgh Public Schools are spending at a rate of $19,796 per student. This in a City where the Schools and the City government created the Pittsburgh Promise, a scholarship program that will guarantee college aid to public school students who graduate with a minimum (2.25 in 2009) grade point average.

Which Obama Will Be President?

nate — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:57:13 -0500

Will an Obama presidency bring a lurch to the political Left in America? This is of great concern for those of us who believe that our prosperity and security do not come from new or expanded government programs, but from free people living in a free society engaged in a free economy.

As far as we can tell, there are four possible scenarios that we can look forward to (or dread).

Statement on the Passing of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll

joesterns — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:39:52 -0500

The Commonwealth Foundation is saddened by the loss of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll. We will fondly remember her unsurpassed dedication to her roles in public service, her compassion and decency, and her desire for fairness in the political and legislative arenas. Our prayers are with her family.

Pennsylvania State Education Association: Compelling Teachers, Marginalizing Students, Lobbying Politicians & Increasing Taxes

nate — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:14:18 -0500

Originally founded as the Pennsylvania State Teachers Association in 1852, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) has transformed itself from a professional development organization for educators into one of the wealthiest, largest, and most politically active labor unions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

With more than 185,500 members, an annual income of more than $84 million through compulsory dues and fee payments and other sources, and 281 full-time employees, the union’s success depends on its ability to:

Harrisburg's Most Powerful Special Interest

jessica — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:39:21 -0500

New policy brief addresses the impact of unions on public education