Archive
Corbett’s pick for Supreme Court should have smooth run through Senate
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG – It seems that Gov. Tom Corbett’s pick to fill a vacancy on the state Supreme Court will have a relatively easy path to confirmation by the state Senate.
The leaders of … Read the rest
Corbett makes final push for liquor privatization before budget deadline
By Melissa Daniels | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — With 17 days left until the state budget deadline, Gov. Tom Corbett is in the home stretch trying to clinch one of his top priorities — liquor privatization.
But opponents aren’t letting that happen without … Read the rest
PA offers amnesty plan for $613M in unemployment payments
By Melissa Daniels | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — Remember when you were unemployed, and the state sent those checks to you, even after you started your new job?
Yeah, about that. It’s time to pay up.
But don’t worry too much. … Read the rest
Corbett administration pushes back against Medicaid expansion savings
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — The administration of Gov. Tom Corbett says a report on Medicaid expansion by the state’s Independent Fiscal Office improperly claims as much as $515 million as savings, revenue or underestimated costs to … Read the rest
On PA pensions, plenty of ideas but none catching fire with lawmakers (Video)
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — There is little disagreement that Pennsylvania’s $47 billion-and-growing public pension debt represents a serious threat to the financial future of the state, its school districts and taxpayers.
But there is little in the … Read the rest
Revenues up, but not up enough — budget challenges ahead in PA
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania has an extra $67 million in the bank with two months to go in the fiscal year.
But that won’t make the budget process any easier.
That’s because the budget proposal … Read the rest
Corbett shares agenda abroad, while mum on schedule back home
By Melissa Daniels | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — When Gov. Tom Corbett is on an international trade mission, you’ll know exactly where to find him.
It might even be easier than when he’s in Harrisburg.
Corbett is on a … Read the rest
Corbett aiming for special deal on PA Medicaid expansion
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett is continuing to seek a special deal with the federal government to increase flexibility in how Pennsylvania will administer Medicaid under the new federal health care law.
Corbett met Tuesday … Read the rest
Unions promise challenges to PA pension reform
By Melissa Daniels | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — No laws have been changed, and no legislation is even introduced, but Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration is already defending its pension plan.
Public sector unions promise to challenge the proposal. The plan, … Read the rest
Former PA governors say no to elections for appellate judges
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG – Three former governors elected by Pennsylvania voters a total of six times over the past 34 years argued Monday that those same voters should not be trusted to choose the state’s highest-ranking … Read the rest
It’s a wrap: Film tax credit funding flat, with new award structure
By Melissa Daniels | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — Managers, sound crews, religious deities, moms and husbands often get thanked during awards speeches. But the state taxpayers who helped foot the bill? Not so much.
Forty states offer some kind of … Read the rest
Federal tax hikes put squeeze on consumer spending in Pennsylvania
By Melissa Daniels | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania government kicked off budget hearings this week, setting up a three-week process of number crunching and policy showdowns meant to help lawmakers shape the spending plan for the coming year.
The … Read the rest
UPDATED: PA’s private lottery contract unconstitutional, AG says
By Melissa Daniels | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s Attorney General Kathleen Kane rejected the governor’s contract with Camelot Global Services to manage the Pennsylvania Lottery.
Kane, during a five-minute news conference Thursday, said the contract “contravenes the Pennsylvania … Read the rest
Controversial gas tax shift could rebuild Pennsylvania roads
By Melissa Daniels | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania could finally see some serious improvements in roads and bridges, but only if lawmakers are willing to follow the governor’s plan to raise funds through a plan that might also boost … Read the rest
PA governor wants pension ‘reform’ now in return for huge costs later
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG – Proposed pension reforms in Pennsylvania save about $175 million next year at a cost of billions in the long run.
During his budget address on Tuesday, Gov. Tom Corbett called on lawmakers … Read the rest
Corbett’s third budget will increase taxes for gas, lower payments for pensions, cut business taxes
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Corbett on Tuesday began pitching his budget to the members of the General Assembly and the people of Pennsylvania. He will call it a balanced budget that does not raise … Read the rest
Corbett divides, hopes to conquer union opposition of liquor store proposal
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett on Wednesday unveiled a plan to privatize Pennsylvania’s monopoly liquor store system, simultaneously executing a deft political move intended to accomplish a goal of his administration while undercutting some … Read the rest
Pension reform will likely target future benefits, PA budget chief says (Video)
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — Facing nearly $1 billion in new pension costs in the next two years, Pennsylvania appears to be inching toward reforming retirement benefits for state employees and public school teachers.
Monday, Budget Secretary … Read the rest
Is prohibition finally dying in Pennsylvania?
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG – While all eyes in the state Capitol were trained on the glittering rotunda for the swearing-in of a new attorney general, Corbett administration officials were hard at work Tuesday afternoon crafting … Read the rest
British bidder bets on profits, branding in lottery proposal
By Melissa Daniels | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — A British company poised to manage the Pennsylvania Lottery plans to boost the bottom line by getting more people to play lottery games.
But some lawmakers are skeptical.
Senate Finance Committee Minority … Read the rest