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November 16, 2011 | Commentary by KATRINA CURRIE
Gas Drilling for Pennsylvania's Farms, Family and Future
Across Pennsylvania, natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale has benefited not just companies but also human beings -- by creating tens of thousands of jobs, rescuing families from foreclosure, and generating fortunes and sustainable prosperity for farmers, workers and small-business owners.
September 13, 2011 | Commentary by JAMES MILLER, KATRINA CURRIE
The State of Inconvenience
Walk into any supermarket in Ohio and you can see shoppers purchasing everything they need for dinner - including the wine to go with it. In West Virginia, residents can fill up their gas tank and replenish their wine selection in one stop. In fact, every state except Utah provides more freedom over wine and spirits sales than Pennsylvania. This lack of liquor liberty has turned average residents into bootleggers.
August 30, 2011 | Commentary by KATRINA CURRIE, LEONARD GILROY
Preserving Penn’s Woods Proven by Public-Private Partnerships
Earlier this month, Gov. Tom Corbett suggested the commonwealth consider leasing state park operations and services. Almost immediately and without thoughtful consideration, pundits launched political fire, claiming "privateers" would exploit or commercialize our natural resources beyond recognition.
Recent Blog Posts
FEBRUARY 22, 2012
Sec. John Wetzel Talks Corrections Reforms on The BOX
In latest podcast from The BOX, Corrections Secretary John Wetzel chats with Matt Brouillette about reducing the cost of corrections - a major expenditure in the Pennsylvania state budget - while still keeping our communities safe .
Listen to find out what policies have worked in other states, and hear Sec. Wetzel's plans for success in Pennsylvania.
To learn more about correction reforms, see our criminal justice recommendations. And don't forget to subscribe to The BOX in iTunes!
You can also follow Sec. Wetzel on Twitter at @johnewetzel
posted by KATRINA CURRIE | 02:37 PM | 0 comment
FEBRUARY 16, 2012
State Liquor Stores' Soviet-style Socialism Fails
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board once again proves it does not know how to manage a business, and its Soviet-style socialist control fails to satisfy customers.
More than a month ago, the PLCB abruptly closed a liquor store in West Philadelphia that ranked among the top 100 most profitable stores because of building safely concerns. As the Philadelphia City Paper reports, the next closest liquor store is now absurdly backlogged. Customers are being turned away and long lines are common. In fact, the reporter's mother was forced to wait outside in winter's cold because of limited space. To this, the PLCB responded that making customers wait outside in Philadelphia is normal. Normal? As we've mentioned, the PLCB does not understand customer satisfaction.
Even more absurd, the PLCB is looking to replace the closed store with locations that are a 30-minute bus ride away from the previous location, failing to relieve the congestion in the West Philadelphia liquor store.
Despite many examples of customer service incompetence, like this one, policymakers are currently considering expanding the PLCB (through SB 1287), instead of ending its unique monopoly over booze that hurts taxpayers and consumers. Lawmakers should listen to consumers and taxpayers that want their freedom back and privatize the state-run liquor stores.
posted by KATRINA CURRIE | 05:00 PM | 0 comment
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
Which County will be Duped into Imposing Marcellus Tax?
On Monday, Gov. Tom Corbett signed House Bill 1950, the Marcellus Shale impact tax, into law.
The funding formula funnels the first $23 million in revenue to statewide programs. Local communities get 60 percent of whatever is left, with the state getting the rest for additional programs. To see the revenue distribution chart, click here.
With Harrisburg politicians' pet projects getting a large chunk of the initial revenues, county officials face a "Prisoners' Dilemma." The first county to enact the tax will send the funds to Harrisburg. If a county acts alone in imposing the tax, they risk reaping less than $23 million and getting nothing in local revenue.
About 460 Marcellus wells need to be taxed this year to feed the state its $23 million. According to State Impact PA, only three counties (Bradford, Tioga, and Washington) have enough producing wells currently to generate more than $23 million. And already, Bradford County commissioners - where the lion's share of drilling is occurring - have said "no thanks" to a new tax. The commissioners note the county already received ample revenue from drillers in the form of taxes and road repairs.
The question remaining is which county will be first to tax its wells, knowing they may drive drillers away without receiving a nickel for local coffers?
posted by KATRINA CURRIE | 01:30 PM | 0 comment
