This week, Matt will discuss “Why Capitalism Works (and “Capitolism”Doesn’t)”, a presentation he gives to thousands of high school students each summer as part of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week.  Then he will chat with some of the younger Commonwealth Foundation staff and interns about their generation’s engagement in public policy and political issues.

The high and rising cost of health care continues to be top political and personal issue in America. While we seem to be able to agree on the problem, we can’t seem to agree on the solutions.

On Saturday, Matt chatted with several guests who helped us look at the different facets of this issue. Dr. John C. Goodman of the National Center for Policy Analysis and Rick Dreyfuss of the Commonwealth Foundation discussed the presidential candidates’ plans, Gov. Rendell’s proposals, the looming problem of Medicare and other retiree health care costs, and more.

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On Saturday, Matt was joined by Institute for Justice President Chip Mellor, as they discuss Chip's new book, "The Dirty Dozen: How Twelve Supreme Court Cases Radically Expanded Government and Eroded Freedom".

Chip talked about how the "Dirty Dozen" cases have had a profound affect on the rule of law and the lives of ordinary Americans.  He also discussed the judicial activism that he believes has both taken away and created new constitutional rights, and what he thinks is the solution.


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This Saturday, Ryan Shafik of the Lincoln Institute will be guest hosting THE BOX.

This is your chance to ‘get on THE BOX’ to talk about the current issues and topics that are important to you. Call 1-800-724-5801 to get on the air!

 

 

On the heels of the first wave of indictments from the “Bonusgate” investigation, it is time to revive the reform fires again. Last week, Matt chat with a number of guests from across the country about systemic reforms their states have embraced.

In Michigan, citizens decided in the 1990s to limit the number of terms legislators can serve. Jack McHugh of the Mackinac Center discussed the Great Lakes State’s experience with term limits. Former Texas Appropriations Chairman Talmadge Heflin talked about the Lone Star State’s limited sessions — despite serving over 24 million people, the legislature meets only 140 calendar days EVERY OTHER YEAR. Colorado citizens have had Initiative, Referendum and Recall for more than 100 years. Jon Caldara of the Independence Institute provided his take on allowing citizens to pass legislation and constitutional amendments. Then Sen. Jeff Piccola chatted about his efforts to force Gov. Rendell to call a special session on government integrity, and the prospects for substantive change in Harrisburg.

 

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Pennsylvania de-regulated its electric utilities in the 1990s, but put rate caps on consumer prices for a period of time.  Well, that time is coming to an end, and consumers will be getting quite an electric shock when they see their electricity bills surge.

Matt will be chatting with a number of guests about what we can expect to happen and what government should and should not do.

 

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This week, Matt will chat with David Boaz of the Cato Institute about his most recent book, The Politics of Freedom: Taking on the Left, the Right, and the Threats to Our Liberties.

From the book jacket:

 

“Is it any wonder that Americans have become so dissatisfied with government today? Politicians have given us soaring federal spending, rampant violations of our constitutional rights, a futile war in Iraq, corruption, incompetence, and a growing nanny state. Now one of the leading libertarian critics of big government raises the flag of freedom.”

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Yes, it is that time of year again when the General Assembly and Governor Rendell are supposed to complete a $60+ billion state spending plan. The deadline has always been June 30, but a budget has not been completed on time since Rendell took office in 2003. In 2007, tens of thousands of employees were furloughed by the Governor. What will happen in 2008?

Matt will get a budget numbers breakdown with Nate Benefield of the Commonwealth Foundation. Sen. Bob Regola and Sen. Mike Folmer will discuss their efforts to limit the growth in spending to the Taxpayer Protection Act level. Sen. Jeff Piccola will discuss his bill to prevent the Governor from using state workers as pawns in the budget negotiations. And House Republican Leader Sam Smith will discuss the shenanigans in the House by the House Democrats and how his Caucus plans to fight higher spending.

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With gasoline prices around $4 a gallon, both consumers and the economy are feeling the pain at the pump. Many political solutions abound from a proposed Federal Gas Tax holiday to a Windfall Profits Tax to Alternative Energy Subsidies.

Matt will chat with Gerald Prante of the Tax Foundation about John McCain and Barack Obama’s ideas. Rolf Hanson of the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania will talk about the record profits of gas companies. Gene Barr of the PA Chamber will discuss the role state government should and should not play in energy policy, and Andrew Moylan of the National Taxpayer Union will chat about the Ethanol boondoggle in America.

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The family has been called the “best health, education and welfare institution ever devised.” If true, what happens when family is on the decline? Is there a quantifiable price tag attached to divorce, unwed childbirth, and fatherless homes? This Saturday, Pennsylvania Family Institute President Michael Geer guest hosts for Matt with an eye-opening look at this hidden big-ticket budget item that hurts all taxpayers.

David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values will join Michael with a recent economic study looking at the taxpayer tally resulting from family breakup. Georgia Family Council President Randy Hicks will discus s the impact on state government budgets, and some good news: how the cost of government can be reduced as families are kept intact. Then Michael will be joined by noted author, speaker and blogger Jennifer Roback Morse with a look at the implications of the recent court order in California legalizing same-sex marriage. Lastly, we’ll introduce the Independence Law Center and its director, Randy Wenger, as he tells how litigation can be used to advance conservative principles, too.

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