On February 13th, 2008, the Allegheny Institute hosted former Milwaukee Mayor John O. Norquist. The topic of the event was Improving Pittsburgh Public Schools: Are Vouchers an Answer? Mayor Norquist spoke of his success in instituting school vouchers for public school students in Milwaukee and what school choice advocates in Pittsburgh can learn from the experience. On November 8th, 2007, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk provided testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate Committee for Urban Affairs and Housing on how the state can help the problems of Pennsylvania's urban centers--specifically Pittsburgh. Transcript Available The Allegheny Institute in conjunction with Duquesne University presented a debate on global warming: 'Is Human Activity Causing Global Warming?'. The debate was held on October 25, 2007. The guest speakers were internationally renowned experts Dr. S. Fred Singer and Dr. Charles Keller. On May 9th, 2007, Allegheny Institute Policy Analyst Eric Montarti gave a presentation on Act 1, property tax reform, at the Dormont Republican Committee Conference. Transcript Available On April 26th, 2007, Allegheny Institute Senior Research Associate Frank Gamrat provided testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate Republican Policy Committee on amending the State Constitution to include spending limits on state government. Transcript Available Allegheny Institute Senior Research Associate Frank Gamrat participated in the University of Pittsburgh's Marcella L. Finegold Public Debate series on April 18, 2007. The topic was 'Should Pittsburgh Merge its City and County Governments?' Transcript Available On April 18th, 2007, Allegheny Institute staff provided testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate Majority Policy Committee on the proposal to privatize the State Liquor Store system. Transcript Available Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk addressed the ALOM Spring Conference on April 14, 2007. He discussed population losses in Allegheny County and what can be done to stem the tide. Transcript Available On March 14th, 2007, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk provided testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee on the Governor's proposed budget. Transcript Available On February 22nd, 2007, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk provided testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee on whether to convene a state Constitution Convention. Transcript Available On September 28,2006 The Allegheny Institute hosted a conference featuring business leaders and policy experts. The Conference, Improving the Western Pennsylvania Economy consisted of three panels. The first panel discussed the state's pro-union laws, the second examined tax problems faced by businesses, and the final panel offered concrete proposals for needed policy changes and how business leaders can help advance important issues. The conference featured former U.S. Congressman Pat Toomey as the keynote speaker. On August 1st, 2006, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk provided testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate Majority Policy Committee on a proposed bill to alter the state Constitution to reduce the number of Senate and House Members by 40 percent. Transcript Available On Friday September 30th, the Allegheny Institute celebrated its Tenth Anniversary with a dinner and program emceed by former Allegheny County Chief Executive Jim Roddey. On August 11th, 2005, the Allegheny Institute is hosted a luncheon with Joel Kotkin, an internationally recognized authority on economic, political, and social trends. Mr. Kotkin's presentation: 'The Real Economy of Cities: A Historical Look at the Future of Pittsburgh'. On February 8th, 2005, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk provided testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee on the proposed subsidies for mass transit. Transcript Available The Allegheny Institute honored former Allegheny County Chief Executive James C. Roddey with the first Allegheny Institute Outstanding Public Service Award on February 6th 2004. The Allegheny Institute in conjunction with Social Security Choice.org hosted a town hall meeting on Social Security choice. Fielding questions on the topic were Congressman Pat Toomey, David John of the Heritage Foundation and Maya MacGuineas of the New America Foundation. On May 22nd, 2003, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk testified before a subcommittee of the House of Representatives on the Governor's proposed educational package for Pennsylvania. Transcript Available Recently the Atlas Foundation whose operations are worldwide in scope, prominently featured the Allegheny Institute in two articles in their latest publication 'Highlights'. The first article compares the relative advantages and disadvantages of regional think tanks with that of the more usual state model. The second article spotlights the Allegheny Institute's history, and accomplishments. The piece illustrates the effectiveness that we have had since our inception and gives credit to the funders and board members that have made our success possible. On September 4th, 2002, Senior Research Associate Frank Gamrat testified before the Army Corps of Engineers. He testimony urged the Corps to renew the 10-year dredging permits for the Aggregates Industry. Transcript Available On August 19th, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk testified before a subcommittee of the House of Representatives on potential changes to Pennsylvania's school funding system. Transcript Available On June 8th, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk testified before the Mt. Lebanon Planning Commission against the blighting of the town's upscale mall. Transcript Available On May 23rd, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk presented an economic forecast of the national and regional economy at the 4th annual Entrepreneur's Growth Conference held at Duquesne University. Transcript Available On Wednesday February 20th, 2002,Senior Research Associate Frank Gamrat testified in Harrisburg during a session of the House Labor Relations Committee. He testified on behalf of House Bill 883 which would allow state school districts to be exempted from requiring prevailing wages on school projects. Transcript Available On Monday February 4th, 2002, Allegheny Institute Policy Analyst Eric Montarti, testified at a regional hearing of the Public Utility Commission on regulations governing taxicab competition. Transcript Available On November 8, 2001, Allegheny Institute President Jake Haulk presented an economic forecast of the national and regional economy at the South Hills Holiday Inn. Transcript Available