PA Ranks 27th in Economic Freedom, Lawmakers Can Make a Difference

Commonwealth Foundation
Contact: 717-671-1901

PA Ranks a Mediocre 27th in Economic Freedom, Lawmakers Can Make a Difference

New Report Shows Expanding Economic Freedom Could Boost Incomes by Thousands

Good morning,

A new report on economic freedom released this week by the Fraser Institute ranks Pennsylvania 27th among the 50 states. The report notes that states with the most economic freedom enjoyed a $55,000 average GDP per capita while the least-free states averaged just $48,000—a $7,000 difference per person.

Find the Fraser Institute’s full Economic Freedom of North America report here.

“This report shows that expanding economic freedom is fundamental to growing and maintaining prosperity,” commented Elizabeth Stelle, director of policy analysis for the Commonwealth Foundation. “Because our state sits in the middle of the pack among its competitors, lawmakers have a great opportunity to tangibly enhance the lives of Pennsylvanians.”

Stelle continued:

Protecting workers’ rights through paycheck protection, reversing the state’s declining credit rating by addressing pension costs, and maintaining a flat and fair personal income tax are all ways lawmakers can help the state climb back up the ladder of economic freedom. Such measures promise to put money back into the hands of Pennsylvanians and spur long-term job growth.

Elizabeth Stelle is available for comment. Please contact us at 8717-671-1901 to schedule an interview.

Best,

Cindy Hamill
Dir. of Strategic Communications
Commonwealth Foundation
Harrisburg | King of Prussia
Office: 717-671-1901
chd(at)commonwealthfoundation(dot)org