Elizabeth Stelle

Director of Policy Analysis

Elizabeth Stelle is the Director of Policy Analysis at the Commonwealth Foundation.

Elizabeth has researched and written on government reform, health care, welfare, energy, and government transparency. Her work has been featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Patriot-News, Philadelphia Inquirer, and a variety of radio and television programs throughout the commonwealth. Elizabeth is a graduate of Grove City College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

A native of Ohio, Elizabeth makes her home in the Pittsburgh area with her husband and four children. She enjoys swimming, traveling to historic landmarks and exploring the moral foundations of capitalism.

Energy

Gov. Shapiro’s permitting reforms are not enough

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 25, 2024

Originally published at The Mercury Gov. Josh Shapiro brags about making Pennsylvania “open for business” and “competitive as hell.” He recently tweeted, “We’ve cut red…

Media Hit

Read More: Gov. Shapiro’s permitting reforms are not enough

Health Care

Instead of a ‘Public Option’, We Need a ‘Personal Option’

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 23, 2024

Originally published at RealClearHealth Health care is a mess—and our political leaders aren’t helping. Presidential candidates only offer vague ideas to address our health care problems. From former President…

Media Hit

Read More: Instead of a ‘Public Option’, We Need a ‘Personal Option’

Energy

The DEP won’t use the people who can solve the problem

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • August 9, 2024

Originally published at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Government red tape has long been a problem in Pennsylvania, hindering economic growth and making the commonwealth unattractive for businesses. To address this…

Media Hit

Read More: The DEP won’t use the people who can solve the problem

Education

Shapiro’s Backward Budget

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • August 2, 2024

Originally published at RealClearPennsylvania Pennsylvania’s most precious resource – people – are leaving. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s newly adopted 2024–25 state budget, once more, mimics the policies of other declining…

Media Hit

Read More: Shapiro’s Backward Budget

Education

Fully funded public education must include cyber charters

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • July 19, 2024

Originally published at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review When a parent says that a public school isn’t what it used to be, the implication is usually bad. But for Brenda Jesky,…

Media Hit

Read More: Fully funded public education must include cyber charters

Education

Education Needs More Choices—Not More Money

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • July 11, 2024

Originally published at Delaware Valley Journal Gov. Josh Shapiro and his administration chide the Pennsylvania legislature for hoarding cash with spending sights aimed at draining the commonwealth’s $7 billion Rainy…

Media Hit

Read More: Education Needs More Choices—Not More Money

Education

“Grow PA” Offers a Higher-Ed Reform Model for the Nation

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 13, 2024

Originally published at the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal Too often, lawmakers want to fix higher education by blindly throwing money at the problem. From President Joe…

Media Hit

Read More: “Grow PA” Offers a Higher-Ed Reform Model for the Nation

Education

Pa. schools don’t need more money, students need alternatives

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 8, 2024

Originally published at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette School districts know how to add, but not Pennsylvania students. Statewide scores show declining student outcomes despite historic public education spending. Pennsylvania school…

Media Hit

Read More: Pa. schools don’t need more money, students need alternatives

Health Care

Petty politics and bad regulations hinder telemedicine

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 2, 2024

Originally published at The Patriot-News Dr. Marlene Wüst-Smith practiced telemedicine before it became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, government restrictions sometimes hinder her ability to practice this…

Media Hit

Read More: Petty politics and bad regulations hinder telemedicine

Regulation

Why is rural broadband so challenging? Government red tape, mostly.

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • May 21, 2024

Originally published at Broad + Liberty Politicians celebrate taxpayer funds pouring into Pennsylvania to “bridge the digital divide.” Last month, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) praised the approval of…

Media Hit

Read More: Why is rural broadband so challenging? Government red tape, mostly.

Education

Senate Higher Education Proposal is a Step in the Right Direction

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 25, 2024

Originally published at Delaware Valley Journal A lot of bad plans on how to make higher education affordable exist. There is Gov. Josh Shapiro’s vague “blueprint,” which lacks…

Media Hit

Read More: Senate Higher Education Proposal is a Step in the Right Direction

Education

If Josh Shapiro wants to compete with Ohio, he needs to imitate Ohio

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • February 12, 2024

Originally published at The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Gov. Josh Shapiro is right: Pennsylvania is losing to Ohio. In the last two years, Pennsylvania witnessed a net loss of 2,425 residents and…

Media Hit

Read More: If Josh Shapiro wants to compete with Ohio, he needs to imitate Ohio

Prosperity

Pennsylvania Needs Regulatory Reform

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • January 8, 2024

Originally published at RealClearPennsylvania Katie Walsh owns and operates two businesses: a tattoo parlor and a spa. If she could, Walsh would merge her two businesses. Pennsylvania’s onerous regulations,…

Media Hit

Read More: Pennsylvania Needs Regulatory Reform

Health Care

Getting Insurance is Simple. Getting Care is Not

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • December 14, 2023

Originally published at RealClearHealth ‘Tis the season for health insurance. Open enrollment for Medicare, employer-sponsored insurance, and Pennie plans are in full swing. Plans are plentiful and highly subsidized.

Media Hit

Read More: Getting Insurance is Simple. Getting Care is Not

Energy

RGGI’s downfall gives Shapiro a unique opportunity to create an energy policy that benefits the economy and environment

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 14, 2023

Originally published in The Morning Call The Commonwealth Court’s long-awaited decision against entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative gives Gov. Josh Shapiro an incredible opportunity. RGGI, a debacle Shapiro…

Media Hit

Read More: RGGI’s downfall gives Shapiro a unique opportunity to create an energy policy that benefits the economy and environment

Health Care

The Personal Option for Health Care in Pennsylvania

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 8, 2023

Summary Keep and expand the health care systems that work: Protect Direct Primary Care (DPC) practices. Allow expanded Association Health Plans (AHPs) so small businesses can offer more affordable coverage.

Backgrounder

Read More: The Personal Option for Health Care in Pennsylvania

Regulation

PA Regs Shut Doors to Economic Opportunity

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 12, 2023

Originally published in Delaware Valley Journal Gov. Josh Shapiro recognizes how government regulations come between Pennsylvanians and job opportunities. In his first week, Shapiro acted on his campaign promise…

Media Hit

Read More: PA Regs Shut Doors to Economic Opportunity

Education

History shows Gov. Shapiro’s next move matters

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • July 29, 2023

Originally published in The Patriot-News The next few months are critical to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s legacy, and he knows it. The 2023–24 state budget, due June 30th, remains…

Media Hit

Read More: History shows Gov. Shapiro’s next move matters

Education

Pennsylvania’s education system is broken: here’s how to fix it

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 1, 2023

Originally published in The Patriot-News Are Pennsylvania schools underfunded? Before COVID-19, 52 percent of Pennsylvania voters thought so. Then, after voters learned the actual price tag, this number dropped…

Media Hit

Read More: Pennsylvania’s education system is broken: here’s how to fix it