Commentary

Note from the Team Oct-Nov

• October 15, 2016

 If you’re shopping on Amazon, visit smile.amazon.com first and you can select Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives as your charitable organization beneficiary…

Commentary

Understanding America

• October 5, 2016

All men are created equal. This simple idea—just five words—changes world history, according to Matthew Spalding, author of We Still Hold These Truths and Associate Vice President and Dean of Educational Programs for Hillsdale…

Commentary

Taxes & Economy

Tax Sends Vape Shops Up in Smoke

• September 23, 2016

Imagine you find a way to help others live healthier lives, and this passion leads you to invest your savings to start a related small business. Now, imagine state government…

Commentary

Government Union Campaign Spending (2010-2016)

• September 21, 2016

It is a crime for elected officials to use public resources for politics. Yet, public resources are used to funnel union dues and campaign contributions from workers' paychecks to union…

Commentary

Why Charter Schools–and School Choice–Matter

• September 21, 2016

We talk with Nina Rees, president & CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, about why charter schools matter, what to do about failing charter schools, and the elements…

Commentary

Energy

Lessons from Fracking’s Borderlines

• Gordon Tomb
• September 20, 2016

New Yorkers shouldn’t have to eye secession to tap the riches beneath their feet. Pennsylvanians shouldn’t have to worry that taxes and regulations will drive away opportunity and raise energy…

Commentary

Killing Jobs & Playing Favorites: Meet Pa.’s Tax Code

• Jeff Coleman (Author)
• September 15, 2016

Pennsylvania has more than 3,000 taxing authorities—a staggering number that exceeds almost any other state in the nation. Jared Walczak of the non-partisan Tax Foundation says simplification and neutrality are the…

Commentary

How Money Walks Out of Pennsylvania

• September 1, 2016

Last year, nearly 42,000 Pennsylvanians left the state to pursue their dreams elsewhere--that's one person every 12 and a half minutes. Why? Travis Brown, Forbes contributor and author of How…

Commentary

Education

Charter Reform: Get it Right

• James Paul
• August 30, 2016

Over the next nine months, many students will have their lives transformed for the better. But for thousands of other children, this time of year is defined by disappointment. They are…

Commentary

Regulation

State Government is Killing My Business

• August 22, 2016

In 2013, I opened my first business. I’d overcome many challenges and assumed some gut-wrenching risks to get there, but I did it—and I was proud. But less than three…

Commentary

Removing Labels: My Journey to Commonwealth Foundation’s Board

• August 15, 2016

How did a registered Democrat and the daughter of former Democratic Governor George Leader find a place on Commonwealth Foundation’s Board? Some might say the relationship seems a stretch. Or does…

Commentary

Removing Labels: My Journey to Commonwealth Foundation’s Board

• August 15, 2016

How did a registered Democrat and the daughter of former Democratic Governor George Leader find a place on Commonwealth Foundation’s Board? Some might say the relationship seems a stretch. Or does…

Commentary

Budget 2016-17: Spend-first, Tax-later

• August 15, 2016

“We want to agree on a general appropriations bill, and then we'll get to work on how to pay for it.” That’s not how budgeting should work—just ask any family…

Commentary

Budget 2016-17: Spend-first, Tax-later

• August 15, 2016

“We want to agree on a general appropriations bill, and then we'll get to work on how to pay for it.” That’s not how budgeting should work—just ask any family…

Commentary

Chart of the Month Aug-Sept

• August 15, 2016

On of these Pa. growth rates is not like the others…

Commentary

Chart of the Month Aug-Sept

• August 15, 2016

On of these Pa. growth rates is not like the others…

Commentary

Did you Hear Aug-Sept

• August 15, 2016

Since 2001, the EITC has been a pillar of school choice in the commonwealth, allowing K-12 students to receive financial aid to attend schools that best fit their needs.

Commentary

Did you Hear Aug-Sept

• August 15, 2016

Since 2001, the EITC has been a pillar of school choice in the commonwealth, allowing K-12 students to receive financial aid to attend schools that best fit their needs.

Commentary

Note from the Team Aug-Sept

• August 15, 2016

On July 1, we were thrilled to officially welcome Jane Leader Janeczek, a Democrat and the daughter of former Governor George Leader, as Commonwealth Foundation’s Board Chair.

Commentary

Note from the Team Aug-Sept

• August 15, 2016

On July 1, we were thrilled to officially welcome Jane Leader Janeczek, a Democrat and the daughter of former Governor George Leader, as Commonwealth Foundation’s Board Chair.

Commentary

Commonwealth Insight

• August 10, 2016

Commonwealth Insight is the podcast of the Commonwealth Foundation. Every other week, we'll post new episodes featuring leaders and influencers in our state and country. Subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Google…

Commentary