Public Union Democracy
Unions should be about employees, not about politics
Originally published at The Hill “I’ll be honest with you,” said Teamsters President Sean O’Brien in a recent podcast interview. “I’m a Democrat, but they have f—ed…
Read More: Unions should be about employees, not about politicsPennsylvania will only become a beacon for opportunity when its policies are in the hands of taxpayers and citizens, not special interests and bureaucrats. It’s vital that our government is accountable to the people—not organizations or institutions. Policies that advance transparency and restore workers’ rights are the keys to this happening.
Related Issues
Government Accountability
Collective Bargaining Transparency
Government union contract negotiations can have far reaching implications because they set compensation for tens of thousands of public employees, costing taxpayers billions each year. Despite the enormous impact, the…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Collective Bargaining TransparencyGovernment Accountability
‘Transparency’ Governor Negotiates $3.8 Billion Contracts with Campaign Funders in Secret
For Immediate Release Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 ‘Transparency’ Governor Negotiates $3.4 Billion* Contracts with Campaign Funders in Secret Budget Secretary Evades Questions on Negotiations, Keeping Taxpayers…
Press Release
Read More: ‘Transparency’ Governor Negotiates $3.8 Billion Contracts with Campaign Funders in SecretEducation
Education-Industrial Complex Strikes Again
Much has been made of recent comments from U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan regarding school funding in Pennsylvania. According to Duncan, Pennsylvania's families are “being shortchanged when…
Media
Read More: Education-Industrial Complex Strikes AgainPublic Union Democracy
Gov. Wolf Authorizes New Union Money-Grab
On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf issued an executive order that effectively helps SEIU (Service Employees International Union) unionize home health care workers. Many of these workers are simply taking…
Media
Read More: Gov. Wolf Authorizes New Union Money-GrabPublic Union Democracy
Union Rally for ‘Equality’ Really about Political Pressure
Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 Union Rally for ‘Equality’ Really about Political Pressure Campaign Finance Records Indicate Rally Sponsor SEIU Wants Return on Political Investment Good morning, Today,…
Press Release
Read More: Union Rally for ‘Equality’ Really about Political PressureGovernment Accountability
PA Union Campaign Contributions Exceed $10 Million
Pennsylvania government unions gave more than $10.5 million to candidates last election cycle. We updated our analysis of union political spending using the latest reports filed with the PA…
Media
Read More: PA Union Campaign Contributions Exceed $10 MillionPublic Union Democracy
Paycheck Protection Advances in the Senate
Teachers and government workers are one step closer to getting their voices back. Yesterday, members of the Senate State Government Committee passed a constitutional amendment version of paycheck protection.
Media
Read More: Paycheck Protection Advances in the SenateEducation
Thousands of Philly Students Left on Waiting Lists
The long, frustrating wait continues for Philadelphia families desperate for educational opportunity. Last Wednesday, Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission (SRC) rejected 34 of 39 charter school applicants. Five…
Media
Read More: Thousands of Philly Students Left on Waiting ListsPublic Union Democracy
Committees Vote on Paycheck Protection, Liquor Privatization
Lawmakers took action in committees today on both liquor privatization and paycheck protection. Here’s what’s happened in Harrisburg: Liquor privatization: This morning, the House Liquor Control Committee advanced HB…
Media
Read More: Committees Vote on Paycheck Protection, Liquor PrivatizationPublic Union Democracy
Paycheck Protection is About Morality, not Cost
It is a principle of good government that electoral politics are not mixed with official government business. Yet state and local governments in Pennsylvania continue to collect political campaign funds…
Commentary
Read More: Paycheck Protection is About Morality, not CostGovernment Accountability
Audio: Stepping Towards a Balanced Budget
This year, Pennsylvania lawmakers have the formidable task of eliminating a projected $1.7 billion budget deficit. Bob Dick, a CF policy analyst, spoke with Gary Sutton about what can be…
Media
Read More: Audio: Stepping Towards a Balanced BudgetGovernment Accountability
Political Spending by Government Unions During the 2014 Election
The evidence is overwhelming: Unions use members' dues and taxpayer resources to push their political agenda. By passing paycheck protection, Pennsylvania can move toward leveling the political playing field, making…
Memo
Read More: Political Spending by Government Unions During the 2014 ElectionGovernment Accountability
No More Silent Treatment, Lehigh Commissioners Want Transparency
Lehigh County commissioners are getting the silent treatment during labor contract negotiations, and they aren’t happy about it. Reportedly, the current county executive, Tom Muller, refused leadership…
Media
Read More: No More Silent Treatment, Lehigh Commissioners Want TransparencyEducation
Teachers Denied the Right to Represent Themselves
Last week the Bethlehem Area School District approved a new labor contract that will force all teachers—even those who do not want the union’s services—to pay the organization hundreds of…
Media
Read More: Teachers Denied the Right to Represent ThemselvesEducation
After 50 years of Union Control, Philly Schools Still Failing
Academic failure, school violence, and financial mismanagement have been the dubious hallmarks of the School District of Philadelphia for decades. In that time, there has been one constant actor fighting…
Commentary
Read More: After 50 years of Union Control, Philly Schools Still FailingPublic Union Democracy
Mary’s Law is Introduced
Paycheck protection legislation, known as “Mary’s Law,” was officially introduced in the state House of Representatives as HB 238. With the backing of 39 co-sponsors, Mary’s Law seeks to…
Media
Read More: Mary’s Law is IntroducedEducation
Podcast: A Local-Only Teachers Union?
Michigan teacher Jim Perialas has an unusual story. In 2012 his school, Roscommon Area School District, became the first in decades to decertify (or leave) the state-wide Michigan Education Association…
Media
Read More: Podcast: A Local-Only Teachers Union?Government Accountability
Will Gov. Wolf Stay True to “Openness” in Government?
Gov. Tom Wolf’s first week in office included several moves to paint a picture of ethics and transparency in state government. First Wolf issued executive orders banning executive staff from…
Media
Read More: Will Gov. Wolf Stay True to “Openness” in Government?Education
Philly Classrooms Out $200 Million, PFT Declares Victory
Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 Philly Classrooms Out $200 Million, PFT Declares Victory What Could $200 Million Buy Philadelphia Students? Good afternoon, In a blow to education reform…
Press Release
Read More: Philly Classrooms Out $200 Million, PFT Declares VictoryEducation
Five Ways Dollars Are Kept Out of Philadelphia Classrooms
The school district of Philadelphia saw a $1 billion increase in revenue over the past decade, even as enrollment declined. Yet many claim there isn’t enough funding for basic…
Media
Read More: Five Ways Dollars Are Kept Out of Philadelphia ClassroomsPublic Union Democracy
Audio: Mary’s Law Ends Unfair Political Privilege
Government unions have the luxury of using taxpayers’ resources—which should never be used for politics—to collect their political dues money and direct campaign contributions. Simultaneously, these unions have been wrongly…
Media
Read More: Audio: Mary’s Law Ends Unfair Political Privilege