Education
Here’s some friendly advice to the new Pennsylvania general assembly
Originally published at The Patriot-News Pennsylvania lawmakers swore their oath of office in Harrisburg, and a new legislative session is upon us. As two former…
Read More: Here’s some friendly advice to the new Pennsylvania general assemblyThe state government is ultimately held accountable to the people through the electoral process—but that should not be the only line of defense against government overreach or waste. Taxpayers deserve a transparent government that works for them. Reforms are needed to reduce corruption and limit the scope of government to its constitutional authority. Additionally, reforms that ensure a transparent budgeting process, a fair electoral process, and a streamlined regulatory process should be pursued to increase the government’s integrity.
Government Accountability
To help child abuse survivors, Speaker Rozzi must play politics well
Originally published at The Philadelphia Inquirer I’m done telling politicians, “Don’t play politics.” It clearly confuses them. Take Pennsylvania House Speaker Mark Rozzi. No, literally, please take him back…
Media Hit
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Director of Policy Analysis Elizabeth Stelle Delivers Remarks at Speaker Rozzi’s Listening Tour
Media Hit
Read More: Director of Policy Analysis Elizabeth Stelle Delivers Remarks at Speaker Rozzi’s Listening TourGovernment Accountability
Commonwealth Foundation to Testify at Speaker Rozzi’s Listening Tour
January 25, 2023, Harrisburg, Pa. — The Commonwealth Foundation will deliver a simple message to House Speaker Mark Rozzi today at the first stop on the speaker’s listening tour: Get back to work…
Press Release
Read More: Commonwealth Foundation to Testify at Speaker Rozzi’s Listening TourFairness
Voter ID Constitutional Amendment
Key Points Voter ID requirements improve election integrity, while voter turnout increases, without impacting election outcomes.Pennsylvania voters support Voter ID requirements by a wide margin, with support across all regions…
Backgrounder
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Why are Democrats doing everything in their power to stop voter ID laws?
Originally published at The Philadelphia Inquirer It’s been two years since we saw rioters descend on the U.S. Capitol in an act that can be categorized as equal parts…
Media Hit
Read More: Why are Democrats doing everything in their power to stop voter ID laws?Government Accountability
Pa. Senate Passes Voter ID and Regulatory Reform
January 11, 2023, Harrisburg Pa. — On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Senate approved three amendments to the state constitution that would enact voter identification, regulatory, and statute of limitation reforms.
Media Hit
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On voter ID, trust the voters
Originally published at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Last session, Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced a proposed constitutional amendment to require voter identification in elections. The state House and Senate must…
Media Hit
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Frequently Asked Q&A About Election Integrity in Pennsylvania
It’s time for all registered Pennsylvanians to exercise our civic duty and head out to vote on Tuesday, November 8th. With public opinion polls showing a lack of confidence…
Research
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PA Is the Epicenter of Democrats’ Political Spending
Originally published at RealClearPennsylvania Democratic gubernatorial nominee Josh Shapiro’s overflowing campaign coffers underscore the importance of Pennsylvania to national politics—and the influence of government unions in elections. With four…
Media Hit
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New Numbers on Political Spending by Government Union Executives
Labor Day is a celebration of the American worker—their contributions and achievements that make this country great. Unfortunately, many American workers are sidelined—even bullied—by organizations that are meant to represent…
Memo
Read More: New Numbers on Political Spending by Government Union ExecutivesFairness
Four Bills Would Empower Workers & Protect Taxpayer Resources
January 25, 2022, Harrisburg, Pa. — Four bills approved by the House Labor and Industry Committee Tuesday could soon bring several key public-sector labor reforms to a House vote. Lawmakers…
Press Release
Read More: Four Bills Would Empower Workers & Protect Taxpayer ResourcesFairness
Op-Ed: How officials use tax dollars in lobbying efforts
Originally published in the PIttsburgh Post-Gazette Used-car salesmen, members of Congress and telemarketers all rank near the bottom of least-trusted professions. The lowest, however, is lobbyist. For decades, media and…
Media Hit
Read More: Op-Ed: How officials use tax dollars in lobbying effortsFairness
Op-Ed: Gerrymandering won’t save unpopular candidates
Originally published in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review With state and congressional redistricting underway in Harrisburg, many politicians have blamed “partisan gerrymandering” for past election losses. But this is another instance when the…
Media Hit
Read More: Op-Ed: Gerrymandering won’t save unpopular candidatesGovernment Accountability
Study: Pa. Taxpayers on Hook for at Least $42 Million in Lobbying Costs
December 6, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa.—Pennsylvania taxpayers paid for at least $42 million in lobbying expenses from 2007–2020, according to two reports released today by the Commonwealth Foundation. The $42 million…
Press Release
Read More: Study: Pa. Taxpayers on Hook for at Least $42 Million in Lobbying CostsGovernment Accountability
How Pa. Governments Use Tax Dollars to Pay Associations to Lobby
Prohibiting local governments and government agencies from diverting public funds to these associations would increase transparency and prevent taxpayers’ dollars from funding lobbying harmful to taxpayers.
Backgrounder
Read More: How Pa. Governments Use Tax Dollars to Pay Associations to LobbyGovernment Accountability
How Pa. Governments Use Tax Dollars to Pay Contract Lobbyists
Prohibiting local governments and government agencies from diverting public funds to these associations would increase transparency and prevent taxpayers’ dollars from funding lobbying harmful to taxpayers.
Backgrounder
Read More: How Pa. Governments Use Tax Dollars to Pay Contract LobbyistsGovernment Accountability
Fiscal Earmarks Reduce State Budget Transparency
The 2021–2022 Fiscal Code contains at least $5.5 billion in federal and state funds earmarked for special projects across the state, up from $120 million last year. Most of this…
Backgrounder
Read More: Fiscal Earmarks Reduce State Budget TransparencyEducation
The Race to Rebuild: How Pa. Can Bounce Back After COVID-19
Pennsylvanians are facing some of the biggest challenges of their lifetimes. It is time for lawmakers to launch a race to rebuild Pennsylvania using the following policy solutions.
Report
Read More: The Race to Rebuild: How Pa. Can Bounce Back After COVID-19Government Accountability
Pa. Supreme Court Grants Governor Unchecked Emergency Powers
July 1, 2020, Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pa. Supreme Court ignored the commonwealth’s tradition of checks and balances between branches of government in a ruling on a lawsuit between…
Press Release
Read More: Pa. Supreme Court Grants Governor Unchecked Emergency PowersGovernment Accountability
5 Ways Lawmakers can Avert a COVID-19 Lawsuit Frenzy
The economy is reopening, but the threat of lawsuits from COIVD-19 exposure is just beginning.
Fact Sheet
Read More: 5 Ways Lawmakers can Avert a COVID-19 Lawsuit FrenzyGovernment Accountability
CF Amicus Brief Calls out Wolf for Overstepping his Authority
Commonwealth Foundation filed an amicus curiae brief in the case of Wolf v. Scarnati et. al.—arguing that the Governor must follow the legislature’s concurrent resolution to end the declaration of…
Testimony
Read More: CF Amicus Brief Calls out Wolf for Overstepping his Authority