Fairness
Election Reform in Pennsylvania
Summary Ahead of the 2020 election, Pennsylvania allowed no excuse mail-in voting for the first time. Officials overwhelmed with millions of ballot requests, last-minute state guidance, and litigation resulted in…
Read More: Election Reform in PennsylvaniaThe 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
Senate Open Records Reform: Good, But Can Be Better
State government watchdogs provide input on proposed SB 1 changes HARRISBURG – The effort to overhaul Pennsylvania’s Open Records law will take center stage at the rescheduled Senate State Government…
Press Release
Read More: Senate Open Records Reform: Good, But Can Be BetterGovernment Accountability
Campaign Finance Limits & Public Funding
Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering legislation that would limit campaign contributions and would allow for taxpayer financing of gubernatorial campaigns. This legislation is based on the “Clean Election” model passed by…
Fact Sheet
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Campaign Finance “Reform” is a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Good afternoon. My name is Nathan Benefield; I am the Director of Policy Research for the Commonwealth Foundation, a public policy research and educational institution based in Harrisburg. I…
Testimony
Read More: Campaign Finance “Reform” is a Wolf in Sheep’s ClothingGovernment Accountability
Pat Toomey Joins Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Foundation
HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation—Pennsylvania’s free-market public policy think tank—announced the election of former Pennsylvania Congressman Pat Toomey to its Board of Directors. “We are honored to add…
Press Release
Read More: Pat Toomey Joins Board of Directors of the Commonwealth FoundationGovernment Accountability
4 Bills In 5 Months
WGAL (NBC 8) with a story on the sluggish pace of the full time Pennsylvania legislature. So far this year, they have passed only 4 bills – two renaming…
Media
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Empowering Citizens through Legislative Redistricting & Initiative & Referendum
Thank you Chairman Piccola and members of the Senate State Government Committee for the opportunity to share with you the position and opinions of the Commonwealth Foundation on Senate Bills…
Testimony
Read More: Empowering Citizens through Legislative Redistricting & Initiative & ReferendumGovernment Accountability
Memo to Senate State Government Committee Members
MEMORANDUM TO: Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee Members (Senators Piccola, Folmer, A. Williams, Scarnati, Brubaker, Corman, Punt, McIhinney, Fontana, Hughes, and Tartaglione) FROM: Commonwealth Foundation, Democracy Rising PA, Rock the…
Commentary
Read More: Memo to Senate State Government Committee MembersGovernment Accountability
Taxpayers Need Protection
Delivered on Thursday, April 26, 2007 Good morning Chairman Corman, Senator Regola, and Senator Folmer. It is indeed a pleasure and an honor to be able to come before you…
Testimony
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In Support of a Limited Constitutional Convention
Delivered on Monday, March 26, 2007 Thank you Chairman Piccola and members of the Senate State Government Committee for the opportunity to share with you the position of the…
Commentary
Read More: In Support of a Limited Constitutional ConventionGovernment Accountability
The Elections Big Winner: Reform
Did voters reject Republicans and embrace Democrats in the 2006 elections? Of course; the gains in seats held by Democrats (both nationally and statewide) suggest they did. But the reasons…
Commentary
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Majority believes government doing too much
A poll showing what everyone already knew, including CNN – except lawmakers at the federal and state level, who (in the words of John McCain) “have increased government in…
Media
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The Sanford Model
Wall Street Journal uncovers that there is at least one fiscal conservative remaining in the Republican Party.
Media
Read More: The Sanford ModelGovernment Accountability
Late-night legislating reawakens reformers
Patriot News article on the late night shenanigans of our General Assembly. Also read our News Release on the manner in which “Cover All Kids” was passed. Eric…
Media
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What to do about mediocre political leaders
TCS Daily – The Leadership Myth: “We have to expect mediocrity from political leaders. …The libertarian view is that private institutions, both for-profit and non-profit, are better at…
Media
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Republicans deserve to lose, but what happens if Democrats win?
Pete Du Pont in today’s Wall Street Journal on the policies we can expect should Democrats take control of one or both houses of Congress.
Media
Read More: Republicans deserve to lose, but what happens if Democrats win?Government Accountability
General reassembly
The York Daily Record series of editorials on the merits of a state Constitutional Convention and other governmental reforms.
Media
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House limits access to roll calls during session
UPDATED: According to Capitolwire.com, access to roll call votes have been restored and The Speaker also wrote the House is exploring ways “to provide the public with real time access…
Media
Read More: House limits access to roll calls during sessionGovernment Accountability
Judge sues to refuse pay raise
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article on Superior Court Judge Joan Orie Melvin’s lawsuit to not have her pay raised. I guess she doesn’t agree with Chief Justice Cappy that judges are…
Media
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A Tale of Two GOPs
Wall Street Journal editorial points out that Republicans are in strong shape in places where they stuck to the conservative principles they campaigned on (Florida) and are in deep…
Media
Read More: A Tale of Two GOPsGovernment Accountability
Lame ducks ruffle feathers in 3 statehouses
Stateline.org article on Lame Duck legislatures. Guess which state is the leader in post-election shenanigans.
Media
Read More: Lame ducks ruffle feathers in 3 statehousesGovernment Accountability
EDITORIAL | State judges underpaid?
Williamsport Sun-Gazette editorializes on judges’ pay.
Media
Read More: EDITORIAL | State judges underpaid?