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
Audio Blog: Expectations Exceed Reality with Pa. Pensions
In a recent interview with Stephanie Renee, host of WURD AM’s The Mojo, Nathan Benefield discussed the roots of Pennsylvania’s pension crisis and how to fix it. Pension debt has stacked up…
Media
Read More: Audio Blog: Expectations Exceed Reality with Pa. PensionsGovernment Accountability
New Labor Contracts Will Add to Taxpayers’ Burden
New union contracts will make state government more expensive, according to two analyses released by the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO). The IFO projects contracts negotiated by the Wolf Administration…
Media
Read More: New Labor Contracts Will Add to Taxpayers’ BurdenGovernment Accountability
Teachers’ Union Deceives on Dues Donations
Last week, the Commonwealth Court ordered the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board to investigate Mary Trometter's allegation that the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) used her union dues to support Tom Wolf's run…
Media
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Local Union Complains About Transparency
The school board and the local teachers union in the West Shore School District are in conflict. The two sides have been unable to agree on a contract for two…
Media
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Transparency Improves the Collective Bargaining Process
On August 30, Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich announced the details of a new three-year labor agreement between the Wolf Administration and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal…
Media
Read More: Transparency Improves the Collective Bargaining ProcessEducation
Judge: District Exaggerated Shortfall, Improperly Raised Taxes
Lower Merion School District must revoke a portion of its most recent tax hike, according to a Montgomery County court. In his ruling, Judge Joseph A. Smyth said the…
Media
Read More: Judge: District Exaggerated Shortfall, Improperly Raised TaxesGovernment Accountability
School District Labor Contracts: Surprising Provisions
More than 1.7 million students rely on Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts to meet their diverse educational needs. School boards from each district agree to collective bargaining agreements (labor contracts) with local teachers’…
Memo
Read More: School District Labor Contracts: Surprising ProvisionsGovernment Accountability
Introducing Commonwealth Insight, a Biweekly Podcast
We're excited to announce the launch of Commonwealth Insight, a biweekly podcast where we'll bring you conversations with thought leaders and influencers from around our state and the country.
Media
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Unlearned State Budget Lessons
Charles Mitchell, newly appointed President and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation, appeared last week on PMA Perspective to discuss this year’s state budget process and the “unlearned lessons” of last…
Media
Read More: Unlearned State Budget LessonsCriminal Justice Reform
My Journey to Commonwealth Foundation’s Board
How did a registered Democrat and the daughter of former Democratic Governor George Leader find a place on Commonwealth Foundation’s Board? …
Commentary
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The Taxpayers? False Choice
Governor Wolf and legislative leaders present Pennsylvanians with two options. The first requires taxpayers to fork over hundreds of millions in higher taxes. The second calls for steep cuts…
Media
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Local School District Leads the Way on Transparency
The Quakertown Community School Board (QCSB) is scrapping a conventional collective bargaining practice. Normally, unions and public employers don’t reveal the details of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) until after…
Media
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A Superhero President? Dream On
Note: This commentary appeared in the Lancaster LNP, among other news outlets. If the thought of Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump in the Oval Office frightens you, you’re not…
Commentary
Read More: A Superhero President? Dream OnGovernment Accountability
Jane Leader Janeczek Elected Commonwealth Foundation Board Chair
Jane Leader Janeczek Elected Commonwealth Foundation Board Chair Daughter of Former Governor Brings Passion for Reform to New Role May 24, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—The Commonwealth Foundation Board of…
Press Release
Read More: Jane Leader Janeczek Elected Commonwealth Foundation Board ChairGovernment Accountability
Campaign for Contract Transparency Continues
CF has written at length about the lack of collective bargaining transparency in Pennsylvania’s school districts. Generally, school boards refuse to reveal the details of a…
Media
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Tomorrow’s Two Ballot Questions for Every Party
Tomorrow's primary election is largely a partisan affair in which only registered Republicans or Democrats can vote for the presidential nominee and nominees for state office. But there is one…
Media
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Historic Victory for Transparency
Gov. Tom Wolf just signed Senate Bill 644, empowering the Independent Fiscal Office to estimate the cost of government union contracts before they are finalized. Matthew Brouillette, president and…
Media
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Pa. Brings Transparency to State Union Contracts
Pa. Brings Transparency to State Union Contracts Gov. Wolf Signs Historic Reform Shining Light on Collective Bargaining Costs April 14, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Gov. Tom Wolf today signed…
Press Release
Read More: Pa. Brings Transparency to State Union ContractsGovernment Accountability
Commonwealth Foundation Board Names New President and CEO
Commonwealth Foundation Board Names New President & CEO Executive Vice President Charles Mitchell to Take Helm on July 1 April 12, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—The Commonwealth Foundation Board of…
Press Release
Read More: Commonwealth Foundation Board Names New President and CEOGovernment Accountability
Poll: Wolf Approval Plummets, Far Lower Than Corbett or Rendell at Same Point
Poll: Wolf Approval Plummets, Lower Than Corbett or Rendell at Same Point 35 Percent Approve, 52 Percent Disapprove in Latest Q-Poll April 7, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Following the…
Press Release
Read More: Poll: Wolf Approval Plummets, Far Lower Than Corbett or Rendell at Same PointGovernment Accountability
Transparency Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
Last month, Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled his “Government that Works” plan to reform contracting practices and increase transparency in government. Now, the state Legislature has given Wolf…
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