Energy
Fracking could decide the election in Pennsylvania — and nationwide
Originally published at the New York Post Pennsylvania may be the deciding state in the 2024 election. And new polling from my organization makes clear energy may be the deciding…
Read More: Fracking could decide the election in Pennsylvania — and nationwideEvery family, business owner, and taxpayer in Pennsylvania should be able to increase their financial security without undue interference from our state government. Free-market policies that limit taxes, allow entrepreneurs to innovate and create jobs, and offer stability to families will put our state on track to become a national leader. Policies that enact spending limits, cut taxes, and reduce regulations will help Pennsylvania avoid debt and restore sound fiscal planning that will benefit citizens in the years to come.
Related Issues
State Budget
Taxpayers Fund $1.75 Million Party (& $786 Million Convention Center)
Taxpayers are funding a $1.75 million party to kick-off the grand-opening of the $786 million convention center in Philadelphia, which Pennsylvanians also paid for through an economic development fund.
Media
Read More: Taxpayers Fund $1.75 Million Party (& $786 Million Convention Center)Taxes & Economy
Even Al Gore Opposes Ethanol Subsidies
Yesterday, former Vice President and emperor of global warming alarmism Al Gore admitted that it was a mistake to support ethanol mandates and subsidies. Gore blamed the political dynamics,…
Media
Read More: Even Al Gore Opposes Ethanol SubsidiesTaxes & Economy
Misinformation Fuels Severance Tax (or Fee)
It’s not surprising that so many Pennsylvanians believe the state needs a severance tax, when they are bombarded with biased and misleading information. A recent example comes from the…
Media
Read More: Misinformation Fuels Severance Tax (or Fee)Taxes & Economy
Are Tax Cuts Unfair?
Congress continues to debate whether to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, to allow taxes to go up on everyone, or…
Media
Read More: Are Tax Cuts Unfair?Regulation
Presentation on PA State Spending & Fiscal Crunch: What Now
My presentation to the Berks County Patriots on Pennsylvania state spending and the fiscal and economic challenges facing Pennsylvania is available below, or can be downloaded here:…
Media
Read More: Presentation on PA State Spending & Fiscal Crunch: What NowState Budget
Disingenuous Jan Jarrett
The PennFuture president yesterday continued her lamentation over a lame duck legislature’s failure to expand government, raise taxes and kill jobs: “Every day that passes without…
Media
Read More: Disingenuous Jan JarrettRegulation
No WAMS Pledge
The Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania is starting a new campaign to banish WAMs (Walking Around Money) from the General Assembly, much like some members of Congress are attempting to…
Media
Read More: No WAMS PledgeRegulation
Does Professional Licensing Protect Consumers or Big Business?
After his friend was killed by a drunk driver, Illinois resident Jonathon Schoenakase began to offer bar patrons a free ride home. Although he never charged for this service, Schoenakase…
Commentary
Read More: Does Professional Licensing Protect Consumers or Big Business?Regulation
PA House Passes Recycling Mandate
Monday’s State House voting session focused on the pension bailout, but in the flurry of activity, a little discussed recycling bill that will cost manufacturers thousands annually and deter new…
Media
Read More: PA House Passes Recycling MandateRegulation
Chart: PA Pension Spike Delayed
After the passage of HB 2497 yesterday, assuming Gov. Rendell signs the bill, and it overcomes court challenges on its constitutionality, the dreaded pension spike will be merely delayed a…
Media
Read More: Chart: PA Pension Spike DelayedRegulation
Time to End State Borrowing for “Economic Development”
Fox 29 Philadelphia has a video story up about the use of RACP money—state borrowing for corporate welfare—for projects such as resort spas, sports stadiums, and Tasty Cakes (not…
Media
Read More: Time to End State Borrowing for “Economic Development”Taxes & Economy
Gas Pipelines and Eminent Domain
There is another battle brewing over the development of the Marcellus Shale—pipeline construction and eminent domain. With little infrastructure in place, pipeline companies are contributing to the Marcellus economic…
Media
Read More: Gas Pipelines and Eminent DomainEducation
‘Delivering on the Mandate’ forum brings together policy leaders, concerned citizens
A passionate panel of experts on school choice and smart state spending gathered today for the Commonwealth Foundation’s “Delivering on the Mandate” Policy & Principles Luncheon. According to school choice…
Media
Read More: ‘Delivering on the Mandate’ forum brings together policy leaders, concerned citizensRegulation
Pension “Reform” Goes to Gov. Rendell
HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation expressed disappointment with today’s passage of House Bill 2497, which defers significant pension costs on to…
Press Release
Read More: Pension “Reform” Goes to Gov. RendellRegulation
HB 2497 Increases Pension Unfunded Liabilities
As we’ve pointed out, PSERS own charts show that the reform would leave the pension fund dangerously close to 50% funded—the…
Media
Read More: HB 2497 Increases Pension Unfunded LiabilitiesRegulation
Unwarranted Police Raids
Last week, the Daily Caller featured an article from the Institute for Justice (IJ), which revealed that police in Florida are raiding barbershops for drugs without search warrants,…
Media
Read More: Unwarranted Police RaidsRegulation
Trying to Redefine “Savings” in HB 2497
While many legislators we’ve spoke to agree that we need to move public employees into a Defined Contribution retirement plan—which HB 2497 doesn’t do—and away from the current Defined…
Media
Read More: Trying to Redefine “Savings” in HB 2497Regulation
The Politics of Pensions: Why the Taxpayers Lose
On Friday’s conference call regarding HB 2497, the Union Pension Bailout Bill (because it bails out the union from real pension reform), someone asked why there were so few…
Media
Read More: The Politics of Pensions: Why the Taxpayers LoseRegulation
Media and Bloggers Highlight Coming Pension Battle
In advance of Monday’s vote on HB 2497, the Union Pension Bailout—and afraid folks would be caught unaware of this lame-duck effort—the Commonwealth Foundation issued an action alert;…
Media
Read More: Media and Bloggers Highlight Coming Pension BattlePublic Union Democracy
School Union Continues to Deceive Its Members
Matt wrote earlier about the millions of dollars public sector unions have poured in political campaigns to get their union pension bailout.
Media
Read More: School Union Continues to Deceive Its MembersRegulation
Union Campaign Cash for HB 2497
Who is not aware that the natural gas industry gave tons of campaign cash to elected officials in PA? Very few, as the media loved to tell that story…
Media
Read More: Union Campaign Cash for HB 2497