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
Regulation
Video: Privatizing PA Liquor Stores
State Rep. Mike Turzai stops by to talk about his proposal to privatize Pennsylvania’s wine and spirit sales in a new video: Click the links in this…
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Read More: Video: Privatizing PA Liquor StoresEnergy
The Marcellus Shale: A Real Stimulus
The Marcellus Shale formation is believed to be the largest unconventional natural gas reservoir in America, and its exploration has been coined a modern-day gold rush. A Penn State study…
Commentary
Read More: The Marcellus Shale: A Real StimulusTaxes & Economy
Government Spending and Economic Growth
The Mercatus Center has a new brief policy analysis reviewing the economic literature on the role of government spending and economic growth. Their conclusion would (but should not)…
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Read More: Government Spending and Economic GrowthTaxes & Economy
Gasland Debunked
Tonight, HBO premiered the documentary Gasland – a film about the impacts of natural gas drilling across the United States. Director/producer and Pennsylvania native Josh Fox has been touring the…
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Read More: Gasland DebunkedTaxes & Economy
Baptists and Bootleggers
ReasonTV has a new video up on “Bootleggers and Baptists.” This is a concept that relates to virtually everything we do here at the Commonwealth Foundation. The…
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Read More: Baptists and BootleggersEducation
The True Beneficiaries of Education Subsidies
Gov. Rendell's budget once again demands significant increases in public school spending. Ostensibly, these increases are "for the children," but a close examination of education spending and policy proposals reveals…
Commentary
Read More: The True Beneficiaries of Education SubsidiesRegulation
$27 Billion Pension “Reform”: Still Doubling Down on Generational Theft
On June 16, the PA House passed pension "non-reform" by further deferring the scheduled taxpayers' contributions to the state's largest government pension plans - the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS)…
Commentary
Read More: $27 Billion Pension “Reform”: Still Doubling Down on Generational TheftTaxes & Economy
New Data on Pennsylvania’s Economy Still Grim
Contrary to Gov. Rendell’s seemingly rosy interpretation of Pennsylvania latest job numbers, the BLS data hardly inspires confidence. In May (seasonally adjusted data): Pennsylvania added 19,000 payroll jobs…
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Read More: New Data on Pennsylvania’s Economy Still GrimTaxes & Economy
Video: Welfare Fraud
CF Research Associate Elizabeth Stelle gives testimony on welfare fraud and abuse in Pennsylvania in this latest video, courtesy the PA House Republican Policy Committee. You…
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Read More: Video: Welfare FraudTaxes & Economy
Amish Carrots, Corporate Sticks
Ten days ago the New York Times reported how Amish farmers are being encouraged by environmental bureaucrats and activist groups to clean up the way they farm: For…
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Read More: Amish Carrots, Corporate SticksTaxes & Economy
Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Reports Two Years Overdue
In 2004, Pennsylvania passed the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS). Part of this legislation ordered the PUC to publish annual reports evaluating the AEPS, yet the PUC…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Reports Two Years OverdueGovernment Accountability
Rendell Requests Another Federal Bailout
Gov. Ed Rendell is at it again, lobbying the federal government for “Stimulus 4” (following the 2008 Bush stimulus, the 2009 Obama stimulus, and the 2010 “jobs bill”) demanding another…
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Read More: Rendell Requests Another Federal BailoutState Budget
More Tricks to Balance the PA Budget?
Rumors are circulating the state capitol that Pennsylvania lawmakers will take money out of the Tobacco Settlement Fund to balance this year’s state budget. This is not only a…
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Read More: More Tricks to Balance the PA Budget?Taxes & Economy
Why are PA Roads so Bad?
Some of my friends and I like to take road trips to and through the states that border PA. One of the jokes we always make is, “You can tell…
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Read More: Why are PA Roads so Bad?Government Accountability
PA Teacher Unions Endorse Reduced Pension Benefits, Deferring Contributions
An amendment to the pension deferral bill in the Pennsylvania House would reduce the retirement benefits for new state and school employees, but would continue Gov. Rendell’s proposed…
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Read More: PA Teacher Unions Endorse Reduced Pension Benefits, Deferring ContributionsGovernment Accountability
Tort Reform Opponents: “Let Us Eat Cake”
This month the Pacific Research Institute (PRI) released its U.S. Tort Liability Index: 2010 Report chronicling the critical condition of tort, one facet of America’s law system. Pennsylvania shuffles…
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Read More: Tort Reform Opponents: “Let Us Eat Cake”Regulation
Rendell’s $52 Billion Pension “Reform”
Gov. Rendell and the Democrat-controlled House are trying to redefine pension "reform" by further deferring the scheduled taxpayers' contributions to the state's largest government pension plans - the Public School…
Commentary
Read More: Rendell’s $52 Billion Pension “Reform”Government Accountability
Why Every Teacher Should Stop Paying PSEA Dues
A couple of stories about Pennsylvania’s pension crisis reveal some crazy talk (HT Grassroots PA). First, in an article covering some proposed reforms, Gov. Rendell claims gambling will…
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Read More: Why Every Teacher Should Stop Paying PSEA DuesTaxes & Economy
Hey, PennFuture: Return Your BP Money
In today’s Washington Times, the husband-and-wife team of David and Amy Ridenour at the National Center for Public Policy Research make the case that nonprofit organizations and…
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Read More: Hey, PennFuture: Return Your BP MoneyRegulation
Are Pennsylvania Taxes “Money Well Spent?”
Gov. Rendell proposes balancing the state budget with a combination of new and higher taxes, another federal bailout, and additional state borrowing. When confronted by opposition to additional taxes on…
Commentary
Read More: Are Pennsylvania Taxes “Money Well Spent?”Taxes & Economy
Economics is Funky
In discussing a natural gas severance tax, Patriot News reporter-columnist Laura Vescey makes fun of the fundamental economic principle that companies…
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Read More: Economics is Funky