Every 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.

Taxes & Economy

Benefits of Reducing the Personal Income Tax

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • January 10, 2008

Thank you Chairman Turzai, Rep. Quigley, and members of the House Republican Policy Committee for the invitation to share with you why the Commonwealth Foundation believes that reducing taxes…

Commentary

Read More: Benefits of Reducing the Personal Income Tax

Regulation

Public Pension Reform Introduced

  • October 30, 2007

Commonwealth Foundation applauds legislation to enroll new public employees in more predictable, affordable “Defined-Contribution” pension plan HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation joined Rep. Scott Boyd (R-Lampeter), Sen. Pat Browne…

Press Release

Read More: Public Pension Reform Introduced

Criminal Justice Reform

Private Prisons Increase Capacity, Save Money, Improve Service

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 24, 2007

Good Afternoon, my name is Nathan Benefield, I am the Director of Policy Research with the Commonwealth Foundation, a research and educational organization based in Harrisburg. I would like to…

Testimony

Read More: Private Prisons Increase Capacity, Save Money, Improve Service

Taxes & Economy

I-80 lease signed BEFORE details were finalized?

  • October 19, 2007

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, more troubling information was revealed in the ongoing dispute over whether or not the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)…

Press Release

Read More: I-80 lease signed BEFORE details were finalized?

Taxes & Economy

I-80 Lease Signed After Deadline

  • October 18, 2007

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s statements support Commonwealth Foundation’s assertions HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation reasserted its claim that a lease agreement between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC)…

Press Release

Read More: I-80 Lease Signed After Deadline

Taxes & Economy

I-80 Lease Non-Compliant with the Law

  • October 17, 2007

Governor should declare agreement “null and void,” says Commonwealth Foundation. HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation called on Gov. Ed Rendell and the General Assembly to declare the…

Press Release

Read More: I-80 Lease Non-Compliant with the Law

Energy

Energy Policy

  • September 25, 2007

Governor Ed Rendell has proposed issuing $850 million in new debt to subsidize select “alternative energy” companies and energy conservation efforts, along with a mandate that every gallon of…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Energy Policy

Energy

The Hype for Energy Indebtedness

  • September 17, 2007

Governor Ed Rendell contends that his energy policy will help the Commonwealth attain “energy independence.” Don’t believe the hype. His plan imposes new taxes to cover the costs…

Commentary

Read More: The Hype for Energy Indebtedness

Health Care

Health Care Reform: Diagnose, Then Prescribe

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 10, 2007

Following the latest Census Bureau report that 47 million Americans are without health insurance, the talking heads and newspaper editorial boards are renewing their call for “something to…

Commentary

Read More: Health Care Reform: Diagnose, Then Prescribe

Taxes & Economy

Minimum Wage COLAs: Overstated Benefits & Hidden Costs

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 22, 2007

Support for minimum wage increases is based on the idea that a higher minimum wage will “help the poor” by increasing their pay and lifting them out of poverty.

Commentary

Read More: Minimum Wage COLAs: Overstated Benefits & Hidden Costs

Taxes & Economy

For Our Safety: Repeal Act 44

  • August 6, 2007

Commonwealth Foundation urges Governor and General Assembly to fully fund PA’s transportation infrastructure, protect commuters and taxpayers HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation…

Press Release

Read More: For Our Safety: Repeal Act 44

Taxes & Economy

PAs Coming Transportation Taxes: When a user fee is a tax

  • July 17, 2007

HARRISBURG, PA — Lawmakers in Harrisburg are hailing a budget without tax increases, but the Commonwealth Foundation noted that the effect of the transportation funding proposal will be a significant…

Press Release

Read More: PAs Coming Transportation Taxes: When a user fee is a tax

Taxes & Economy

Transportation Letter to Gov. Rendell and the General Assembly

  • July 14, 2007

CF expresses concerns over transportation bill July 14, 2007 The Honorable Edward G. RendellOffice of the GovernorCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaHarrisburg, PA 17120 Members of the General AssemblyCommonwealth…

Press Release

Read More: Transportation Letter to Gov. Rendell and the General Assembly

Regulation

Smoking Bans

  • July 10, 2007

The effort to ban smoking in restaurants, bars, and private businesses is a product of bad science and worse economics.

Fact Sheet

Read More: Smoking Bans

Regulation

Gov. Ed Rendells Ransom

  • July 9, 2007

PA Governor holds state workers and public services hostage for higher taxes and fees, despite $650M tax surplus. HARRISBURG, PA – Nearly 25,000 state workers were furloughed and many public…

Press Release

Read More: Gov. Ed Rendells Ransom

Taxes & Economy

Rushed Legislation is Usually Flawed Legislation

  • July 3, 2007

Commonwealth Foundation and Reason Foundation urge lawmakers to slow down on the transportation proposal MEMORANDUM TO: Members of the Pennsylvania State Senate, Members of the Pennsylvania House of RepresentativesFROM:…

Press Release

Read More: Rushed Legislation is Usually Flawed Legislation

Taxes & Economy

Spending Diet Step #3: Stop Over-Taxing

  • July 3, 2007

Commonwealth Foundation calls on lawmakers to return the state’s $650 million surplus to taxpayers HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation called upon the General Assembly to return the state’s…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Spending Diet Step #3: Stop Over-Taxing

Taxes & Economy

Higher Taxes, More Debt Coming Down the Pike

  • June 30, 2007

Commonwealth Foundation warns against transportation funding proposal Harrisburg, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation warned against the higher fees and long-term debt encompassed in the transportation funding proposals winding their…

Press Release

Read More: Higher Taxes, More Debt Coming Down the Pike