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
Taxes & Economy
How Pennsylvania Can Transform Its Tax Code
Pennsylvania’s state and local tax structure is an illogical patchwork of punitive and nuisance taxes, administrative inefficiencies, and special interest carveouts. A new report from the Tax Foundation highlights…
Media
Read More: How Pennsylvania Can Transform Its Tax CodeRegulation
Gov. Wolf’s Unfair Demands Will Hinder the Economy
The Wolf administration is once again attempting to impose excessive costs on the gas industry—and consumers—by proposing triple-digit-percentage increases in fees for authorizing well development. Pennsylvania charges more for…
Media
Read More: Gov. Wolf’s Unfair Demands Will Hinder the EconomyTaxes & Economy
The Unmistakable Merits of Tax Reform
Later today, Rep. Seth Grove and the York County House Delegation will host a legislative forum on the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed late last year.
Media
Read More: The Unmistakable Merits of Tax ReformState Budget
Refocus on Government Assistance that Transforms Lives for Good
Six years ago, the Pennsylvania legislature ended the General Assistance program, a monthly cash benefit to disabled adults. In that same bill, Pennsylvania strengthened food stamp work requirements (later rolled…
Media
Read More: Refocus on Government Assistance that Transforms Lives for GoodCriminal Justice Reform
Removing Barriers to Work for Ex-Offenders
Pennsylvania has a 3-year recidivism rate of nearly 61 percent. Research shows one of the most critical components of successful re-entry is a job. But for 255…
Memo
Read More: Removing Barriers to Work for Ex-OffendersState Budget
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in Pennsylvania
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides tax relief to working people across all income levels. Since its passage, more than 660 businesses have announced raises, bonuses, or enhanced retirement benefits…
Fact Sheet
Read More: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in PennsylvaniaGovernment Accountability
Does Power Corrupt? Absolutely.
Pennsylvania’s prohibition error(!) liquor system lends itself to corruption. The sentencing of former Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) official James Short serves as a stark reminder of this undeniable fact.
Media
Read More: Does Power Corrupt? Absolutely.Taxes & Economy
Tax Reform Continues to Produce Positive News
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has provided much-needed tax relief to working people—a key selling point leading up to passage of the law. However, the act’s advocates…
Media
Read More: Tax Reform Continues to Produce Positive NewsCriminal Justice Reform
Spending Trends & Policy Developments Under Gov. Wolf
In the last four years Pennsylvania has experienced rapid state spending growth. On the plus side, constant tax hike proposals have been largely rejected and policies like pension reform, school…
Memo
Read More: Spending Trends & Policy Developments Under Gov. WolfTaxes & Economy
Exploding Myths about Tax Reform
The misconceptions partially driving public opinion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are stubbornly persistent. Opponents of the tax reform have invented myth after myth to sour public perception…
Media
Read More: Exploding Myths about Tax ReformHealth Care
Small Increases Expected on Pa.’s Exchange
Pennsylvanians who purchase health insurance on the Exchange will finally get some relief from years of premium hikes. Pa. Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman announced they expect an average premium…
Media
Read More: Small Increases Expected on Pa.’s ExchangeGovernment Accountability
State Budget Bill Packed with $35 Million in Earmarks
July 24, 2018, Harrisburg, Pa.—Nearly 50 obscurely-worded earmarks are buried in Pennsylvania’s fiscal code—amounting to $35 million in hidden expenses—according to a Commonwealth Foundation analysis. Click here for a searchable…
Press Release
Read More: State Budget Bill Packed with $35 Million in EarmarksCriminal Justice Reform
Another Step Towards Reducing Barriers to Work
Pennsylvania licenses over 250 occupations, creating unnecessary bureaucracy and obstacles to good paying jobs. Across the country states like Arizona, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Nebraska are eliminating licensure requirements…
Media
Read More: Another Step Towards Reducing Barriers to WorkEducation
Philly’s Soda Tax is Legal But Not Beneficial
This week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld Philadelphia’s soda tax, citing the Sterling Act as grounds for their decision. While supporters celebrate their good intentions, the tax is…
Media
Read More: Philly’s Soda Tax is Legal But Not BeneficialState Budget
The Tangible Benefits of Tax Reform
One of the many benefits of federal tax reform kicked in earlier this month in the form of lower utility bills for Pennsylvania residents. Back in May, the Pennsylvania Public…
Media
Read More: The Tangible Benefits of Tax ReformPublic Union Democracy
More States Reject Prevailing Wage Mandates
Last month, Michigan took a step forward and joined 24 other states that have no prevailing wage law. Could Pennsylvania be the next? For far too long, Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage…
Media
Read More: More States Reject Prevailing Wage MandatesTaxes & Economy
Gov. Wolf’s Overtime Rule Will Backfire
Gov. Wolf’s progressive policy agenda is threatening to make it more difficult to hire and retain workers. Earlier this year, the governor proposed increasing the overtime salary threshold from…
Media
Read More: Gov. Wolf’s Overtime Rule Will BackfireGovernment Accountability
Pennsylvania Needs to Improve Healthcare Accessibility
Recent debates over health care reform in Washington have centered around reorganizing insurance markets, but improving America’s health care system requires a more comprehensive approach. And states can lead the…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania Needs to Improve Healthcare AccessibilityEducation
School Choice Momentum in Pennsylvania
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program established Pennsylvania as a school choice leader when it was introduced in 2001. The program helps thousands of students, but it hasn’t kept…
Media
Read More: School Choice Momentum in PennsylvaniaCriminal Justice Reform
Bipartisan Support for a Second Chance
We all deserve a second chance. This is the core principle underlying “clean slate” legislation, which the legislature overwhelmingly approved last week. The measure, House Bill 1419, sponsored by…
Media
Read More: Bipartisan Support for a Second ChanceHealth Care
Hidden Human Services Spending
What’s the main driver of spending in Harrisburg? It’s not education. The main driver of costs is the Department of Human Services, which includes Medicaid, child services, nursing home care…
Media
Read More: Hidden Human Services Spending