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.

Government Accountability

TV Report: Waste & Fraud in Public Welfare

  • November 6, 2013

In a scathing investigative report, Chris Papst at CBS 21 revealed a widespread culture in Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare (DPW)—and orders from supervisors—to look past fraudulent claims to enroll…

Media

Read More: TV Report: Waste & Fraud in Public Welfare

Public Union Democracy

Video: The Unintended Consequences of Labor Policy

  • November 5, 2013

Did you know that raising the minimum wage harms the low-skilled workers the policy is meant to help? Or that prevailing wage laws artificially increase the cost of public works…

Media

Read More: Video: The Unintended Consequences of Labor Policy

Regulation

Let Markets Decide Natural Gas Role

  • Gordon Tomb
  • November 5, 2013

Could natural gas replace gasoline or diesel for Pennsylvania drivers? With natural gas certain to become even more plentiful, many people are asking whether that could someday be…

Media

Read More: Let Markets Decide Natural Gas Role

Regulation

Reform State Pension Plans Now or Pay More Taxes Later

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 4, 2013

Is your family ready to lose a mortgage payment or give up cellphone service for increased property and state taxes? Or would you rather see 33,000 public school teachers in…

Commentary

Read More: Reform State Pension Plans Now or Pay More Taxes Later

Government Accountability

PLCB Annual Report: I Read it So You Don’t Have To!

  • November 1, 2013

This week, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board released its annual report. In case reading a 56-page government document isn’t in your weekend plans, here are my notes: Their stated…

Media

Read More: PLCB Annual Report: I Read it So You Don’t Have To!

Regulation

Liquor Privatization Saves Lives? Part II

  • October 28, 2013

Public safety improved in Washington state after liquor store privatization, we told you back in July. As further data comes in, the results continue to impress: Most state alcohol-related…

Media

Read More: Liquor Privatization Saves Lives? Part II

Taxes & Economy

Unions, Democrats Link Transportation to Philly Schools Funding

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 21, 2013

For months, state capitol pundits have complained about a “linkage” between votes on transportation funding and liquor store privatization. Indeed, government unions lobbied with taxpayer resources to try to…

Media

Read More: Unions, Democrats Link Transportation to Philly Schools Funding

Public Union Democracy

Unions Fight to Block $40 Million in Taxpayer Savings

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 18, 2013

Pennsylvania legislative leaders continue discussions over increasing transportation funding. In return for higher spending, some negotiators are seeking modest, common sense reforms to the prevailing wage law. These reforms would…

Media

Read More: Unions Fight to Block $40 Million in Taxpayer Savings

Regulation

We Just Lowered the Debt Ceiling

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 17, 2013

Yesterday, House and Senate leaders came together to negotiate a deal—that passed with bipartisan support in both chambers—to reduce our debt ceiling. If that sounds unbelievable, I should…

Media

Read More: We Just Lowered the Debt Ceiling

Public Union Democracy

Let Commonsense Prevail

  • October 14, 2013

An archaic Pennsylvania law may be stretching your school district’s budget or preventing a construction project in your area from getting off the ground. The law in question is the…

Media

Read More: Let Commonsense Prevail

Regulation

PA Can’t Afford to Dither on Meaningful Pension Reform

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 10, 2013

Is your family ready to pay nearly $900 more in property taxes and state taxes per year? Are you prepared to see 33,000 public school teachers in Pennsylvania — nearly…

Commentary

Read More: PA Can’t Afford to Dither on Meaningful Pension Reform

Regulation

Liberals and Conservatives Agree: Let Go of Our Liquor

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • October 7, 2013

As the partisan divide plays out in Washington, it's encouraging to see one policy battle in Pennsylvania with support on both sides of the political spectrum. Across the state, voters…

Commentary

Read More: Liberals and Conservatives Agree: Let Go of Our Liquor

Health Care

Many Pennsylvanians to See Insurance Premiums Skyrocket

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 3, 2013

Obamacare’s health insurance exchanges are off to a rough start this week. Millions were welcomed with error screens as they attempted to figure out if their health care costs would rise. Fox…

Media

Read More: Many Pennsylvanians to See Insurance Premiums Skyrocket

Regulation

Getting Rich off the Government Liquor Monopoly

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 3, 2013

Joe Conti, who once cosponsored legislation to privatize the state liquor store system, keeps finding a way to profit off of the state’s monopoly on wine and spirit sales.

Media

Read More: Getting Rich off the Government Liquor Monopoly

Regulation

Left, Right, Center – Pennsylvanians Want Full Liquor Privatization

  • October 1, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Commonwealth Foundation & Keystone Politics Contact: 717-671-1901   Left, Right, Center – Pennsylvanians Want Full Liquor Privatization  Survey shows strong bipartisan support, including…

Press Release

Read More: Left, Right, Center – Pennsylvanians Want Full Liquor Privatization

Regulation

Lawmakers Must Act on Pension Crisis

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 30, 2013

Today, Rep. Glen Grell unveiled a state pension reform proposal. We applaud Rep. Grell’s efforts to address the impending pension crisis.  Absent reform, pension contributions will continue to soar,…

Media

Read More: Lawmakers Must Act on Pension Crisis

Health Care

Obamacare Victims Mount

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 30, 2013

By now we’ve all heard the stories of businesses laying off employees or cutting benefits to avoid the huge penalties and fines that will be levied under Obamacare in 2014…

Media

Read More: Obamacare Victims Mount