Regulation
Cutting Red Tape in Pennsylvania
This report presents findings from Mercatus Center’s State RegData database, analyzing regulations in the Pennsylvania Code as of 2022. The report provides an overview of state regulations, how Pennsylvania’s regulatory…
Read More: Cutting Red Tape in PennsylvaniaPennsylvania’s notoriously high level of regulation is a burden on our state economy. To make the Keystone State a competitive place to live, work, or grow a business, reforms are needed to rein in the regulatory process. Taxpayers deserve a streamlined regulatory process that scrutinizes proposed regulations to ensure frivolous reforms do not overburden the state economy and do not prevent job-seekers from accessing employment.
Regulation
A Band-Aid for Broken PLCB
A change has come to Pennsylvania’s state-controlled liquor monopoly that will improve the customer experience, according to the PLCB. Are we finally going to get liquor privatization after eight decades?…
Media
Read More: A Band-Aid for Broken PLCBRegulation
Union Supports 401(k)s for Philadelphia Teachers
Thousands of school teachers in Philadelphia will see their retirement plans switched to 401(k)-type plans next year—and the union representing those teachers is okay with the reform. Shocked? I should…
Media
Read More: Union Supports 401(k)s for Philadelphia TeachersRegulation
Let Markets Decide Natural Gas Role
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 RoleRegulation
Reform State Pension Plans Now or Pay More Taxes Later
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 LaterRegulation
PLCB Annual Report: I Read it So You Don’t Have To!
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
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 IIRegulation
We Just Lowered the Debt Ceiling
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 CeilingRegulation
Tired of D.C. Partisanship? Here’s an Issue that Unites Most Americans
The political divide in Washington, D.C., may be wider than ever, but a recent alliance between a progressive news site and a free-market think tank in Pennsylvania shows Americans of…
Commentary
Read More: Tired of D.C. Partisanship? Here’s an Issue that Unites Most AmericansRegulation
PA Can’t Afford to Dither on Meaningful Pension Reform
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 ReformRegulation
Podcast: House Offers Compromise Language on Liquor Bill
Public support for liquor privatization is as strong as ever, as our recent survey makes clear. So what’s happening with legislation that hit a snag in the Senate this…
Media
Read More: Podcast: House Offers Compromise Language on Liquor BillRegulation
Liberals and Conservatives Agree: Let Go of Our Liquor
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 LiquorRegulation
Getting Rich off the Government Liquor Monopoly
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 MonopolyRegulation
Guest Post: Opening Up Alcohol Market Competition is the Correct Liberal Position
Today, Jon Geeting of Keystone Politics joined CF‘s Matt Brouillette to unveil a new survey showing strong bipartisan support for liquor store privatization. The following are Jon’s comments from…
Media
Read More: Guest Post: Opening Up Alcohol Market Competition is the Correct Liberal PositionRegulation
Left, Right, Center — Pennsylvanians Want Full Liquor Privatization
Voters have spoken, and they still want liquor privatization. Despite a million-dollar misinformation campaign run by the union leaders of the government liquor stores, Pennsylvanians of all party affiliations…
Media
Read More: Left, Right, Center — Pennsylvanians Want Full Liquor PrivatizationRegulation
Left, Right, Center – Pennsylvanians Want Full Liquor Privatization
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 PrivatizationRegulation
Lawmakers Must Act on Pension Crisis
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 CrisisRegulation
It’s Hard to End Underage Drinking While Promoting Alcohol Consumption
Picture yourself at age 16. Now picture your parents giving you a stern talking-to about the dangers of alcohol abuse. “Drinking before you’re 21 is wrong. It’s dangerous and illegal,”…
Media
Read More: It’s Hard to End Underage Drinking While Promoting Alcohol ConsumptionRegulation
Canada Dry? Nope, Alberta is Benefiting from Liquor Privatization
As lawmakers return to Harrisburg for the fall legislative session, liquor privatization will once again be a topic for debate. Fortunately for the people of Alberta, Canada, debate over whether…
Media
Read More: Canada Dry? Nope, Alberta is Benefiting from Liquor PrivatizationRegulation
How Unions Use Students as Bargaining Chips
When government unions engage in labor disputes, they use their power and monopoly to remind the public of the value of their service. However, schoolchildren should never have to bear…
Commentary
Read More: How Unions Use Students as Bargaining ChipsRegulation
Privatization Opponent Admits State Stores Don’t Dissuade Drunk Drivers
Liquor privatization will kill your father before you go to college or get married. At least that’s what the UFCW and the PA DUI Association wanted you to believe…
Media
Read More: Privatization Opponent Admits State Stores Don’t Dissuade Drunk DriversRegulation
Is Paying Only $2.50 for Health Care Unreasonable?
If you’ve been watching back-to-school news, you’ve probably heard that teachers unions in three Pennsylvania school districts—Shaler Area, Wyoming Area and Old Forge—have gone on strike. Like…
Media
Read More: Is Paying Only $2.50 for Health Care Unreasonable?