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
Who Owns “Big Oil”?
We’ve previously pointed out that a tax on natural gas is a direct tax on landowners, but a new study shows it hurts teachers and state workers too. “Big…
Media
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Inky: PLCB Paradox Puzzling, Primitive
We give a strong hat tip to the Philadelphia Inquirer today for their spot-on editorial blasting the PLCB’s perilous plan promoting perestroika. Finding absurdity in the new plan to bring…
Media
Read More: Inky: PLCB Paradox Puzzling, PrimitiveRegulation
A Penny Saved or a Penny Burned?
For any family, saving a few dollars for the future and paying off credit card bills would be the fiscally prudent path. Likewise, state lawmakers should resist the temptation to…
Commentary
Read More: A Penny Saved or a Penny Burned?Regulation
Should States Stop Regulating Telephones?
Land line use in the United States continues to decline as more households are going “wireless” and relying exclusively on their cell phones. About 17 percent of Pennsylvania households…
Media
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A Half-Billion Saved is a Half-Billion Earned
After April’s General Fund tax collections came in at 9 percent above forecasts, some lawmakers are clamoring to spend any surplus Pennsylvania has at the end of the…
Media
Read More: A Half-Billion Saved is a Half-Billion EarnedRegulation
Public Pensions & Politics
Here’s a presentation on government pensions from our senior fellow Rick Dreyfuss. PA Pension Reform Presentation …
Media
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PLCB’s Consumer Ca$htastrophe Continues
In another blinding flash of the obvious, the PLCB, Pennsylvania’s purveyors of perestroika, revealed in a Harrisburg Patriot News article today what we already knew: The supermarket wine kiosks…
Media
Read More: PLCB’s Consumer Ca$htastrophe ContinuesRegulation
Booze Boss Bio Baffles Board
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board called our offices to let us know we were misinformed when we noted that PLCB Chairman Joe Conti co-sponsored legislation to privatize the liquor stores…
Media
Read More: Booze Boss Bio Baffles BoardRegulation
Good News for Home Builders
Back in January 2010, I noted the unwise decision by the Department of Labor & Industry to implement new building codes based on recommendations by the International Code…
Media
Read More: Good News for Home BuildersRegulation
Exposing the State Store Myth on Facebook?
One of my friends sends me this [names redacted]: So one of my facebook friends just turned 21, and this is her Facebook status right now: just bought my…
Media
Read More: Exposing the State Store Myth on Facebook?Regulation
Public Policy and Free Enterprise in Pennsylvania
Public Policy and Free Enterprise in Pennsylvania represents a partnership with the Commonwealth Foundation and the department of economics at Duquesne University. Key findings in these five papers include Over…
Commentary
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On Pennsylvania’s Job Growth
Former Gov. Ed Rendell emerged from his semi-retirement to toot his own horn, saying his spending is why Pennsylvania’s economy is so great. Rendell cites statistics that Pennsylvania ranks…
Media
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PLCB’s Real Agenda
Last month, we exposed the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s alternative to liquor store privatization scheme, which is making headlines today after the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Tuesday.
Media
Read More: PLCB’s Real AgendaRegulation
Retaining the Film Tax Credit: Two Thumbs Down for Taxpayers
Behind the lens of Gov. Tom Corbett's budget the focus is largely on putting taxpayers first and fostering economic growth. But at a time when the director should be yelling,…
Commentary
Read More: Retaining the Film Tax Credit: Two Thumbs Down for TaxpayersRegulation
Streamlining State Government
Pennsylvania businesses must navigate a complex web of regulations from more than 340 independent state agencies, offices, state departments, boards, commissions, and committees stemming from the executive branch. Several other…
Report
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Streamlining State Government Testimony
Thank you Chairman Smucker and members of the committee for the opportunity to testify before you today. I’m Nate Benefield, Director of Policy Research at the Commonwealth Foundation for…
Testimony
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Despite Union Propaganda, Residents Support Privatization
The Morning Call and Muhlenberg College recently conducted a poll on Pennsylvania’s budget situation. Despite months of union sponsored misinformation campaigns, Pennsylvania residents remain largely supportive…
Media
Read More: Despite Union Propaganda, Residents Support PrivatizationRegulation
Double Standard in Liquor Control Enforcement
The Pennsylvania Independent has an excellent exposé on the double standard in liquor control enforcement between bars and restaurants and Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor stores. State police regularly perform…
Media
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PLCB Wants to Imitate Private Retailer
After CF’s Nathan Benefield testified last week to the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee on the benefits of liquor store privatization, special interest groups testified that allowing the…
Media
Read More: PLCB Wants to Imitate Private RetailerRegulation
Benefits of Liquor Store Privatization for Pennsylvanians
Good morning. I am Nathan Benefield, Director of Policy Research for the Commonwealth Foundation. We are a nonprofit, independent public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg.
Testimony
Read More: Benefits of Liquor Store Privatization for PennsylvaniansRegulation
And the Oscar for Higher Taxes Goes to?
Given that Gov. Corbett may end Pennsylvania’s $75 million film tax credit program, the film industry is out in force to prove it’s more unique than other industries, saying it…
Media
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