Pennsylvania’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.

Energy

Climate Change

  • Gordon Tomb
  • May 30, 2019

For decades state government has imposed subsidies, increased regulation and raised energy costs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts have largely failed to make an impact. On the other…

Memo

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Criminal Justice Reform

Four Ways Lawmakers Are Setting Up Pa. For Success

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • May 3, 2019

Freedom and opportunity are on the move in the Keystone State. In the past week, lawmakers have taken four serious strides for the families and business owners of Pennsylvania. We’re…

Media

Read More: Four Ways Lawmakers Are Setting Up Pa. For Success

Regulation

House Tackles Pa.’s Heavy Regulatory Burden

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 25, 2019

Despite record low unemployment and rising wages, three-quarters of Pennsylvania counties have lost residents to other counties and states. Why? One key factor is our poor business climate. According…

Media

Read More: House Tackles Pa.’s Heavy Regulatory Burden

Criminal Justice Reform

Fighting Poverty can be a Bipartisan Effort

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 12, 2019

Here's a letter I submitted to the Philadelphia Daily News on how Pennsylvanians of any ideology can share good intent, and work toward a common goal. I was disappointed…

Media

Read More: Fighting Poverty can be a Bipartisan Effort

Regulation

5 Facts on the Proposed Nuclear Power Bailout

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 20, 2019

Should Pennsylvanians pay more for electricity to benefit nuclear power companies? A group of lawmakers are proposing a new category to our renewable energy mandates known as the Alternative…

Media

Read More: 5 Facts on the Proposed Nuclear Power Bailout

Regulation

New Report Shows Shortcomings of Corporate Welfare

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 4, 2019

Pennsylvania moviegoers who bought tickets for M. Night Shyamalan’s Glass last weekend paid more than the price of the ticket. They paid with their taxes. According to the Department of…

Media

Read More: New Report Shows Shortcomings of Corporate Welfare

Public Union Democracy

PLCB Keeps Employees in the Dark

  • February 1, 2019

Less than one year ago, the Supreme Court declared that public sector workers’ constitutional rights to free speech and association came before government unions’ desire to collect fees from those…

Media

Read More: PLCB Keeps Employees in the Dark

Regulation

How Big is the Pa. State Budget? 17 Million Yoga Rooms

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 22, 2019

Much has been made about a yoga and meditation room in the state Capitol—costing taxpayers about $5,000 to furnish. With an annual state budget that could pay for…

Media

Read More: How Big is the Pa. State Budget? 17 Million Yoga Rooms

Criminal Justice Reform

Punitive Occupational Licensing Laws Bar Pennsylvanians from Work

  • Jessica Barnett
  • January 11, 2019

Pennsylvania’s occupational licensing laws are keeping two Philadelphia women out of work. Courtney Haveman and Amanda Spillane have sued the commonwealth after the Pennsylvania Cosmetology Board denied their cosmetology licenses…

Media

Read More: Punitive Occupational Licensing Laws Bar Pennsylvanians from Work

Regulation

Taking the First Step Toward Pension Reform in 2017-18

  • Colleen Hroncich
  • December 19, 2018

In the Christmas classic Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, the Winter Warlock despairs, “It is so difficult to make a change.” Kris Kringle disagrees, “It’s as easy as taking…

Media

Read More: Taking the First Step Toward Pension Reform in 2017-18

Regulation

Just Say No To Corporate Welfare

  • December 4, 2018

“We prefer the term ‘corporate welfare.’” Elizabeth Stelle, CF’s Director of Policy Analysis, recently appeared on the KD/PG Sunday Edition to discuss the GM bailout, Amazon’s HQ2 forgoing Pennsylvania, and…

Media

Read More: Just Say No To Corporate Welfare

Regulation

Our Christmas Wish: A Solvent Pennsylvania

  • Gordon Tomb
  • December 4, 2018

“I’m dreaming of a solvent Penn’s Woods/Just like the one we used to know.” Lyrics not worthy of Bing Crosby, but still music to the ears of a…

Media

Read More: Our Christmas Wish: A Solvent Pennsylvania

Regulation

Turnpike Toll Hikes Highlight Missed Opportunities

  • Elizabeth Stelle, Nathan Benefield
  • November 30, 2018

There are three things Pennsylvanians have learned to count on: death, taxes, and Turnpike toll hikes. On January 6th, the state toll road will increase rates by another 6…

Media

Read More: Turnpike Toll Hikes Highlight Missed Opportunities

Government Accountability

It’s Apparent PA’s Not Transparent

  • Jessica Barnett
  • November 20, 2018

Parties and perks on taxpayers' dime was the headline-grabbing news from Pennsylvania's Auditor General investigation of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC). His findings underscore the need for government transparency. The SRBC,…

Media

Read More: It’s Apparent PA’s Not Transparent

Regulation

Billions in Bribes Couldn’t Overcome Business Climate

  • Colleen Hroncich
  • November 15, 2018

As the old saying goes, “you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.” Such is the case with the business climate in Pennsylvania. And it appears…

Media

Read More: Billions in Bribes Couldn’t Overcome Business Climate

Regulation

On Amazon and Unilaterally Disarming Corporate Welfare

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 13, 2018

Amazon just announced that instead of one “HQ 2”, they will chose two new facilities—neither of which will be in Pennsylvania, instead choosing New York and Virginia. This shouldn’t…

Media

Read More: On Amazon and Unilaterally Disarming Corporate Welfare

Regulation

Pennsylvania’s Pension Systems

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 6, 2018

In 2017, Pennsylvania passed landmark pension reform that will kick in come January. But our $70 billion plus liability is still growing and so is the municipal pension crisis.

Memo

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Regulation

Four Fast Facts About PLCB Finances

  • November 5, 2018

It’s a timeless tradition. Each year, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) releases its financial report, touting the success of the government’s booze business. Shortly after, CF explains why the…

Media

Read More: Four Fast Facts About PLCB Finances

Regulation

Corporate Welfare: A Bad Deal for Pennsylvanians

  • October 17, 2018

Hanover company WNS closed its doors for good at the end of September, putting 107 men and women out of work. This news comes just two years after Governor…

Media

Read More: Corporate Welfare: A Bad Deal for Pennsylvanians