High taxes make for a slow-growing economy. And communities feel the pinch of high taxes as more and more native Pennsylvanians leave the Keystone State to prosper elsewhere. To remain economically competitive, Pennsylvania must lower state taxes and ensure businesses have the opportunity to succeed. Lower taxes will incentivize more individuals to call Pennsylvania their home, ultimately spurring our statewide economy forward.

State Budget

Lawmakers Move to Protect Posterity

  • October 23, 2015

The State House recently passed two bills designed to chip away at the commonwealth’s mountain of debt—12th highest among states as recently as 2012, and only growing since. The…

Media

Read More: Lawmakers Move to Protect Posterity

State Budget

Wolf’s Good Cop, Bad Cop Act

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 23, 2015

During 100-plus days of the state budget impasse, Gov. Wolf’s words and actions have been consistently inconsistent, leaving taxpayers and lawmakers confused. Commonwealth Foundation President and CEO Matt Brouillette noted,…

Media

Read More: Wolf’s Good Cop, Bad Cop Act

Government Accountability

Three Reforms that Transcend Party Lines

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 21, 2015

Budget gridlock is hamstringing Harrisburg, but when it comes to transparency and accountability, a bipartisan majority of Pennsylvanians support three key reforms. Paycheck protection, transparency in government union contract negotiations,…

Media

Read More: Three Reforms that Transcend Party Lines

State Budget

Moody’s to Pennsylvania: You’re So Negative

  • October 19, 2015

The budget impasse is creating more problems for Pennsylvanians with each passing day—already costing taxpayers at least $11 million. Gov. Wolf has been using…

Media

Read More: Moody’s to Pennsylvania: You’re So Negative

Education

Wolf Claims More Student Hostages

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 16, 2015

Earlier this week, The Neighborhood Academy, a private school in Pittsburgh, held a rally in the state Capitol to highlight Gov. Wolf’s withholding tax credits for student scholarships. Pennsylvania’s Educational…

Media

Read More: Wolf Claims More Student Hostages

State Budget

Audio: Gov. Wolf Goes Down Swinging

  • Jonathan Reginella
  • October 15, 2015

Last week, Gov. Wolf struck out after his third attempt to enact massive tax hikes was voted down in a bipartisan effort by the House of Representatives­. CF’s…

Media

Read More: Audio: Gov. Wolf Goes Down Swinging

Regulation

Tackling our Structural Deficit Without Tax Hikes

  • October 13, 2015

“I’m not taking anything off the table” said Gov. Wolf shortly after his tax plan was resoundingly defeated in the House last week. The governor’s refusal to abandon…

Media

Read More: Tackling our Structural Deficit Without Tax Hikes

Government Accountability

Poll: Large Majorities Back Transparency & Accountability Reforms

  • October 13, 2015

Poll: Large Majorities in PA Back Transparency & Accountability Reforms Paycheck Protection, Contract Transparency, Spending Limits Get High Marks October 13, 2015, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Critical transparency and accountability measures…

Press Release

Read More: Poll: Large Majorities Back Transparency & Accountability Reforms

State Budget

Three Strikes and You’re Out, Governor Wolf

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • October 9, 2015

Nearly 100 days since the budget deadline, Governor Wolf had proposed three separate tax increase plans—each the largest tax hike in the nation. But when Wolf stepped up to the…

Commentary

Read More: Three Strikes and You’re Out, Governor Wolf

State Budget

Tax Hikes: Wolf’s White Whale

  • James Paul
  • October 8, 2015

Wednesday’s vote on Gov. Wolf’s tax scheme was latest in a long line of political gimmicks aimed at reeling-in Wolf’s white whale: paradigm-shifting tax increases on Pennsylvania families and small…

Commentary

Read More: Tax Hikes: Wolf’s White Whale

Regulation

Pennsylvania’s Public Pension Crisis Grows

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 8, 2015

When you assume an investment return rate of 7.5 percent and your actual returns are 3.04 percent you have a problem. If you are the Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System you…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania’s Public Pension Crisis Grows

State Budget

Great Win for Taxpayers in the Budget Battle

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • October 7, 2015

Today, the Wolf tax hike was resoundingly defeated in the state House (73-127). Repeatedly, Gov. Wolf has failed to convince lawmakers—including those of his own party—to impose his massive hikes…

Media

Read More: Great Win for Taxpayers in the Budget Battle

State Budget

Wolf’s Tax Hikes: 3 Strikes and You’re Out!

  • October 7, 2015

Wolf’s Tax Hikes: 3 Strikes and You’re Out! Time to Abandon Tax-Hike Obsession    October 7, 2015, HARRISBURG, Pa.—This spring, Governor Wolf swung for the fences with a…

Press Release

Read More: Wolf’s Tax Hikes: 3 Strikes and You’re Out!

State Budget

Audio: Gov. Wolf’s Tax Hike Vote

  • Jonathan Reginella
  • October 7, 2015

Today, lawmakers will vote on Gov. Wolf’s third proposal for a tax increase. This “third time’s a charm” scheme reveals that Gov. Wolf has acknowledged…

Media

Read More: Audio: Gov. Wolf’s Tax Hike Vote

State Budget

Wolf’s Tax Hikes: Version 3.0

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 6, 2015

Today, Gov. Wolf unveiled a 3rd proposal for a tax increase. This represents both good news and bad news for taxpayers. The good news is that Wolf now concedes that…

Media

Read More: Wolf’s Tax Hikes: Version 3.0

Taxes & Economy

Pennsylvania’s Shrinking Population Problem

  • October 6, 2015

In The Office finale, Jim and Pam decide to pack up their family and move from Scranton, Pennsylvania to Austin, Texas. While Jim and Pam aren't real, their fictional trek to Texas…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania’s Shrinking Population Problem

State Budget

Wolf Demands $1,000 from Families in Wednesday House Vote

  • October 5, 2015

Wolf Demands $1,000 from Families in Wednesday House Vote “Compromise” Tax Plan Still Largest in State History October 5, 2015, HARRISBURG, Pa.—After months of hyping a “common…

Press Release

Read More: Wolf Demands $1,000 from Families in Wednesday House Vote

State Budget

Gov. Wolf’s Tax Plan Would Devastate Dale

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 5, 2015

Dale Kaplan is a survivor. His family-run dry cleaning business has weathered declining volume, thanks to innovations like no-iron dress shirts, and a devastating fire. Now Dale’s 27 year old business…

Media

Read More: Gov. Wolf’s Tax Plan Would Devastate Dale

State Budget

Can You Afford $1,000 More?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 5, 2015

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a major tax increase. This vote will be, in all likelihood, on a proposal Gov. Tom…

Media

Read More: Can You Afford $1,000 More?