Chastity Kishpaugh
Director of the Office of the CEO
Chastity Kishpaugh is the Director of the Office of the CEO at the Commonwealth Foundation.
Originally from Southern California, she traded sunny skies for the adventure of life as a U.S. Army spouse more than 25 years ago—a journey that shaped both her leadership style and her passion for service.
While living abroad, Chastity discovered her deep commitment to relationship building. As a volunteer, she served soldiers and their loved ones, supporting military families through extended deployments. This experience laid the foundation for a career centered on people, purpose, and connection.
Before joining the Commonwealth Foundation, Chastity worked in the new home industry, where she led strategy, events, and training initiatives. Across every role, she brings a thoughtful, people-first approach that strengthens organizations and the communities they serve.
5.3% Increase, with No Tricks
Pete DeCoursey of Capitolwire.com tries to explain all the tricks that are being used to disguise the real agreed-to budget increase of 5.3%: Less than 16…
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Read More: 5.3% Increase, with No TricksState Budget
Budget Deal Autopsy: The Good, the Bad, the Uglyand A Fistful of Unspent Dollars
HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation offered a brief analysis (with apologies to Clint Eastwood) of the tentative Pennsylvania General Fund budget deal that is currently being finalized in…
Press Release
Read More: Budget Deal Autopsy: The Good, the Bad, the Uglyand A Fistful of Unspent Dollars
Reader questions about budget
Questions from a PolicyBlog Reader: Q: What is this $1.6 billion dollar fund referenced in the Post-Gazette? It appears to be slots money which, I thought,…
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Oh yeah – the budget is higher
The agreed-to budget figure Gov. Rendell reported last night was lower. From Pennsylvania Legislative Services: GOVERNOR ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM THE MEDIABy Kimberly CollinsThis afternoon the…
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Lame Duck, or Big Winner?
Tony Phyrillas celebrates Rendell’s losses in the budget deal – too bad that doesn’t do taxpayers any good. Phyrillas likes the “no new taxes” – but new taxes…
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Economics of Smoking Bans
Some more resources on the economic impact of smoking bans, for legislators considering a smoking ban – see also our Policy Point on Smoking Bans: ECONOMIC LOSSES…
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Secondhand Smoke Facts
Some more resources on the scientific evidence of second hand smoke, for legislators considering a smoking ban – see also our Policy Point on Smoking Bans: Secondhand Smoke…
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Read More: Secondhand Smoke FactsRegulation
Smoking Bans
The effort to ban smoking in restaurants, bars, and private businesses is a product of bad science and worse economics.
Fact Sheet
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Price of Candy is Up!
So I went to our office snack tray to buy an afternoon snack and notice that the price had gone up, and there was a note about the price of…
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Budget PR from PHMC
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission uses it taxpayer provided resources to blame the PA Senate for trying to “cut” programs from the budget (with an $899 million increase). Which…
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Budget Questions
Lingering questions/issues about the budget negotiations (with links to Commonwealth Foundation information on these issues): What will be the final percent increase in the General Fund? The Taxpayer Protection…
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More Debt for Pork?
According to reports, the House Democrats are holding up the budget negotiations for more $500 million in new bonds for “Redevelopment Assistance Capital Projects.” What the heck are those, you…
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Read More: More Debt for Pork?Regulation
Gov. Ed Rendells Ransom
PA Governor holds state workers and public services hostage for higher taxes and fees, despite $650M tax surplus. HARRISBURG, PA – Nearly 25,000 state workers were furloughed and many public…
Press Release
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A Letter To Ed
Letter from a soon-to-be furloughed state worker to Gov. Rendell, courtesy of PA Clean Sweep. Topics on this page Ed Rendell…
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Tax Impact of SCHIP Expansion
Last week I pointed out that Governor Rendell’s call for increased federal funding of SCHIP was because by passing “Cover All Kids”, the General Assembly created a program which…
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Public Schools Respond to School Choice
Post Gazette story on Regional Choice Initiative in Beaver County. This would allow students who want a particular class, not offered by their district, to enroll in that class…
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Pass it all NOW – Don’t think!
News release from the GovernorEditorial by the Post-Gazette calls for legislators to act on “reform” and pass a bunch of legislation in early July – unrelated to the budget…
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Some Definitions
“Ponzi scheme,” from Wikipedia Rendell Energy Plan, from the Governor’s office Note the striking similarities. Also read Jared Walczak’s commentary on Energy Depletion. Despite all of the…
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Read More: Some DefinitionsTaxes & Economy
Rushed Legislation is Usually Flawed Legislation
Commonwealth Foundation and Reason Foundation urge lawmakers to slow down on the transportation proposal MEMORANDUM TO: Members of the Pennsylvania State Senate, Members of the Pennsylvania House of RepresentativesFROM:…
Press Release
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More Rendell Rhetoric
Governor’s latest news release: “Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians are without health insurance, roads and bridges are crumbling, public transit services are being cut and medical research facilities…
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Gov: “Spend it All!”
Central Penn Business Journal on Governor Rendell’s press conference:. Rendell said he is particularly disturbed by comments Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Gibson Armstrong (R-Lancaster and York counties)…
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