Elizabeth Stelle
Director of Policy Analysis
Elizabeth has researched and written on government reform, health care, welfare, energy, and government transparency. Her work has been featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Patriot-News, Philadelphia Inquirer, and a variety of radio and television programs throughout the commonwealth. Elizabeth is a graduate of Grove City College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history.
A native of Ohio, Elizabeth makes her home in the Pittsburgh area with her husband and four children. She enjoys swimming, traveling to historic landmarks and exploring the moral foundations of capitalism.
Education
Ten Reasons for Optimism
This week state lawmakers advanced a plethora of good policy, from legislation to finally end the government liquor monopoly to a bill that would improve health care in rural areas.
Media
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After Obamacare: Myths & Facts
Will people lose insurance? Will hospitals lose money? Are jobs going to be lost? The truth of Obamacare repeal is more optimistic. …
Commentary
Read More: After Obamacare: Myths & FactsHealth Care
A New Wave of Welfare Reform
Governors across the country are proposing game-changing welfare reforms and Pennsylvania should follow their example. Yesterday, Maine submitted a waiver to the federal government asking for permission…
Media
Read More: A New Wave of Welfare ReformRegulation
Following Zippo’s Lead on Pensions
Zippo’s recent retirement plan transition is another example of why Pennsylvania state government should do the same. As Zippo CFO Don Hall said, defined contribution plans like 401(k)s carry…
Media
Read More: Following Zippo’s Lead on PensionsHealth Care
Reforming Medicaid Is a Moral Imperative
Note: This op-ed was originally published in the Lancaster LNP. Do you know someone who desperately needs medical care but can’t access it? Few things are more heartbreaking. Helping people…
Media
Read More: Reforming Medicaid Is a Moral ImperativeHealth Care
7 Ways to Fix Health Care on the 7th Anniversary of Obamacare
Seven years ago, Obamacare became the law of the land. Later today, the US House is scheduled to vote on a controversial repeal and replace bill. While the outcome in Washington…
Media
Read More: 7 Ways to Fix Health Care on the 7th Anniversary of ObamacareRegulation
Senate Prepares New Pension Reform Bill
The state Senate is preparing to introduce a pension reform bill nearly identical to the compromise bill that fell three House votes short last fall. Senator Pat Browne and Majority…
Media
Read More: Senate Prepares New Pension Reform BillHealth Care
Policy Points: After ObamaCare
Obamacare increased the number of people holding insurance cards but failed to increase access to quality and affordable health services. It’s time to put patients, not government bureaucrats, in charge…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Policy Points: After ObamaCareRegulation
Policy Memo: The Downside of Raising the Minimum Wage
In February, Gov. Wolf proposed raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $12, claiming a higher minimum wage will raise revenue, reduce welfare participation and spur job growth. These claims are…
Memo
Read More: Policy Memo: The Downside of Raising the Minimum WageTaxes & Economy
What the Soda Tax Can Teach us About the Budget
The high costs of Philadelphia's soda tax are mounting by the week. The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting a 30-50 percent drop in beverage sales for some supermarkets and distributors.
Media
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Shifting the Budget Paradigm with Five Reforms
What if, instead of viewing bills as non-negotiable, we actually asked “why” spending keeps rising? From duplicate programs to politically favored businesses to operational redundancies, the cost-drivers in the state…
Commentary
Read More: Shifting the Budget Paradigm with Five ReformsState Budget
Opportunity Knocks for State Budget Innovation
“Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.” Pennsylvanians should heed these words from author H. Jackson Brown, Jr. in the upcoming budget season. Governor Wolf and key legislative…
Media
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Top Ten Recipients of Government Union Contributions
Since 2010, five government unions have contributed $18 million from Political Action Committees. These same unions reported spending $40 million on "political activities and lobbying" using union dues. A significant…
Commentary
Read More: Top Ten Recipients of Government Union ContributionsHealth Care
The Case for Block Granting Medicaid
Governor Wolf is decrying efforts in Washington to give states more control over Medicaid through a block grant. This will have a devastating impact for many Pennsylvanians, and…
Media
Read More: The Case for Block Granting MedicaidHealth Care
4 Obamacare Failures & How to Fix Them
For almost seven years the benefits of Obamacare have been exaggerated and the costs severely underestimated. As repeal efforts gain momentum, many are understandably uncomfortable about another dramatic shift in…
Media
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Five Big 2016 Victories Across the States
We love end-of-year lists. And while you can find boatloads of them across the internet (including our most popular blog posts of the year!), some of the most exciting policy…
Media
Read More: Five Big 2016 Victories Across the StatesTaxes & Economy
How to Grow PA’s Economy
An intimidating budget shortfall this year and next has state leaders calling for a change to the status quo. That is: surging state spending. Governor Wolf is pulling back on corporate…
Media
Read More: How to Grow PA’s EconomyEducation
A Christmas Wish List for Pennsylvania
“No more lives torn apart, and wars would never start, and time would heal all hearts.” You might recognize those words from the ubiquitous-around-the-holidays song, “Grown-Up Christmas List.” Grown up? Sure.
Commentary
Read More: A Christmas Wish List for PennsylvaniaTaxes & Economy
Pennsylvania is Shrinking
For the first time in 31 years, Pennsylvania's population is shrinking. The Census Bureau reports Pennsylvania’s total population fell by more than 7,600 last year. In state-to-state migration,…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania is ShrinkingPublic Union Democracy
Watch for Sweeping Changes Outside the Beltway
The political landscape has experienced a seismic shift, and it isn't centered in Washington DC. This past weekend Kyle Peterson of the Wall Street Journal highlighted Pennsylvania and six other…
Media
Read More: Watch for Sweeping Changes Outside the BeltwayTaxes & Economy
No Doubt About it: PA has a Severance Tax
What do Christmas festivities, a new office building, and a Ford Explorer have in common? They were all paid for with impact fees on natural gas, raising doubts about the necessity of…
Media
Read More: No Doubt About it: PA has a Severance Tax