Staff

DBW: Get Your Free Commonwealth Foundation Newsletter

• March 24, 2021

CwS Sign-Up DBW Topics on this page Public policy…

Media

Energy

Op-Ed: The natural gas severance tax is not a good idea

• Gordon Tomb
• March 24, 2021

If Pennsylvania government wants more revenue, it should drop continual attempts to increase taxes and regulations and instead nurture widespread prosperity.

Commentary

State Budget

Supplemental Appropriations

• Tirzah Duren
• March 24, 2021

Supplemental appropriation is another term for overspending. In theory, this practice covers unforeseeable expenses, but it has become a normal part of the state budget process.

Fact Sheet

Op-Ed: Support emergency powers amendment to restore transparency in state government

• Elizabeth Stelle
• March 23, 2021

Other states are finding ways to improve transparency and provide clear benchmarks for reopening despite the crisis. Wolf’s insistence on secrecy calls into question his leadership and management of the…

Commentary

Op-Ed: Pennsylvania voters can help restore transparency

• Stephen Bloom
• March 19, 2021

The Pennsylvania House State Government Committee recently held hearings to scrutinize the Wolf administration’s pandemic mismanagement and transparency failures throughout the crisis.

Commentary

Public Sector Union 2020 Election Spending

• Jessica Barnett
• March 18, 2021

Public sector union political action committees (PAC) spent $16.7 million in Pennsylvania during the 2019–2020 election cycle, principally on behalf of Democratic politicians.

Backgrounder

Get Your Free Commonwealth Foundation Newsletter!

• March 18, 2021

Thank you for your interest! Unfortunately we've sent out all our copies, but we will get you on the guaranteed list for our next issue, just sign up below! CwS…

Commentary

Op-Ed: Borough of Churches

• Charles F. McElwee
• March 17, 2021

In northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal region, one town illustrates the vital economic and civic role of churches.

Commentary

Energy

Op-Ed: Pennsylvania Lawmakers Seek to Block Entry to Multi-State Climate Compact

• Kevin Mooney
• March 15, 2021

Pennsylvania lawmakers have reloaded legislation from last year that would prohibit the state’s governor from imposing carbon taxes in combination with new climate change regulations without the approval of the…

Commentary

Op-Ed: COVID-19 shows Catholic schools are a necessity

• Jennifer Stefano
• March 12, 2021

For nearly a year, millions of students haven’t set foot in a classroom — an unimaginable disruption that has profoundly affected the lives of America’s youngest generation. I promise you,…

Commentary

State Budget

Opportunity Finds a Way

• Marc LeBlond
• March 11, 2021

The 2018-19 budget increased EITC by $25 million, providing an additional 8,000 student scholarships. Each child deserves an exceptional education—one that fits their unique gifts and talents. Parents should have…

Fact Sheet

Downsides of the Minimum Wage

• Elizabeth Stelle
• March 11, 2021

Thank you Chairman Roae, Chairman Galloway, and members of the House Commerce Committee for inviting the Commonwealth Foundation to testify on this persistent issue. I am Elizabeth Stelle, the Director…

Testimony

Are Pa. Public Schools Profiting from COVID?

• Jennifer Stefano
• March 10, 2021

Are Pennsylvania public schools profiting off the coronavirus pandemic—while many are keeping their doors closed to students? That’s the question Laura Ingraham asked Jennifer Stefano last night on Fox News.

Media

Steps to Enhance Election Integrity

• Jessica Barnett
• March 10, 2021

In 2020, Pennsylvania’s newly amended election law struggled under unprecedented mail-in voting, yet last minute state guidance and judicial decisions not only skirted election law, but further delayed results and…

Fact Sheet

Despite Pandemic, Pa. School Districts Fiscally Healthy—Sitting on Billions

• Michael Torres
• March 10, 2021

March 10, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa. — A new analysis of Pennsylvania school district finances done by the Commonwealth Foundation shows that the vast majority of districts are likely fiscally…

Press Release

Op-Ed: Student-based funding will renew Pa.’s education system

• Colleen Hroncich
• March 9, 2021

Most opponents of parental choice claim it “drains” money from district schools. But that’s only true if one believes the money props up a specific system. Two centuries ago, assigning…

Commentary

Op-Ed: Pennsylvania students try to get back on track as teachers unions fight to stop them

• Kevin Mooney
• March 8, 2021

If passed, the reform would increase Pennsylvania’s current tax credit scholarship programs, allow independent authorization of charter schools, remove ZIP code restrictions on public school enrollment, and protect parents who…

Commentary

Corporate Welfare in 3 Charts

• Tirzah Duren
• March 4, 2021

The Governor’s Executive budget includes updated estimates for spending on corporate welfare, which is government favoritism of one sector or business over others. This favoritism is disquised under less innocuous…

Fact Sheet

How to Vote in Pennsylvania

• Stefanie Mason
• March 3, 2021

  Topics on this page PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Department of StateVoter registrationVoting…

Fact Sheet

School Reserve Funds in Pandemic Times

• Stefanie Mason
• February 26, 2021

Pennsylvania school officials are projecting local tax revenue losses for the upcoming year due to the wreckage from COVID-19 restrictions. Even if local tax revenue declines, most schools have…

Backgrounder

State Budget

Gov. Wolf’s Budget Plan & Working Families

• Elizabeth Stelle
• February 23, 2021

Chairman Causer and members of the House Majority Policy Committee, thank you for inviting the Commonwealth Foundation to testify on the impact of Governor Wolf’s budget proposal. My name is…

Testimony