Staff

State Budget

Five Takeaways From the Governors Budget Proposal

• Nathan Benefield
• February 7, 2017

This morning Governor Wolf laid out his plan for the 2017-18 state budget. Here are the five things you need to know: 1. Shift to redesigning government. This is a…

Media

Education

Crucial School Choice Expansion Passes Committee

• James Paul
• February 7, 2017

In a bipartisan vote, the House Education Committee advanced legislation to boost Pennsylvania’s crucial private school scholarship programs, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit…

Media

Public Union Democracy

Budget Solution: Stop Paying Extra for Construction Projects

• February 6, 2017

'Prevailing Wage' Costs Pennsylvanians Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Yearly February 6, 2017, Harrisburg, Pa.—Can you imagine taking your car to the shop for a major repair, learning…

Media

When First is Worst: Pa. Leads Nation in Corporate Welfare

• February 3, 2017

Pennsylvania leads the nation in corporate welfare spending since 2007—and second place isn’t even close. At $6 billion, the commonwealth outspent its nearest corporate handout competitor, Ohio, by more than…

Media

State Budget

Budget Solution of the Week: Welfare Reform

• February 3, 2017

No series on budget solutions would be complete without a taking a look at the fastest growing state department, the Department of Human Services (DHS). The Independent Fiscal Office projects…

Media

State Budget

State Budget Solution #5: Tackle the Shadow Budget

• Gina Diorio
• February 3, 2017

General Fund Budget Is Just 40 Percent of State Government’s True Cost February 3, 2017, Harrisburg, Pa.—With budget season launching, most public discussion will focus on the General Fund…

Press Release

State Budget

Fixing the Spending Problem: Cutting Corporate Welfare and Privatizing Liquor

• February 2, 2017

Recently, CF’s Elizabeth Stelle appeared on WNPV Radio’s “Regarding Your Money” with host George Toth to discuss Pennsylvania’s growing deficit. Our budget deficit this year is projected to pass…

Media

State Budget

Pennsylvania Deficit Watch: February 2017

• February 2, 2017

Revenue collections underperformed again in January, according to the Department of Revenue. This is the third straight month—and the sixth of the last seven—in which revenue collections fell short of official…

Media

State Budget

Opportunity Knocks for State Budget Innovation

• Elizabeth Stelle
• February 2, 2017

“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

Public Union Democracy

Paycheck Protection Solves $96 Million Problem

• Jessica Barnett
• February 1, 2017

Yesterday, the Senate State Government Committee passed paycheck protection legislation, which would prevent taxpayer resources from being used to collect money earmarked for political activity. SB 166 and…

Media

Charter Reform: Get it Right

• James Paul
• February 1, 2017

Over the course of the school year, many students will have their lives transformed for the better. But for thousands of other children, the year is defined by disappointment. They…

Commentary

Charter Reform: Get it Right

• February 1, 2017

Over the course of the school year, many students will have their lives transformed for the better. But for thousands of other children, the year is defined by disappointment. They…

Commentary

Top Ten Recipients of Government Union Contributions

• Elizabeth Stelle
• February 1, 2017

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

Top Ten Recipients of Government Union Contributions

• February 1, 2017

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

In the News Oct/Nov 2016

• February 1, 2017

Check out the soundbites and quotes from our team these past two months.

Commentary

In the News Oct/Nov 2016

• February 1, 2017

Check out the soundbites and quotes from our team these past two months.

Commentary

Changing the Conversation

• February 1, 2017

To leverage this evolving medium, Commonwealth Foundation recently launched its new podcast, Commonwealth Insight. This podcast brings national, state, and local leaders into a forum where listeners can learn about…

Commentary

Changing the Conversation

• February 1, 2017

To leverage this evolving medium, Commonwealth Foundation recently launched its new podcast, Commonwealth Insight. This podcast brings national, state, and local leaders into a forum where listeners can learn about…

Commentary

Featured Chart Oct/Nov 2016

• February 1, 2017

How much does Pennsylvania spend on public education? Are we suffering from dramatic cuts? This chart says it all.

Commentary

Featured Chart Oct/Nov 2016

• February 1, 2017

How much does Pennsylvania spend on public education? Are we suffering from dramatic cuts? This chart says it all.

Commentary

Note From the Team Oct/Nov. 2016

• February 1, 2017

Standing up to Philadelphia union bosses is not for the faint of heart. Some might have been cowed into silence after becoming the target of union violence. Sarina Rose, a…

Commentary