Nathan Benefield
Chief Policy Officer
An Ohio native, Nate holds an undergraduate degree in political science and economics and a master’s degree in public service management from DePaul University in Chicago. He also completed his doctoral studies (ABD) in political science at Loyola University, also in Chicago.
Nate joined the Commonwealth Foundation in 2005. Now as Chief Policy Officer , he provides strategic leadership as well as operational oversight spanning policy analysis, government relations, marketing, and communications.
Nate has researched and written extensively on public policy issues including the state budget, public sector labor reform, government spending and taxes, liquor privatization, education, and economic development. Under Nate’s policy leadership, the Commonwealth Foundation’s work on public sector pension law helped drive the bipartisan pension reform of 2017, heralded by the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post as an example for other states to follow.
Nate has testified numerous times before state legislative committees and is often called upon by legislators and members of the media to provide expertise. He is a frequent commentator on both television and radio, and his writings have appeared across the state and nationally in outlets including the Philadelphia Inquirer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Patriot-News, and Weekly Standard.
Nate’s favorite rock song and personal motto are both “Don’t Stop Believin.”
State Budget
The One Big Beautiful Bill Should Show Pennsylvania How to Get Stuff Done
Originally published in PennLive. Entering the second months of Pennsylvania’s state budget impasse, Gov. Josh Shapiro and his political machine are desperate to deflect mounting scrutiny. Instead of…
Media Hit
Read More: The One Big Beautiful Bill Should Show Pennsylvania How to Get Stuff DoneRegulation
Pennsylvania Can Learn from Ohio and West Virginia
Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania. Over the last decade, Pennsylvania has lost population and businesses to more competitive states. But this outmigration offers clues on how Pennsylvania…
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania Can Learn from Ohio and West VirginiaEducation
Don’t Let Randi Weingarten Fool You: Government Unions Are in lockstep with Democrats
Originally published by Bucks County Independence. Are government union leaders and the Democratic Party about to divorce? Two prominent union leaders — Randi Weingarten of…
Media Hit
Read More: Don’t Let Randi Weingarten Fool You: Government Unions Are in lockstep with DemocratsEducation
The Hypocrisy of the ‘No Kings’ Protests
Originally published by Delaware Valley Journal. This past week, left-wing advocacy groups organized nationwide protests under the banner “No Kings,” opposing President Donald Trump. Let’s be real: These protests aren’t…
Media Hit
Read More: The Hypocrisy of the ‘No Kings’ ProtestsGovernment Accountability
A SEPTA Bailout Is as Predictable as It Is Irresponsible
Originally published by Penn Live. We hate to say, “We told you so.” But when it comes to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) demanding another state bailout, we told…
Media Hit
Read More: A SEPTA Bailout Is as Predictable as It Is IrresponsibleRegulation
Bring Domestic Steel Manufacturing Into America’s Golden Age
Originally published by Broad + Liberty. If there is to be a new Golden Age for American industry and manufacturing, Pennsylvania will play a leading role. In recent years, a…
Media Hit
Read More: Bring Domestic Steel Manufacturing Into America’s Golden AgeEducation
Gov. Shapiro’s appearance on ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ smacked of unreality
Originally published by Lancaster Online. On the March 14 episode of “Real Time With Bill Maher,” Gov. Josh Shapiro gave an unreal performance — literally. Indeed,…
Media Hit
Read More: Gov. Shapiro’s appearance on ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ smacked of unrealityState Budget
Gov. Josh Shapiro Isn’t a “Different Democrat”
Originally published by Pottstown-Mercury. Gov. Josh Shapiro is a “different Democrat,” or so claim national pundits. The governor has made unorthodox yet inconsequential statements condemning terrorism, rebuking antisemitism on…
Media Hit
Read More: Gov. Josh Shapiro Isn’t a “Different Democrat”Education
Governor Shapiro’s 2025 Budget Proposal: An Extreme Spending Binge
Overview Gov. Josh Shapiro’s radical overspending exacerbates what is already a massive budget deficit. His plan imposes new taxes this year and will force extreme tax hikes on working families…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Governor Shapiro’s 2025 Budget Proposal: An Extreme Spending BingeState Budget
Will Shapiro Address the $3.6 Billion Elephant in the Room?
Originally published at RealClearPennsylvania Watch Gov. Josh Shapiro closely during his annual budget address on Tuesday. The governor will lay out his vision for the upcoming year – undoubtedly…
Media Hit
Read More: Will Shapiro Address the $3.6 Billion Elephant in the Room?
Where is Josh Shapiro on U.S. Steel?
Originally published at The Philadelphia Inquirer Will Gov. Josh Shapiro finally raise a finger to save U.S. Steel? That’s been the question ever since former President Joe…
Media Hit
Read More: Where is Josh Shapiro on U.S. Steel?Education
How Republicans should change Washington
Originally published in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette With their recent victories, President-elect Donald Trump and congressional Republicans received a new mandate to act. But what does this mandate entail? Hints…
Media Hit
Read More: How Republicans should change WashingtonRegulation
Pennsylvania workers cannot afford to lose U.S. Steel
Originally published at The Patriot-News For 123 years, U.S. Steel (USS) has operated in Pennsylvania and has been synonymous with the Keystone State. Pittsburgh, aptly named the “Steel…
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania workers cannot afford to lose U.S. SteelTaxes & Economy
The Basic Economic Mistake Both Candidates Make
Originally published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Poll after poll reveals what’s on voters’ minds: It’s the economy, stupid, as it was in 1992 when Bill Clinton’s campaign advisor James Carville…
Media Hit
Read More: The Basic Economic Mistake Both Candidates MakeEducation
Shapiro Lost the Veepstakes–and He Only Has Himself to Blame
Originally published at RealClearPennsylvania Earlier this month, all signs pointed to Gov. Josh Shapiro joining Vice President Kamala Harris on the Democratic presidential ticket. After all, Shapiro sits atop…
Media Hit
Read More: Shapiro Lost the Veepstakes–and He Only Has Himself to BlameEducation
Taxpayers and students lose with Pennsylvania’s new budget
Originally published at The Patriot-News Pundits and reporters have rushed to identify the “winners and losers” of Pennsylvania’s newly signed budget. Obvious winners include Gov. Josh…
Media Hit
Read More: Taxpayers and students lose with Pennsylvania’s new budgetEducation
Pennsylvania’s Budgetary Déjà Vu
Originally published at RealClearPennsylvania Pennsylvania’s budget battle feels oddly familiar – like we’ve been here before. Our sense of déjà vu is valid: The 2024–25 fiscal battle looks strikingly…
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Budgetary Déjà VuEducation
Pennsylvania’s Senate has answered Gov. Shapiro’s challenge
Originally published at The Patriot-News Following his budget address in February, Gov. Josh Shapiro challenged critics, saying, “If you don’t like my plan, show me yours.” Last week,…
Media Hit
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Senate has answered Gov. Shapiro’s challengeEducation
Voters Aren’t Buying What Shapiro Is Selling
Originally published at RealClearPennsylvania As inflation persists, Pennsylvania voters are rejecting increased government spending, according to new polling data released by the Commonwealth Foundation. Inflation and the rising cost of…
Media Hit
Read More: Voters Aren’t Buying What Shapiro Is SellingEducation
Don’t ignore the destructive ideas coming out of Harrisburg
Originally published at Broad + Liberty It’s a presidential election year, with voters riveted on national politics and issues. Inflation — caused by federal deficit spending — and immigration consistently…
Media Hit
Read More: Don’t ignore the destructive ideas coming out of HarrisburgEducation
Nate Benefield on The Dawn Stensland Show: Common Ground Poll Breakdown
The juxtaposition between the lack of support for Shapiro’s budget proposal (29%) and the massive support for his unfulfilled campaign promises—like Lifeline Scholarships (77%), lowering the business tax rate (81%),…
Media Hit
Read More: Nate Benefield on The Dawn Stensland Show: Common Ground Poll Breakdown