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.”
Taxes & Economy
Higher Taxes Wont Cure Cancer
Governor Ed Rendell has, on occasion, joked that some state lawmakers would oppose any tax increase, “even if we could cure cancer tomorrow.” Unfortunately, Governor Rendell adopts the opposite view…
Commentary
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CEO Rankings of States
Chief Executive Magazine released its survey of CEOs, which ranks the 50 states (and DC) in terms of business friendliness. Pennsylvania ranks a dreary 37th (down ten spots from…
Media
Read More: CEO Rankings of States
Vince & Anchorwomen
Another reason to privatize the turnpike: to derail Vince Fumo’s efforts to use the Turnpike Commission to hook up with attractive Philadelphia news anchorwomen. From the Philadelphia Daily News:…
Media
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Some staffers earning fatter salaries than lawmakers : The Morning Call Online
Morning Call article on the pay of PA House Staffers. Get the list of highest paid staffers from the Morning Call here.
Media
Read More: Some staffers earning fatter salaries than lawmakers : The Morning Call Online
$650/Month For Cars Goes To Part-Time Gaming Board Members
Ben Simmoneau of WGAL uncovers more of the luxuries of state government work, this time by the Gaming Control Board members. Doug Harbach tries to defend the perks saying,…
Media
Read More: $650/Month For Cars Goes To Part-Time Gaming Board Members
Britney Joins the Head Shavers Club
While the media is questioning what could motivate Britney Spears to shave her head, the answer is quite clear–she is gunning for a job with the Commonwealth Foundation.
Media
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Companies’ Fair Share: Zero Percent
Andrew Chamberlain editorial on why progressive corporate tax rates are “unfair”– taxes on corporations are just taxes on people.
Media
Read More: Companies’ Fair Share: Zero Percent
Priceless politics
Thomas Sowell wonders why local governments feel they need to own and operate golf courses under the mantra of “helping the poor”: “Are the taxpayers being asked to support…
Media
Read More: Priceless politics
Hearing may be major step toward state constitutional convention
The push for a Constitutional Convention in PA may be heating up, the Post-Gazette reports.
Media
Read More: Hearing may be major step toward state constitutional convention
Spirits of privatization are likely to stay bottled up
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette considers the prospects of privatizing the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Media
Read More: Spirits of privatization are likely to stay bottled up
Uninsured And Overinflated
Investor’s Business Daily editorial breaks down the “46 million” without health insurance: most are without insurance short-term, immigrants, eligible for current government programs, or young and choosing not to…
Media
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Adding Up the Reasons For Expensive Health Care
Washington Post article details why healthcare is so expensive in the US. Doctor’s pay, unnecessary testing, and hospital amenities play a major role (and the third-party payer model falls…
Media
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The Stubborn Welfare State
Robert Samuelson looks at where tax dollars really go. The charts tell it all.
Media
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A Portrait of the Economy
Wall Street Journal editorial on why growth of Big Government always undermines economic growth.
Media
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The Tax Foundation on Windfall Profits Tax
Tax Foundation Audio on Governor Rendell’s proposed oil profits tax (from KDKA, Pittsburgh).
Media
Read More: The Tax Foundation on Windfall Profits Tax
Should Uncle Sam Take Oil Company Profits?
US News and World Report answers: No: “Today’s earnings are tomorrow’s investments, both in exploiting hard-to-reach oil reserves and in alternative fuels.” Of course, Governor Rendell believes those investments…
Media
Read More: Should Uncle Sam Take Oil Company Profits?
Critics claim property tax savings offset by other taxes
Governor Rendell’s ideas of tax relief by raising taxes. But it is “ahead of schedule”.
Media
Read More: Critics claim property tax savings offset by other taxes
Utah enacts school vouchers
Utah Governor Huntsman signed into law the first statewide school voucher program open to virtually all students. Scholarship value would vary based on family income.
Media
Read More: Utah enacts school vouchers
Top bonus recipients aided top Dems
Post-Gazette expose linking legislative bonus recipients to campaign work and contributions.
Media
Read More: Top bonus recipients aided top Dems
Gov. Ed Rendell: Raising taxes with a purpose
Governor Rendell in a letter to the editor explains why his taxes are little but the benefits are big.
Media
Read More: Gov. Ed Rendell: Raising taxes with a purpose
Electric customers face double hit
The Morning Call explains why electricity prices will be going up to pay for a program to tell consumers that electricity prices are going up.
Media
Read More: Electric customers face double hit