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
Rendell-conomics
According to News Release from the Governor, he has revitalized local communities by locating state offices in downtown locations. Apparently the key to economic growth is bigger state government…
Media
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Legislative leaders need a diet
A must-watch story from KDKA exposing how many legislators leaders take $141 per-diem for “lodging and meals” every day they are in Harrisburg, then charge taxpayers for catering or…
Media
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Taller people are smarter
Groundbreaking study shows that taller people are smarter. I will cite this study frequently when debating people shorter than I.
Media
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How to fix our road
A book released from the Independent Institute discusses various options for transportation agencies to privatize, outsource, and use market incentives for road repairs and usage.
Media
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The Benefits of Health Savings Accounts
Data from Americans for Tax Reform shows that since the creation of Health Savings Accounts (January 2004) the annual growth in health care costs slowed, and health care costs…
Media
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Subsidy Economics 101
Cato Institute commentary on why government subsidies have made housing, health care, and education more expensive for twenty-somethings. “According to data from the College Board, over the past 20…
Media
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Transportation Funding Study
A PennDot commission released a report on funding for transporation titled “Addressing Pennsylvania’s Transporation Funding Crisis” (they identify a funding “crisis” because of too little taxpayer funding for transportation,…
Media
Read More: Transportation Funding StudyRegulation
$13,000 fees for new homes?
The Patriot News reports on a PA House committee hearing on charging impact fees on new homes – of $13,000 per home – in growing areas. Why would we…
Media
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Potential Effects of Reducing the Size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly
One of the most discussed legislative reforms in Harrisburg is a reduction in the size of the General Assembly. One version of this proposal, SB 890, sponsored by Sen. John…
Fact Sheet
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Procreation and Politics
Wall Street Journal article on why the Conservative ranks will grow – they have more children than liberals.
Media
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State sues over HIA attempt to seize land
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office has filed suit to stop the Harrisburg Airport from using eminent domain to take Cramer Airport Parking, reports the Patriot News. Cramer Airport Parking…
Media
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Health Care for All?
A Pennsylvania House committee will be holding hearings on universal health care (patterned after the Massachusetts plan passed earlier this year), reports the Patriot News. Read why…
Media
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Public Pension Price Tag
Wall Street Journal piece on the difficulties facing pension plans for state and local government employees.
Media
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Health Care Mandates No Silver Bullet
In April 2006, Massachusetts enacted a dramatic health care reform package. Dubbed “Romneycare” after Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, this plan calls for reforms in the health insurance market, a mandate…
Commentary
Read More: Health Care Mandates No Silver BulletEducation
Excess at PHEAA
Following Commonwealth Foundation president Matthew Brouillette’s chat about PHEAA on Wednesday’s Bob Durgin Show, a number of newspapers have run stories of the staff bonuses, “profit,” and extravagant trips…
Media
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Fight over signatures – literally
While county and verifying signatures on a petition doesn’t seem seem like physical labor, you’d better hit the weight room before you volunteer for that gig. The Associated Press…
Media
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New Test Scores In
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has posted the 2005-2006 PSSA Results (the state’s standardized test for 3rd through 8th grade and 11th grade students). It has data statewide, for…
Media
Read More: New Test Scores InRegulation
The Other Pension Crisis
Wall Street Journal editorial on the underfunding and looming crisis in pensions for state and local government workers.
Media
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Rendell Doing It For The ‘Kids’ – And His Image
Jim Panyard’s editorial in The Evening Bulletin on the forthcoming “Cover All Kids” taxpayer-funded health care plan.
Media
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Mythology Of The Minimum Wage
CBS News article on how raising the federal minimum wage increases poverty and unemployment…
Media
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Pennsylvania 41st “Best State for Business”
Pennsylvania ranks 41st among the 50 states in Forbes Magazine’s ranking of the the “Best States for Business.” While PA ranks high on “Quality of Life” (12th) it…
Media
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