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.”
Regulation
Remove Politics from Pensions
A letter to the editor I sent to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette takes on some of the myths and facts of pension reform: Nina Esposito-Visgitis, president of the Pittsburgh…
Media
Read More: Remove Politics from PensionsHealth Care
Facts, Not Hate, In Medicaid Debate
“A few dying residents won’t matter to these people…” So say supporters of implementing Obamacare in Pennsylvania about our friends at Americans for Prosperity. AFP launched a new action…
Media
Read More: Facts, Not Hate, In Medicaid DebateHealth Care
Medicaid “Free Lunch” Nauseates Lawmakers
Following news that Gov. Corbett was going to meet with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, and rumors he might reverse his opposition to expanding…
Media
Read More: Medicaid “Free Lunch” Nauseates LawmakersHealth Care
No “Free Lunch” with Medicaid Expansion
If I offered you a "free lunch" every day for the rest of your life, you'd take it, right? Oh, but there are a few strings attached. The lunch may…
Commentary
Read More: No “Free Lunch” with Medicaid ExpansionHealth Care
Where Does Government Get Money?
Where does the federal government get its money? Does it grow on trees? Does it fall from the sky like manna from heaven? Is there a genie who keeps granting…
Media
Read More: Where Does Government Get Money?Regulation
Pension Reform Doesn’t Bring Higher Costs
The Allentown Morning Call features an article on pension reform in which a representative of the Public Employee Retirement Commission claims that Gov. Corbett’s proposal to put new employees…
Media
Read More: Pension Reform Doesn’t Bring Higher CostsHealth Care
Medicaid Harms States, Poor & Taxpayers
A new report and commentary from the Galen Institute details the reasons why the “free money” promised by the federal government for expanding Medicaid is a bad deal…
Media
Read More: Medicaid Harms States, Poor & TaxpayersTaxes & Economy
Pennsylvanians Bleeding Green with Energy Mandates
Pennsylvania’s alternative energy mandates will result in higher energy costs, leading to lower incomes and less investment, and costing the state thousands of jobs, according to a new study…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvanians Bleeding Green with Energy MandatesRegulation
Leader Launches Liquor Liberty Legislation
House Majority Leader Mike Turzai put forth a cosponsorship memo announcing legislation to end the government-run liquor store monopoly. The legislation will be officially introduced on March 4 as…
Media
Read More: Leader Launches Liquor Liberty LegislationRegulation
Taxpayers Lose without Lottery Deal
Attorney General Kathleen Kane announced today she would not sign off on a contract with a private manager for the Pennsylvania lottery. The real losers from this decision are…
Media
Read More: Taxpayers Lose without Lottery DealState Budget
Budget Proposal: 5 Key Facts
As we head into months of meetings, hearings, and special interest protests at the Capitol, here are five must-know facts about Governor Corbett’s budget proposal: Gold Stars: “Recommends against”…
Media
Read More: Budget Proposal: 5 Key FactsRegulation
Kane Delay on Lottery Could Cost Taxpayers (Again)
The Patriot News reports that private lottery manager Camelot Global Services may not be willing to extend its bid beyond the current expiration date of Saturday. Attorney General Kathleen…
Media
Read More: Kane Delay on Lottery Could Cost Taxpayers (Again)State Budget
Corbett’s Medicaid Decision Could Save Jobs
The Affordable Care Act—often dubbed Obamacare—included 20 new taxes or tax increases. As these taxes are beginning to go into effect, businesses are starting to feel the impact, and…
Media
Read More: Corbett’s Medicaid Decision Could Save JobsState Budget
Standing with Taxpayers
Most Pennsylvanians probably weren't aware – or don't care – that Governor Corbett delivered his 2013-14 budget proposal this week. But they should! Spending $20,900 per family of four, the…
Commentary
Read More: Standing with TaxpayersState Budget
Spending Restraint Fosters Economic Growth
Critics, and likely election challengers, of Gov. Tom Corbett point to the singular fact that the state’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average (though not significantly,…
Media
Read More: Spending Restraint Fosters Economic GrowthRegulation
Liquor Liberty at Long Last?
Yesterday, Gov. Tom Corbett unveiled his proposal for privatizing the government-run liquor stores and bringing Pennsylvania into the 21st century when it comes to the sale of alcohol. Pennsylvania…
Media
Read More: Liquor Liberty at Long Last?Regulation
Pension Bomb to Hit Pennsylvania Families
Are you ready to pay an additional $1,000 in state and local taxes alone? Prepared to see your child's teacher laid off? Thanks to bad promises politicians made to good…
Commentary
Read More: Pension Bomb to Hit Pennsylvania FamiliesTaxes & Economy
How Do Pa. Gas Taxes Stack Up?
In the wake of reports Gov. Corbett will unveil a transportation funding plan that includes increasing the cap on the Oil Company Franchise Tax, the Tax Foundation has put…
Media
Read More: How Do Pa. Gas Taxes Stack Up?Public Union Democracy
Lottery Agreement Better Than Union Guesstimate
AFSCME’s counter proposal to the Pennsylvania Lottery private management agreement (PMA) provides no guaranteed revenue for senior services, no new jobs and no protections for taxpayers if profits fall…
Media
Read More: Lottery Agreement Better Than Union GuesstimatePublic Union Democracy
Union Attacks Won’t Improve Lottery
AFSCME Council 13, the union representing state lottery employees, released its “Alternatives” to a lottery private management agreement. However, their document doesn’t represent a serious counter-proposal that would…
Media
Read More: Union Attacks Won’t Improve LotteryRegulation
Lottery Deal = Guarantees not Gamble
Lottery profits fund programs for senior citizens—but demand for these services is growing faster than Lottery revenue. The private lottery management agreement recently bid out by the…
Media
Read More: Lottery Deal = Guarantees not Gamble