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.”
Education
This is Educational Accountability?
At a recent Pennsylvania House Education Committee hearing, lawmakers questioned whether a proposed voucher program would provide “accountability”. Indeed, they want to be sure that these schools have the…
Media
Read More: This is Educational Accountability?Regulation
Conti Continues Canard Campaign
Roxbury News has posted a video of Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board CEO Joe Conti calling for “civility” from critics of the PLCB. Mr. Conti claims that without the…
Media
Read More: Conti Continues Canard CampaignGovernment Accountability
Which Government Structure Reforms will Benefit Taxpayers?
This week, the Pennsylvania House State Government Committee held a hearing on bills to reduce the size of the General Assembly (i.e., the number of legislators). While CF did…
Media
Read More: Which Government Structure Reforms will Benefit Taxpayers?Education
Yes, Vouchers DO Improve Student Learning
The Philadelphia Inquirer today reports on a “study”—from a group dedicated to protecting the educational status quo and led by a partisan staffer—that claims that school vouchers have…
Media
Read More: Yes, Vouchers DO Improve Student Learning
Big Government’s New Bogeyman…and those Other Guys
Media outlets in Pennsylvania have picked up some stories of attack groups “exposing” the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) at their annual meeting in New Orleans this week.
Media
Read More: Big Government’s New Bogeyman…and those Other GuysRegulation
End of PLCB’s Wine Kiosk Perestroika
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s experiment with wine kiosks—dubbed by my colleague Jay Ostrich as the PLCB’s version of Perestroika—may be coming to an end. This comes on…
Media
Read More: End of PLCB’s Wine Kiosk PerestroikaRegulation
Fact of the Day: Where do Underage Drinkers Get Alcohol?
One of the myths perpetrated about letting private, licensed stores sell wine or liquor, rather than maintain a government monopoly, is that there will be a huge increase in underage…
Media
Read More: Fact of the Day: Where do Underage Drinkers Get Alcohol?Regulation
Fact of the Day: Underage and Binge Drinking
As noted yesterday, Pennsylvania ranks middle of the pack or worse in terms of alcohol-related deaths and traffic accidents, despite…
Media
Read More: Fact of the Day: Underage and Binge DrinkingRegulation
Fact of the Day: Liquor Safety and Government Control
Much of the discussion about ending government-run liquor stores in Pennsylvania is about safety—particularly alcohol related deaths and traffic accidents. But despite being among the states with the…
Media
Read More: Fact of the Day: Liquor Safety and Government ControlEducation
Two New Studies Show Benefits of School Choice
As the debate on school choice continues in Pennsylvania, a couple recent studies highlight the benefits of school voucher programs in the U.S. and internationally. The first study looks at…
Media
Read More: Two New Studies Show Benefits of School ChoiceRegulation
Fact of the Day: Liquor Store Density
Rep. Mike Turzai’s proposal (HB 11) to allow private retailers to sell wine and spirits would approximately double the number of liquor stores (not including wine kiosks and wineries)…
Media
Read More: Fact of the Day: Liquor Store DensityRegulation
Brief Summary of Liquor Freedom Bill
Today, Rep. Mike Turzai, along with a number of House Republicans, unveiled legislation to end the government monopoly on wine and liquor sales, and provide adult consumers liberty to…
Media
Read More: Brief Summary of Liquor Freedom BillRegulation
Turnpike Tolls Totally to Transit?
Amid all the budget turmoil, PA Independent notes the Governor’s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission is looking to use tolls on Turnpike drivers—those going to the state as part of…
Media
Read More: Turnpike Tolls Totally to Transit?Education
Corbett’s First Inning Scorecard
July signals the coming of two breaks in Pennsylvania—Major League Baseball's All-Star break and the end of the state budget season. Having endured his first budget as the commonwealth's chief…
Commentary
Read More: Corbett’s First Inning ScorecardState Budget
Pennsylvania’s $1.9 Billion Budget Shortfall
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue released preliminary FY 2010-11 revenue collection. Their statement says: Fiscal year 2010-11 General Fund collections totaled $27.5 billion, which is $785.5 million,…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania’s $1.9 Billion Budget ShortfallEducation
Are Tuition Hikes Forced by Cuts in State Subsidies?
Today, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) voted to raise tuition by 7.5 percent for 2011-12. Many have tried to place the blame solely on the reduction…
Media
Read More: Are Tuition Hikes Forced by Cuts in State Subsidies?Education
University Subsidy Bills Nixed, What Now?
Last night, Pennsylvania House Democrats voted to defeat legislation on state subsidies for Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University, as well as for…
Media
Read More: University Subsidy Bills Nixed, What Now?Education
Do Seven Rapes Get Your Attention?
Today, CF delivered Life Savers to state legislators to remind them they still have three days to be a life-saver for kids in failing and violent schools. One…
Media
Read More: Do Seven Rapes Get Your Attention?Education
Saving Harrisburg?
In their efforts to “save Harrisburg” through a state takeover should the city fail to adopt Act 47 recommendations, lawmakers have overlooked one extremly effective option: school choice. Despite state…
Media
Read More: Saving Harrisburg?Education
Give Voters a Say on School Taxes
Five years ago, state lawmakers passed Act 1 to provide property tax relief and give voters a voice on school tax increases. But since slot machine gambling was introduced in…
Commentary
Read More: Give Voters a Say on School TaxesRegulation
Growing Greener is Corporate Welfare
The Patriot News editorial board has yet another editorial arguing for a new tax on natural gas, on top of the taxes they already pay. While the board’s passion…
Media
Read More: Growing Greener is Corporate Welfare