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.”
Public Union Democracy
Streamlining State Government Testimony
Thank you Chairman Smucker and members of the committee for the opportunity to testify before you today. I’m Nate Benefield, Director of Policy Research at the Commonwealth Foundation for…
Testimony
Read More: Streamlining State Government TestimonyState Budget
Chart of the Day: Is it a Spending Problem?
In his budget address, Gov. Corbett talked a great deal about the overspending during the Rendell administration. Ben Waxman responds in the Daily News (I’m paraphrasing) “Nuh-uh, there’s no…
Media
Read More: Chart of the Day: Is it a Spending Problem?State Budget
Corbett Budget Offers a New Path
Albert Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." For too long Pennsylvania state government has been spending beyond its means and…
Commentary
Read More: Corbett Budget Offers a New PathState Budget
Benefield on Budget Today
If you are following the state budget, or just like listening to me talk (that means you, Mom), today is your lucky day. I’ll be on KDKA Radio in…
Media
Read More: Benefield on Budget TodayEducation
Chart of the Day: Public School Revenue
The chart below highlights Pennsylvania public school revenue, by source, from 1988-89 to 2008-09 (the latest year with data from the state Department of Education). Over the last 20…
Media
Read More: Chart of the Day: Public School RevenueState Budget
Understanding the Pennsylvania State Budget
Pennsylvania's total state operating budget for FY 2010-11 is approximately $65.4 billion-or $5,193 for every man, woman and child in the commonwealth. This policy brief looks at the entire state…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Understanding the Pennsylvania State BudgetRegulation
Benefits of Liquor Store Privatization for Pennsylvanians
Good morning. I am Nathan Benefield, Director of Policy Research for the Commonwealth Foundation. We are a nonprofit, independent public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg.
Testimony
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Film Tax Credit: Economics vs. Movie Star Sightings
It’s hard to argue economics against the “I saw Denzel Washington at Starbucks” factor—but debate over the merits of the film tax credit should be decided on the former.
Media
Read More: Film Tax Credit: Economics vs. Movie Star SightingsRegulation
Will a $22 Million Film Tax Credit Revitalize “Stanton, PA”?
This weekend I watched the film Unstoppable, in which Denzel Washington and the new Captain Kirk attempt to stop a runaway train before it derails along “The Curve” in a…
Media
Read More: Will a $22 Million Film Tax Credit Revitalize “Stanton, PA”?Education
School Vouchers vs Public School Reserves
One of the most popular criticisms of school choice is that it would drain funds from public school. But consider this: Critics of…
Media
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Yearbook of School Choice
The Alliance for School Choice has released its 2010-11 school choice yearbook. The report includes an overview of the growth of school choice programs around the country, a roundup…
Media
Read More: Yearbook of School ChoiceRegulation
Impacts of Liquor Privatization
Remarks by Nathan Benefield, Director of Policy Research, Commonwealth Foundation Good afternoon. I am Nathan Benefield, Director of Policy Research for the Commonwealth Foundation. We are a nonprofit, independent public…
Testimony
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PA School District Uses Tax Dollars to Fight School Choice
The West Shore School District—my district, as it happens—has issued a “newsletter” with the clear, but unstated, goal of opposing Senate Bill…
Media
Read More: PA School District Uses Tax Dollars to Fight School ChoiceEducation
Chart of the Day: Education Spending Under SB 1
Below is a chart showing estimated spending in Pennsylvania under Senate Bill 1 (this assumes $50 million for opportunity scholarships, $75 million for…
Media
Read More: Chart of the Day: Education Spending Under SB 1Education
Even with Act 1, School Property Taxes Climb
The Patriot News takes a look at the failure of Act 1 of 2006 (special session) to slow the growth of school property taxes. Indeed, since the slots law…
Media
Read More: Even with Act 1, School Property Taxes ClimbEducation
The Evidence on School Vouchers
Here is a letter I submitted to the Philadelphia Daily News to correct some “facts” about school choice: Elmer Smith’s column denouncing a school choice proposal…
Media
Read More: The Evidence on School VouchersEducation
Union Dues for More Lobbyists
Last month, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) announced it was raising mandatory dues on teachers and school employees by 11%. Where is that money going? You’d better believe…
Media
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Friendly Mis-Fire on School Choice
In a column, Chris Freind attacked Senate Bill 1, the Piccola-Williams “Opportunity Scholarship Act.” Having obviously neglected to tune into our webcast on SB 1 with Sen. Piccola,…
Media
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Sen. Piccola and Matt Brouillette Discuss School Choice in PA
If you missed our webcast discussing Senate Bill 1 and school choice with Sen. Jeff Piccola, you can watch a replay here.
Media
Read More: Sen. Piccola and Matt Brouillette Discuss School Choice in PAEducation
Does School Choice Violate The Pennsylvania Constitution?
Good video from PA Independent on the Constitutionality of school vouchers in Pennsylvania, with Dick Komer, a senior attorney with the Institute for Justice.
Media
Read More: Does School Choice Violate The Pennsylvania Constitution?Education
Parents Need Choices & Control of Their Children’s Education
Almost 40,000 students used an EITC scholarship last year—with an average value of $1,000—to attend a better or safer school. The average annual family income for these students was only…
Commentary
Read More: Parents Need Choices & Control of Their Children’s Education