Nicole Gabriel
Executive Assistant
Nicole Gabriel is the Executive Assistant at the Commonwealth Foundation, based in the Harrisburg office. She enjoys keeping the office running smoothly, solving problems with initiative, and helping build a workplace where everyone feels connected and included.
Previously, Nicole worked in administrative support at M&T Bank and taught primary school in Vietnam for several years. Her years living abroad taught her to think on her feet, embrace new challenges, and remain resourceful. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Diego State University.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys volunteering in the community, traveling to new and adventurous places, and exploring different cuisines. A passionate traveler, she has visited 15 countries and loves learning about new cultures along the way.
Regulation
What are the odds? Pa. gaming board running out of money
Legalized gambling, once thought to be the cash cow for property tax reform, can’t even fund it own board. See the PennLive.com NewsFlash…
Media
Read More: What are the odds? Pa. gaming board running out of moneyRegulation
Boeing-Sized Welfare Checks
For the past three and one-half years, the ostensible premise of Gov. Ed Rendell’s “economic stimulus” plan has been that by making “targeted investments” in politically chosen companies and industries,…
Commentary
Read More: Boeing-Sized Welfare ChecksRegulation
Steering Online Gamblers Toward State Lotteries
Jacob Sullum of the Reason Foundation wonders why some members of Congress are pushing for tougher measures banning online gambling while supporting state lotteries and casinos. The answer is…
Media
Read More: Steering Online Gamblers Toward State LotteriesTaxes & Economy
Cost of Government Day
Americans for Tax Reform released their Cost of Government Day Report yesterday, which was coincidently the national Cost of Government Day. This represents the day in which American earned…
Media
Read More: Cost of Government DayTaxes & Economy
Minimum Rationality for Minimum Wage
In an election year, legislators do irrational things, such as spend more money than the budget supports, fund pork projects for their districts, and raise the minimum wage.
Commentary
Read More: Minimum Rationality for Minimum WagePublic Union Democracy
Ending Teacher Strikes?
Rep. Will Gabig has introduced legislation to curb teacher strikes (working with Simon Campbell of Stop Teacher Strikes Inc.) Check out the Courier Times Coverage. Read Simon’s recent…
Media
Read More: Ending Teacher Strikes?Taxes & Economy
Stocking up on tax dollars
Meadville Tribune editorial on how the state is spending the “windfall” surplus instead of returning it to taxpayers.
Media
Read More: Stocking up on tax dollarsGovernment Accountability
Mere Coincidence
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial on the six-figure government job awarded to Joseph Hoeffel – who earlier this year dropped out of the Lt. Gov. race after a meeting with Governor…
Media
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Property Tax “Reform” and Referendum
Read my letter to the editor in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer. Also note the conclusion reached by the Allentown Morning Call editorial on the recent property tax “relief:”…
Media
Read More: Property Tax “Reform” and ReferendumGovernment Accountability
In House, reform’s a no-starter
Brad Bumsted in today’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on the House’s reluctance (once again) to reform itself. Topics on this page Brad BumstedPittsburgh Tribune-Review…
Media
Read More: In House, reform’s a no-starterTaxes & Economy
Analysis shows that school-tax reform was just a gesture from Harrisburg : The Morning Call Online
Morning Call editorial on “referendum in name only” as well as “tax reform in name only.” We only wish that more editorial boards would have listened to us…
Media
Read More: Analysis shows that school-tax reform was just a gesture from Harrisburg : The Morning Call OnlineState Budget
Whiskey and Car Keys
Author P.J. O’Rourke once wrote: “Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” He must have been thinking about Gov. Rendell and…
Commentary
Read More: Whiskey and Car KeysRegulation
Looks like business as usual – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Dimitri Vassilaros writes in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review about the effort to defund one of PA’s corporate welfare programs” No doubt many businesses are successful because their close relationships with…
Media
Read More: Looks like business as usual – Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewEducation
Education funding should go with child
Former PA Secretary of Education Charles Zogby writes in the Patriot-News how we OUGHT to fund education, but don’t. Zogby says: “Today, nearly 35 percent of Pennsylvania children graduate…
Media
Read More: Education funding should go with childTaxes & Economy
Minimum wage increase might hurt teens
“Might”? Hmmm… When the cost of something goes up, don’t we buy less? Oh, our politicians in Harrisburg are passing a law to nullify the laws of economics. Good luck…
Media
Read More: Minimum wage increase might hurt teensRegulation
Stop the charade
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial on Sen. Jane Orie’s effort to cut some corporate welfare in PA. Topics on this page Jane OriePennsylvaniaPittsburgh Tribune-Review…
Media
Read More: Stop the charadeRegulation
Senate acts to cut back a few perks
As reported in the Patriot News, the state Senate plans to force Senators to contribute to their health care plans (possibly 1% of salary) and reduce the money available…
Media
Read More: Senate acts to cut back a few perksState Budget
Governor Rendell’s Sense of Irony
On the anniversary of the 2005 pay raise, Governor Rendell will be handing out pork in the Capitol … non-metaphorical pork in this case. From News Release: HARRISBURG…
Media
Read More: Governor Rendell’s Sense of IronyRegulation
Want to braid hair? Talk to Big Brother.
Despite not having time to address lobbyist reform during the past few weeks, the General Assembly was able to pass a myriad of minor bills, including one (SB 707)…
Media
Read More: Want to braid hair? Talk to Big Brother.Taxes & Economy
Wal-Mart Tax Fizzle
Wall Street Journal article on how the “Wal-Mart tax” push is failing in almost every state. Read our analysis of why the Wal-Mart tax is bad for Pennsylvania…
Media
Read More: Wal-Mart Tax FizzleState Budget
Budget Coverage
Some press coverage of the late night/early morning state budget deal: Herald Standard (Commonwealth Foundation quoted)Pittsburgh TribPost Gazette (Commonwealth Foundation quoted)Philadelphia Inquirer (Commonwealth…
Media
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