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.
Government Accountability
Solutions to Preventing Tax Increases in 2021
Lawmakers can respect the Pennsylvania constitution’s balanced budget amendment and act to prevent tax increases that will drive more families and businesses out of the state, further shrinking the revenue…
Memo
Read More: Solutions to Preventing Tax Increases in 2021Regulation
A Pa Supreme Court Victory for Licensing Relief
After years of litigation, Sally Ladd is finally free to build her rental business without expensive and time-consuming licensing regulations.
Commentary
Read More: A Pa Supreme Court Victory for Licensing ReliefHealth Care
How Bad are April’s Unemployment Numbers for Pa?
More than 15% of Pennsylvania workers were unemployed—the highest level on record—according to U.S. Department of Labor data released today. More than 1.1 million payroll jobs were lost since February,…
Media
Read More: How Bad are April’s Unemployment Numbers for Pa?Government Accountability
Slicing Pennsylvania’s Finances, Part 3
The state government uses special entities to borrow in excess of the constitutional debt limit and make loans and guarantees that would otherwise be illegal.
Report
Read More: Slicing Pennsylvania’s Finances, Part 3Taxes & Economy
Wolf Does What Lawmakers Want Him to Do, Just Slower
The reality is this: when Wolf vetoes a bill, he often follows his veto with similar executive action later, taking credit for the changes. This has been true since he…
Commentary
Read More: Wolf Does What Lawmakers Want Him to Do, Just SlowerHealth Care
Best Ways to Spend Federal Virus Relief Money
Relief measures should help people and not the government. They should be temporary, clear, and direct.
Fact Sheet
Read More: Best Ways to Spend Federal Virus Relief MoneyHealth Care
Liquor Licensing: Too Hot for PLCB to Handle
For restaurant owners in Pennsylvania, the new release Too Hot To Handle is more than pure entertainment, the winnings are almost enough for them to purchase an elusive liquor license. …
Commentary
Read More: Liquor Licensing: Too Hot for PLCB to HandleGovernment Accountability
Pa. Shutdown Revolt Met with Threats from Governor
May 11, 2020, Harrisburg, Pa. — After this weekend's news that at least eight counties in Pennsylvania would no longer participate in the governor's reopening directives, Gov. Wolf has…
Press Release
Read More: Pa. Shutdown Revolt Met with Threats from GovernorPublic Union Democracy
Liquor Store Clerk Scores a Win for Free Speech
Liquor store clerk John Kabler sued for the right to leave his union. In April, the union agreed to refund his dues and honor his resignation. …
Commentary
Read More: Liquor Store Clerk Scores a Win for Free SpeechEducation
New Education Polling Results!
Learn what likely voters throughout Pennsylvania think about schooling preferences, educational choice, school funding, and more in the Pennsylvania K-12 & School Choice Survey.
Commentary
Read More: New Education Polling Results!Education
Happy Birthday, EITC!
Today's the anniversary of PA's EITC program. Our new polling shows 71% of Pennsylvanians support tax credit scholarships. And no wonder—they benefits public schools, taxpayers, businesses, and families. …
Commentary
Read More: Happy Birthday, EITC!Government Accountability
Op-ed: Protect lives by preserving livelihoods
Wolf should take state lawmakers’ advice and bring transparency and fairness to Pennsylvania’s reopening — along with a sense of urgency. In doing so, he can continue flattening the curve…
Commentary
Read More: Op-ed: Protect lives by preserving livelihoodsHealth Care
Pennsylvania’s Healthcare Should Always be Crisis Ready
COVID-19 has done its part to highlight the weaknesses of Pennsylvania’s healthcare sector. Primarily, what has been revealed is a lack of flexibility, and regulations that make it difficult to…
Report
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Healthcare Should Always be Crisis ReadyTaxes & Economy
Pennsylvania Turnpike Blues
A sudden drop in traffic has exposed the toll road's reckless debt load.
Commentary
Read More: Pennsylvania Turnpike BluesGovernment Accountability
Op-ed: Pennsylvania construction shutdown puts the elderly at risk
Industry leaders who are directly affected by the governor’s orders do not dispute that Wolf has authority to take action aimed at halting the spread of COVID-19. But it’s that…
Commentary
Read More: Op-ed: Pennsylvania construction shutdown puts the elderly at riskGovernment Accountability
Op-ed: Memo to America’s Leaders: Your credibility dies in darkness
Americans have never put up with “don’t ask questions, just trust me” for long — especially in a crisis.
Commentary
Read More: Op-ed: Memo to America’s Leaders: Your credibility dies in darknessHealth Care
Breaking Down Barriers Following COVID-19
COVID-19 has kept many Pennsylvanians from frequenting the neighborhood coffee shops, nail salons, or retailers they once took for granted. But that’s not the real tragedy—even after stay at home…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Breaking Down Barriers Following COVID-19Government Accountability
Op-ed: Lawmakers offer a way out of the coronavirus chaos
Gov. Wolf's insistence on going it alone and making decisions behind closed doors is crippling his credibility.
Commentary
Read More: Op-ed: Lawmakers offer a way out of the coronavirus chaosHealth Care
Top 10 Corona Virus FAQ’s for Pennsylvanians
Since the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Pennsylvania, we’ve been deluged with questions about what state government is doing. Below are the top 10 questions we’ve been asked with our quick…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Top 10 Corona Virus FAQ’s for PennsylvaniansTaxes & Economy
Aid Pays More Than Work, Predictable Results Ensue
This is not how a safety net is supposed to work.
Commentary
Read More: Aid Pays More Than Work, Predictable Results EnsueGovernment Accountability
Persistent Leadership will Safely Reopen Pa.
Governor Wolf continues to take positive steps toward a safe and gradual opening of the Pennsylvania economy because lawmakers continue to advance good policy that protects lives and livelihoods.
Memo
Read More: Persistent Leadership will Safely Reopen Pa.