Most Pennsylvanians are Right Wing Extremists

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 23, 2010

If one listens to analysts in the mainstream media, anyone calling for a repeal of the federal health care law, or supporting a state immigration law like Arizona’s is on…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

An Arizona-like Immigration Law for PA?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 6, 2010

Following Arizona’s recent enactment of a law intended to enforce federal illegal immigration laws, Pennsylvania State Representative Daryl Metcalfe has introduced similar legislation. The law would force employers…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Pennsylvania’s Unrealistic Climate Plan

  • May 4, 2010

A macroeconomic study of Pennsylvania's Climate Action Plan, released earlier this month, promises impressive cost savings and job creation for the state, but the report was produced by a global…

Commentary

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Public Union Democracy

Cost-Saving Ideas for Pennsylvania State Budget

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 12, 2010

Testimony of Nathan A. Benefield, Director of Policy Research, Commonwealth Foundation to the Pennsylvania Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission,  April 12, 2010 Good morning; I am Nathan…

Testimony

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Regulation

Private Parks Promote Public Preservation

  • March 25, 2010

It is an oft-disseminated myth that government has to be the sole guardian of our historic sites, museums, and parks.  For instance, during the 2009 state budget impasse, Gov. Rendell…

Commentary

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Regulation

The Future of State Parks

  • February 26, 2010

State parks across the nation are struggling to stay open: Arizona has decided to close 13 parks, New York is considering closing 41 parks, Washington is thinking…

Media

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Criminal Justice Reform

Instituting Meaningful Corrections Reform

  • February 11, 2010

Eric Boehm has a good article on the opportunity to help balance the state budget by reforming prison and probation. The inmate population in Pennsylvania’s prisons is growing at…

Media

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Taxes & Economy

Still Movin’ Out

  • January 6, 2010

The Billy Joel song Movin’ Out sounds more eerie and more depressing every year that Pennsylvania continues to lose people. Allied Van Lines has released its 42nd Annual Magnet…

Media

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State Budget

Pew Study Says Little about Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Health

  • Nathan Benefield
  • December 15, 2009

In his budget mid-year briefing, Gov. Rendell cited, repeatedly, a Pew study on states’ fiscal outlook. While it is true that Pennsylvania is in better shape than states like…

Media

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