Taxes & Economy

The Minimum Wage Myth

• Elizabeth Stelle
• December 3, 2009

As unemployment continues to rise and talk of a jobs stimulus circulates some are advocating for another increase in the minimum wage. But such a move would destroy jobs instead…

Media

Public Union Democracy

Pennsylvania: An Unequal Opportunity Employer

• November 17, 2009

Equal opportunity has long been a cherished ideal in America. Yet state government is engaging in unequal contracting practices.  Governor Rendell's administration is mandating discriminatory Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on…

Commentary

Taxes & Economy

Job Losses in Pennsylvania Counties

• Nathan Benefield
• October 16, 2009

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on county employment and wages today.  It is a little dated (March 2009) relative to national data, but does offer a profile…

Media

State Budget

Budget Facts 2009: Personal Income Tax and Job Losses

• July 3, 2009

Pennsylvania faces a $3 billion tax revenue shortfall in the state's General Fund Budget. Competing proposals from Gov. Ed Rendell and the Republican-led Senate differ on raising taxes and reducing/reprioritizing…

Fact Sheet

PIT Increase Would Cost Thousands of PA Jobs

• June 15, 2009

HARRISBURG, PA —  A new economic analysis from the Commonwealth Foundation reveals that a proposed increase in Pennsylvania’s Personal Income Tax (PIT) would result in the loss of tens of…

Press Release

Regulation

Six Years of Rendells Stimulus is Enough

• Nathan Benefield
• January 27, 2009

Gov. Ed Rendell is, as head of the National Governor’s Association as well as the chief of a state facing a major revenue shortfall, leading the push for a federal…

Commentary

Public Union Democracy

Broad Based Coalition Supports Davis-Bacon Reform

• Nathan Benefield
• February 26, 2008

News release from the Alliance for Worker Freedom on coalition of organizations (including the Commonwealth Foundation) supporting Davis-Bacon reform: According to James Sherk of the Heritage Foundation, “In…

Media

Taxes & Economy

Minimum Wage COLAs: Overstated Benefits & Hidden Costs

• Nathan Benefield
• August 22, 2007

Support for minimum wage increases is based on the idea that a higher minimum wage will “help the poor” by increasing their pay and lifting them out of poverty.

Commentary

Union Membership Declines Again

• Nathan Benefield
• January 26, 2007

BLS Annual Report on Union Membership finds that union membership in PA and in the US declined again last year. Whatever will Bill George do?…

Media