Taxes & Economy

Climate Change “Deniers” Protest in Pittsburgh

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • May 3, 2010

Yesterday, PennFuture welcomed Dr. Mann to Pittsburgh as part of the Experts and Heroes conference. As attendees munched on hummus and pita chips some “deniers” protested outside with…

Media

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Government Accountability

Does Legislative Size Matter?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 30, 2010

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.  I…

Testimony

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Government Accountability

What Would a PA Constitutional Convention Include?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 19, 2010

At the PA Leadership Conference, my former colleague, and now Executive Director of the Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania, Joe Sterns touted the need for a state Constitutional Convention. In…

Media

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State Budget

Build America Bonds Encourage “Buy Now, Pay Later” Mentality

  • April 8, 2010

As part of the 2009 stimulus package, President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner created a new program to subsidize municipal bonds. Unlike traditional municipal bonds, Build America Bonds are…

Media

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Government Accountability

In Defense of Political Anonymity

  • Nathan Benefield
  • April 2, 2010

Former FEC Chief Bradley Smith has a good article in the winter issue of City Journal on the problems with campaign finance disclosure. Imagine if the George W.

Media

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Government Accountability

Debating a Constitutional Convention

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 8, 2010

Following Jack Wagner’s announcement that he supports a Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention (he is, I believe, the only candidate for PA Governor to yet endorse a Con Con) has cause…

Media

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State Budget

The True Cost of Unemployment Compensation

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • February 17, 2010

Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation fund is bankrupt. Beginning in March 2009, the Keystone State borrowed over $2 billion from the federal government to keep it solvent. Unfortunately, unemployment continues to grow,…

Commentary

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Taxes & Economy

Five Alternatives to Tolling I-80

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 26, 2010

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) continues its push for federal approval to toll Interstate-80, claiming that without it bridges will collapse, highways will crumble, and dogs and cats will start…

Commentary

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Education

Following Our Bad Example: The Tuition Tax Idea Spreads

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • December 21, 2009

The consideration of a tuition tax is appealing to populations beyond Pennsylvania as cities look to prop up budgets.  Leave it to California to be the first to jump on…

Media

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