Energy

Testimony of Nathan Benefield, Chief Policy Officer Commonwealth Foundation Senate Majority Policy Committee Hearing on Energy in Pennsylvania

• August 14, 2026

Chairman Argall and members of the committee: Thank you for the opportunity to submit these remarks on increasing energy production in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth Foundation promotes market-driven solutions that will…

Testimony

Public Union Democracy

Why Pennsylvania Needs Wisconsin-Style Government Union Reform

• Elizabeth Stelle, Nathan Benefield
• February 24, 2022

Key Findings Government unions have enormous political power in Pennsylvania, due to a host of special legal privileges granted in state law.Government union executives use this power to trap government…

Report

State Budget

Clear the Red Tape to Rebuild a Stronger Pennsylvania

• Tirzah Duren
• April 27, 2021

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Wolf repealed regulations to allow our healthcare sector to respond to the evolving crisis. Nonmedical regulatory restrictions—such as permitting cocktails to-go—were also…

Fact Sheet

State Budget

Gov. Wolf’s Budget Plan & Working Families

• Elizabeth Stelle
• February 23, 2021

Chairman Causer and members of the House Majority Policy Committee, thank you for inviting the Commonwealth Foundation to testify on the impact of Governor Wolf’s budget proposal. My name is…

Testimony

The Race to Rebuild: How Pennsylvania Can Bounce Back After COVID-19

• Jessica Barnett
• January 19, 2021

Pennsylvanians continue to struggle amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions. Small business owners face permanent closure, children’s schooling is in disarray, and job seekers have few prospects. Families need…

Report

Energy

Energy Shows Why Regulatory Reform is Key

• Tirzah Duren
• December 21, 2020

Right now in Pennsylvania —the second-largest energy-producing state behind Texas— Governor Wolf is using executive action to attempt to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This interstate…

Commentary

Public Union Democracy

Protecting the Rights of Pennsylvania Public Employees

• October 3, 2020

Key Points Pennsylvania state law grants unions exclusive bargaining rights in government workplaces, makes it difficult for workers to leave their union, and allows taxpayer collection of union political money.Through…

Backgrounder

Regulatory Reform: Three Ways to Jumpstart the Post-COVID Economy

• Tirzah Duren
• October 2, 2020

At the beginning of April, over 80% of small businesses were at risk of closing if the shutdown continued for five more months. As of July, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce…

Backgrounder

Health Care

COVID-19 Could Change the Way Pennsylvania Does Business

• Stefanie Mason
• September 16, 2020

Small business owners like Elvira, Jessa, and Andy deserve a fighting chance to keep their business dreams alive. That’s the only way to heal Pennsylvania’s economy.

Fact Sheet