Regulation

Privatization Could Save Harrisburg

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • May 18, 2011

In December, Harrisburg entered into the state’s ominous Act 47 program for distressed cities to avoid bankruptcy. Privatization seems one option to help the city deal with its debt…

Media

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Education

Saving Our School Boards

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • May 17, 2011

Schools must be able to furlough teachers based on a broad-based assessment of student needs, not a last-in/first-out requirement that ignores teachers' classroom performance, ability to connect with students, grasp…

Commentary

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Education

The Governor is Right and the Union Bosses are Wrong

  • Charles Mitchell
  • May 11, 2011

I’m in Pittsburgh today, but I can hear the shouting in Harrisburg from here:  Union bosses are hopping mad at Gov. Tom Corbett for calling them out in his…

Media

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Regulation

A Penny Saved or a Penny Burned?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 11, 2011

For any family, saving a few dollars for the future and paying off credit card bills would be the fiscally prudent path.  Likewise, state lawmakers should resist the temptation to…

Commentary

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Government Accountability

Reining in Spending with Performance-Based Budgeting

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • May 4, 2011

The House State Government Committee held a hearing today on reforming the budgeting process. HB 726, sponsored by Rep. Stan Saylor, would institute performance based-budgeting. Today, most of the…

Media

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Education

Property Taxpayer Referendum

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 2, 2011

Good afternoon.  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 would…

Testimony

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Voice for School Choice finds New Site

  • April 29, 2011

HARRISBURG, PA  | The Commonwealth Foundation launched today the Stand Strong Senator project in response to the wave of aggressive and special interest lobbying led by the Pennsylvania State Education…

Press Release

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Taxes & Economy

Orwellian Tax Speak: Call It a “Fee”

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • April 28, 2011

Call it a “fee” or call it “knockwurst” if you like, but the latest proposal for a “local impact fee” on natural gas drillers is not only still a…

Media

Read More: Orwellian Tax Speak: Call It a “Fee”