Leasing the Turnpike: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

May 23, 2008

Tthe Commonwealth Foundation and the Los Angeles-based Reason Foundation released a policy brief entitled Leasing the Turnpike: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers to help enhance and enlighten the current transportation…

Fact Sheet

Lease the Turnpike? A real no-brainer

Matthew Brouillette
May 21, 2008

Pennsylvania lawmakers have the unique opportunity to allow taxpayers to earn interest rather than pay it. On May 19, Gov. Ed Rendell announced that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania could receive…

Commentary

Regulation

No Extra Money in the Fund

Richard Dreyfuss
May 20, 2008

"There is no extra money in the fund" for a pension Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA). That’s the analysis from the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS), not the Commonwealth Foundation…

Commentary

Government Accountability

The Cerberus of the General Assembly

Nathan Benefield
May 14, 2008

In Greek Mythology, the river Styx separates the earth from Hades. A giant three-headed dog named Cerberus guards the river, allowing the dead to enter Hades, but preventing anyone—save a…

Commentary

First Turnpike Bid Is In! Only $5.3 Billion

May 9, 2008

PA Turnpike Commission plan will provide only $450 million per year for state’s roads, highways, bridges, and mass transit HARRISBURG, PA — As Gov. Rendell and the General Assembly await…

Press Release

Regulation

Harrisburg mayor proposing outsourcing parking

Nathan Benefield
May 6, 2008

Patriot News reports that Harrisburg mayor Stephen Reed proposing leasing operations of the city’s parking garages and meters to private operators. The deal would fetch $215 million for a…

Media

State Budget

Did Pork cause bridge collapse?

Nathan Benefield
May 2, 2008

Yahoo! News has a story about McCain “backing off” an earlier statement that pork barrel projects caused the Minnesota bridge collapse. However, while earmarks didn’t cause the bridge to…

Media

Education

The Who, What, Why, How of PAs Cyber Schools

April 29, 2008

New report addresses myths and facts about online learning HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation released A Primer on Pennsylvania’s Cyber Schools, a policy brief which answers the…

Press Release

Regulation

Smoke Freedom Day II

Nathan Benefield
April 29, 2008

CBS 21 has a video of “Smoke Freedom Day” protest in Harrisburg. That’s me in the video, absorbing second-hand smoke to make a political statement, like Sam Adams.

Media