Regulation
Benefits of Liquor Store Privatization for Pennsylvanians
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.
Testimony
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The Only Way to Fix Public Pensions
The Baltimore Sun editorializes that the only way to fix the pension plan for state workers (in Maryland, though the same would hold true in Pennsylvania) is to move…
Media
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The Benefits of Lower Tobacco Taxes
Gov. Rendell hailed the budget, as he signed it into law on Tuesday. However, Rendell isn’t all smiles– the Governor lamented the fact that lawmakers failed to increase…
Media
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Pennsylvania Budget Facts 2010: Tobacco Taxes
Gov. Rendell proposed a tax of 30% on the retail price of cigars and smokeless tobacco products, in hopes of collecting $42 million in the upcoming fiscal year.
Fact Sheet
Read More: Pennsylvania Budget Facts 2010: Tobacco TaxesTaxes & Economy
Pennsylvania’s Unrealistic Climate Plan
A macroeconomic study of Pennsylvania's Climate Action Plan, released earlier this month, promises impressive cost savings and job creation for the state, but the report was produced by a global…
Commentary
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Maryland Smokers Border-Hopping to Avoid Cigarette Tax
According to a recent op-ed by Marc Kilmer of the Maryland Public Policy Institute, a 2007 cigarette tax is having an adverse effect on the Free State’s economy. While…
Media
Read More: Maryland Smokers Border-Hopping to Avoid Cigarette TaxGovernment Accountability
Hyperbole and Hypocrisy on Campaign Finance Ruling
A must read article about the Citizen’s United case and the supposed destruction of democracy. Many states, including Illinois and Maryland, allow corporate contributions to state candidates. As…
Media
Read More: Hyperbole and Hypocrisy on Campaign Finance RulingEducation
Costing-Out the Price of Education
Testimony of Nathan A. Benefield, Director of Policy Research, Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives to the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee December 8, 2009 Thank you, Sen. Piccola and…
Testimony
Read More: Costing-Out the Price of EducationRegulation
Outward Bound – Taxes Driving People Out Of Pennsylvania
Between 2000 and 2008, Pennsylvania suffered the depletion of one of its most valuable resources - people. During this period, the state lost 56,000 net residents, according to U.S. Census…
Commentary
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