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 many of the questions about Pennsylvania’s public cyber schools, as well as separating the myths from the facts about online learning.

What percentage of the $22 Billion taxpayers spent on public schools went to Pennsylvania cyber schools?

A. <1%

B. 5%

C. 9%

D. 11%

“Take the QUIZ” @ SchoolChoiceSaves.org

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SchoolChoiceSaves.org, a project of the Commonwealth Foundation, is dedicated to revealing the benefits of parental choice in education -- how school choice saves children from poor-performing schools and saves taxpayers' money.

Commonwealth Foundation condemns earmarking of $12.7 billion in taxpayer debt

HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation expressed disappointment in the Pennsylvania Senate’s passage of House Bill 1589, which authorizes $12.7 billion for debt-financed projects. The bill, which passed 47-2, goes back to the House for its approval.

Pennsylvanians prefer lease to higher taxes, new tolls, and more bonded debt

HARRISBURG, PA — Informed registered voters in Pennsylvania say leasing the turnpike to an "experienced, qualified private sector operator" is preferable to raising taxes, fees or allowing "the Turnpike Commission to issue bonds and impose tolls on a currently free interstate highway," according to a statewide poll conducted by Susquehanna Polling & Research, Inc.

House Democrats waste taxpayer money on useless report 

HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation responded to a study released today by the House Democrats on the potential lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the abolition of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

Pennsylvania governor confuses taxpayers with leprechauns

HARRISBURG, PA — In Gov. Ed Rendell’s FY 2008-09 budget address, he called for higher and new taxes that, if passed by the General Assembly, would generate more than $232 million in new tax dollars for state government to spend. However, when questioned about his new tax increases by KDKA political reporter Jon Delano, Rendell snapped back saying, “Are you nuts, Jon? Are you nuts?”

Rendell misplaces his faith in government to stimulate the economy

HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation expressed disappointment in Gov. Ed Rendell’s FY 2008-09 budget proposal that would grow state government spending with the false promise to grow the economy.

Commonwealth Foundation analysis finds $6.7 billion in “unhealthy“ state spending

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, in anticipation of Governor Rendell’s 2008-09 budget proposal, the Commonwealth Foundation released Government on a Diet: Spending Tips 2008. The report identifies $6.7 billion in “unhealthy” spending from the state operating budget, capital budget, and off-budget agencies.

Commonwealth Foundation responds to PSU/Wayne State study

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, in response to a study of traffic diversion due to toll increases on the Ohio Turnpike by authors from Penn State University and Wayne State, the Commonwealth Foundation identified fatal flaws in the report’s conclusions and reiterated the need to repeal Act 44 and lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

The Commonwealth Foundation is excited to be a part of the 2008-09 Koch Associate Program!   

We're working with the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation to find candidates for a position at the Commonwealth Foundation.

If you're interested, visit the CGK Foundation online at http://www.cgkfoundation.org/associate-program

Last November, we challenged our supporters to help us raise $70,000 is 70 days. Well, YOU DID IT! And we can't thank you enough. In fact, you even exceeded our goal in less than 70 days.

As of today, January 3rd, you have provided us $74,652. This means we will receive the full $70,000 match from two of our generous supporters.

I, and the rest of the staff at the Commonwealth Foundation, thank you for your support of our work. We look forward to putting your generous contributions to work for a freer, more prosperous Pennsylvania.

Federal government sends Turnpike proposal to tax I-80 drivers back to the drawing board

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation called on the House Education Committee to treat all public school students equally, whether they attend traditional district schools or cyber public schools.

Commonwealth Foundation applauds legislation to enroll new public employees in more predictable, affordable “Defined-Contribution” pension plan

State government watchdogs provide input on proposed SB 1 changes

HARRISBURG – The effort to overhaul Pennsylvania’s Open Records law will take center stage at the rescheduled Senate State Government Committee meeting at noon today. Last week, leaders from various government watchdog organizations requested additional time to better analyze Senate Bill 1 and its amendments. In advance of today’s committee votes, they offered their perspectives on the proposed changes.

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, more troubling information was revealed in the ongoing dispute over whether or not the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) were in compliance with Act 44’s deadline for the signing of the lease agreement between the two agencies—an agreement that has still not been released to the public.

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s statements support Commonwealth Foundation’s assertions

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation reasserted its claim that a lease agreement between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to toll Interstate 80 is not in compliance with Act 44 of 2007.

Governor should declare agreement “null and void,” says Commonwealth Foundation.

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation called on Gov. Ed Rendell and the General Assembly to declare the Interstate-80 lease agreement between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and PennDOT “null and void” because of their clear violation of the law.