March 14, 2012 | Commentary by JONATHAN HUMMA, NATHAN BENEFIELD

Pennsylvania's Fork in the Road on Transportation Spending

Motorists frustrated with high gas prices should be on the alert—your pain at the pump could get worse, and it has nothing to do with Middle East tensions or gas company profits. Sadly, many in the transportation industry and some lawmakers in Pennsylvania believe the only way to fix our roads is to increase gasoline taxes and charge drivers more in vehicle fees.  This low-octane loser is surely another wrong exit for taxpayers whose tank is already on empty.

February 8, 2012 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Fireproofing Pennsylvania's Economy

It doesn't take a crystal ball to see that without swift action Pennsylvania's fiscal house will soon burst into flames. State lawmakers have adequate warning about the threats to our economy, but business as usual will leave taxpayers and future generations with a four-alarm inferno.

December 22, 2011 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Why Gov. Corbett Didn't Get His Christmas Wish List

For Christmas this year, Gov. Tom Corbett hoped the legislature would gift wrap three things he could tie a bow on:  An education reform package that included school vouchers, state liquor store privatization and legislation addressing gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.

October 17, 2011 | Testimony by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Inheritance Tax Reform

Testimony of Nathan A. Benefield, Director of Policy Analysis, Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives, Pennsylvania House Finance Committee

October 10, 2011 | Policy Report by PRIYA ABRAHAM, NATHAN BENEFIELD

The Learning Revolution

How Cyber Schools and Blended Learning Transform Students' Lives

Online learning serves a significant and growing number of students, and represents a significant shift in how we educate Pennsylvania's children.  In light of the growth of cyber and hybrid schools and the debate over their accountability, this Report seeks to help Pennsylvania residents understand more about cyber charter schools, whom they serve, and how they operate.

July 6, 2011 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Corbett's First Inning Scorecard

July signals the coming of two breaks in Pennsylvania—Major League Baseball's All-Star break and the end of the state budget season.   Having endured his first budget as the commonwealth's chief executive, Gov. Tom Corbett has effectively finished the first inning of a nine-inning baseball game.  The question is, how did he do at bat?

June 23, 2011 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Give Voters a Say on School Taxes

Five years ago, state lawmakers passed Act 1 to provide property tax relief and give voters a voice on school tax increases.  But since slot machine gambling was introduced in Pennsylvania, school property taxes have grown by almost $700 per homeowner.  And yet 98 percent of school districts have avoided voter referendum on tax hikes.  It is time to give voters real control over school taxes.

June 16, 2011 | Commentary by ELIZABETH STELLE, NATHAN BENEFIELD

How Taxpayers are Funding Big Labor's Education Failures

More than $92 million in taxpayer dollars for public education is being funneled through school districts back to these special interest groups, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA). These groups that profit from the $26 billion Pennsylvania taxpayers dole out on public schools have formed a coalition against school vouchers, ramped up their lobbying efforts and run attack ads against school choice and other education reforms.  Our tax dollars are funding organizations working to protect their fiefdom of failure against the best interests of taxpayers and school children.

May 11, 2011 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

A Penny Saved or a Penny Burned?

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 spend every penny they have, and consider retaining any surplus to pay off debt or put toward pensions.

May 2, 2011 | Testimony by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Property Taxpayer Referendum

Testimony of Nathan A. Benefield to the Pennsylvania House Finance Committee

House Bills 1326 and 1383 take an important step giving voters more control over school taxes, by eliminating the referendum loopholes allowed under Act 1.  Combined with mandate relief legislation to give school boards more flexibility in spending, these bills will help control the growth in school spending and property taxes.