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MARCH 15, 2011 | Policy Report by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION
Streamlining State Government
Reforming the Regulatory Structure of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania businesses must navigate a complex web of regulations from more than 340 independent state agencies, offices, state departments, boards, commissions, and committees stemming from the executive branch. Several other boards, committees, and commissions in state government primarily provide an advisory or public relat
MARCH 15, 2011 | Testimony by NATHAN BENEFIELD
Streamlining State Government Testimony
Testimony of Nathan A. Benefield to the Senate Inter-Governmental Operations Committee
Pennsylvania businesses must navigate a complex web of regulations from more than 340 independent state agencies, offices, state departments, boards, commissions, and committees stemming from the executive branch. Several other boards, committees, and commissions in state government primarily provide an advisory or public relations ro
JANUARY 17, 2011 | Policy Report by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION
80 Ideas for a Prosperous Pennsylvania
A Blueprint for Transforming the Commonwealth
Pennsylvania must undergo a rapid transformation to reverse the poor policy decisions that have eroded economic freedoms and brought the state to its present condition. To provide a roadmap for success in this critical endeavor, the Commonwealth Foundation has compiled a list of 80 policy recommendations for Gov. Corbett and state legi
Recent Blog Posts
SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
Senseless Regulations Cause Job Loss
Tuesday's Pennsylvania Independent article on the new state independent contract rules demonstrates the clear need for regulatory streamlining in the commonwealth. After Deborah Webster's husband lost his job, she started cleaning buildings part-time as a contractor. She kept her cleaning job after her husband found new work, in part to help subsidize her son's private education. But when state lawmakers passed HB 400, nicknamed the Subcontractor Extinction Act last year, she quickly learned she could no longer earn a living that way.
As CF reported last year, the new union-backed law makes it difficult for companies to hire independent contractors, a goal of construction union bosses. While the law was intended to affect only the construction industry, it has, as predicted, spilled over into other contracting fields. Webster realized she couldn't afford to comply with the new law, which mandates the purchase of liability insurance.
Pennsylvania lawmakers should look to reduce mandates—such as HB 400—that inhibit economic growth, and repeal costly regulations that only benefit special interests. Check out CF's report Streamlining State Government to learn more.
posted by KATRINA CURRIE | 00:10 PM | 0 comment
SEPTEMBER 2, 2011
Pennsylvania Lost $5 Billion in Annual Income from Residents Movin' Out
When it comes to interstate migration, Pennsylvania is among the biggest losers of residents and the income they earn, according to a Tax Foundation map using IRS data. Between 1999 to 2009, Pennsylvania lost $4.9 billion in net annual income from residents who moved to states, most with lower taxes, less regulation and greater job growth.
posted by KATRINA CURRIE | 02:22 PM | 0 comment
JUNE 21, 2011
PA Ranks 27th on Economic Freedom Index
The Mercatus Center's annual report of the Freedom in the 50 States ranked the Keystone State 27th in economic freedom. Pennsylvania's overall freedom ranking has declined three places since 2007. Mercatus ranked both Pennsylvania's fiscal and regulatory policy as mediocre. The analysis noted consistent increases in health care mandates that raise the cost of coverage and higher than average spending on transportation and welfare.
Here's a few highlights:
- State and local taxation as percentage of income: 10.4%
- State and local debt as percentage of income: 23.7%
- State and local government spending as a percentage of income: 22.4%
- Health insurance mandates added cost to premiums: 42.9%
- Workforce covered by a state-level occupational license: 22.4%
You can also play policymaker and use the state freedom calculator to see what reforms would give Pennsylvanians greater economic freedom. To read the entire report click here.
posted by JONATHAN HUMMA | 11:19 AM | 0 comment
