JULY 13, 2011 | Commentary by PRIYA ABRAHAM

Government Transparency in Pennsylvania Becomes a Reality

The last few months saw immense partisan animosity and demeaning comments during numerous spats under the Capitol Dome.  But amid the fiscal fist fights over school choice, a natural gas tax, university subsidy cuts and really, everything concerning the FY 2011-12 state budget, one important bipartisan pact emerged: creating tr

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

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 | Commentary by MAURICE MCTIGUE

Making PA Budgets Honest

American governments are built around the power of legislatures to challenge administrations through public debate. From this debate come better policy decisions. However, if one side has a monopoly on fiscal information, it can hamper reasonable debate about government budgets. This is the situation in Pennsylvania, where the state

JUNE 23, 2010 | Policy Report by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

A Taxpayer's Budget 2010: Responsible Spending for Pennsylvania

A Taxpayer's Budget 2010: Responsible Spending for Pennsylvania identifies opportunities to cut over $4 billion in wasteful state spending in Gov. Rendell's proposed FY 2010-11 budget.  The report also offers a series of recommendations for resolving the current revenue shortfall and reducing the size and burden of government on

APRIL 30, 2010 | Testimony by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Does Legislative Size Matter?

Testimony of Nathan A. Benefield to the Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee

In summary, our analysis suggests that a reduction in the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly could improve the lawmaking process, but only if it includes other, more comprehensive reforms such as those I just outlined.  We, at the Commonwealth Foundation, would be pleased to work with you on any of these good government reform me

APRIL 8, 2010 | Commentary by ELIZABETH STELLE

Ten Tips to Balance the Budget

Contrary to Gov. Rendell's rhetoric, there are a plethora of reforms and cuts that can balance the budget without taking more from the pockets of Pennsylvania taxpayers. Here are ten ideas to balance the state budget, this year and the years to come, without raising taxes:

MARCH 11, 2010 | Policy Brief by NATHAN BENEFIELD, ELIZABETH STELLE

The Case for a Citizen Legislature

The operating cost of the Pennsylvania General Assembly has steadily increased, while Pennsylvania's economy has been stagnant. The Keystone State's burden of state and local taxes is among the heaviest in the country, while it ranks near the bottom in economic growth and freedom. This reality can be addressed by a number of reforms that woul

FEBRUARY 23, 2010 | Testimony by KATRINA CURRIE

Whistle-Blower Protection

Taxpayers deserve to know when their money is being wasted and used for illegal acts, and whistleblower protection laws help ensure transparency and accountability. Misuse of taxpayer funds is not limited to public agencies.

JANUARY 21, 2010 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

CF Challenges Gov. Rendell to Explain What's In the Bill

Yesterday, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell told Fox News that voters oppose the current health care reform proposal because "the administration and its supporters, myself included, haven't done a good enough job explaining to people what's in this bill." The Commonwealth Foundation formally welcomes Gov. Rendell to join their efforts to educate the

DECEMBER 3, 2009 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Spending Transparency & Accountability

There is a national movement to make government spending and finances accessible to taxpayers.  Pennsylvania lags behind, but state lawmakers are moving toward greater transparency.