APRIL 11, 2012 | Commentary by JOHN BOUDER

Government-run Golf a Taxpayer Double Bogey

Believe it or not, local governments, i.e., taxpayers, own 49 golf courses in Pennsylvania.  One of the poorest performers is Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, owned by Dauphin County taxpayers, which simply doesn't make enough money to cover the interest on its debt.  For years, the Dauphin County General Authority has been caddying

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.

DECEMBER 12, 2011 | Commentary by DAWN MELING

PLCB Must End Costly Mission Conflict

In high school, I threw the javelin in track and field, badly wanting to be recruited by a college athletics program.  My dad would joke that he never had to worry about high school boys and unwanted attention towards me because I could out bench press almost every guy in my school.  And that was my attitude too - nothing to worry abou

DECEMBER 9, 2011 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

PLCB Called on to Stop Wine and Spirits Advertising

The Commonwealth Foundation called for an immediate halt today by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board of taxpayer-funded advertising that promotes the sale of wine and spirits by the government-run monopoly.

NOVEMBER 2, 2011 | Policy Brief by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Fall 2011 Legislative Priorities

Fall 2011 Legislative Priorities.

OCTOBER 7, 2011 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Liquor Privatization (House Bill 11)

Summary and Recommendations

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board serves as the monopolistic seller of wine and spirits in the commonwealth. Rep. Mike Turzai introduced House Bill 11 to sell off the PLCB's retail stores, wholesale and distribution operations, current inventory of wine and spirits, and redefine the PLCB as the licenser and regulator of private retailers and

OCTOBER 4, 2011 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Commonwealth Foundation Creates 'Liquor Liberty' Web Site

HARRISBURG, PA – The Commonwealth Foundation launched today www.LetFreedomDrink.com, a Web site dedicated to removing state government and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board from its monopoly stranglehold over retail and wholesale wine and spirits sales.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 | Commentary by ELIZABETH STELLE

Public-Private Parking Prevents Tax Hikes

Facing immense fiscal and political pressures, many local governments are looking for ways to fund services without raising taxes. But officials need not curb their enthusiasm for fiscal responsibility if they simply put the brakes on being in the parking business. Pennsylvania has 41 special government parking authorities; the rest of t

SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 | Infographic by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

13 Reasons Why Government-Sold Booze Fails

America was built upon a free-market system where citizens were free to make purchasing decisions in a competitive market without excessive government oversight or taxation. Sadly, that's not true for Pennsylvanians shopping for wine and spirits today. What is true is that there are people who profit from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's

SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 | Commentary by JAMES MILLER, KATRINA CURRIE

The State of Inconvenience

Walk into any supermarket in Ohio and you can see shoppers purchasing everything they need for dinner - including the wine to go with it.  In West Virginia, residents can fill up their gas tank and replenish their wine selection in one stop.  In fact, every state except Utah provides more freedom over wine and spirits sales than Pe