NOVEMBER 3, 2010 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania Voters Hit the Brakes on Runaway Government

Electorate says it's time to reduce spending, lower taxes, and restore self-governance

Yesterday, millions of Pennsylvanians collectively hit the brakes on runaway government in Washington and Harrisburg.  In race after race, they voted against years of over-spending, over-borrowing, and under-performing.  Voters also sent the clear message that they don't want to be governed by the right, the left or the center; the

SEPTEMBER 17, 2010 | Commentary by EDWIN MEESE

Constitution Day and the Perilous Future

On September 17, we celebrate the creation of our Constitution, one of the greatest governing documents ever conceived by the hand of man. This is the day we commemorate the birth of the United States as a nation, based on the rule of law and dedicated to the preservation of personal liberty, political freedom, economic opportunity, and the

JULY 29, 2010 | Testimony by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Lancaster Co. Human Relations Commission

Testimony of Nathan A. Benefield to the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners: July 29, 2010

I hope the Commissioners will seriously consider both the costs and the benefits of the LCHRC.  They may find that there is reason to continue this work, but I hope not to pay lip service to "promoting diversity," but for the actual results and performance of the LCHRC's work.

MAY 24, 2010 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

The Real "Special Interest" Problem in PA

Everyone loves to hate "special interests."  They spend millions of dollars in electing and lobbying public officials in order to gain political or legislative favor.  So it was no surprise when groups like PennFuture and the Keystone Research Center's Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center joined with Common Cause PA and th

APRIL 20, 2009 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD, MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

The Un-Silent Majority

Nearly 10,000 Pennsylvanians rallied on Tax Day, April 15th, against wasteful government spending, high and rising taxes, and burgeoning government debt and deficits.  The nonpartisan, anti-establishment “Tea Parties” were held in more than 30 cities across Pennsylvania and close to 800 nationwide, and more are scheduled.

MARCH 17, 2009 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Free Markets: An Unknown Ideal

President Obama, Governor Rendell, and many in the media have been echoing a similar refrain recently, "Conservatives had their chance.  We tried free markets, and they failed."  When exactly they think citizens enjoyed free markets is unclear, but it certainly did not occur under the presidency of George W. Bush or under Gov. Rendell.

NOVEMBER 3, 2008 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Real Hope and Change Comes From Ideas Not Politics

In 1993, I officially launched my campaign for President of the United States.  Granted, I was only 17 years old, hadn’t graduated high school yet, and wasn’t a member of the Kennedy family.  Nonetheless, I developed a plan —go to college, study political science, do something for 20 years, then become the youngest PO

DECEMBER 28, 2007 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Principles Worth Fighting For

Though I have watched Braveheart several dozen times, last weekend was the first time that the blood, violence, and men in kilts reminded me of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Unfortunately, many of our elected officials in Harrisburg have come to mimic the villains of the film, rather than the heroes.

OCTOBER 24, 2006 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Where the Incumbents and Challengers Stand

Harrisburg, PA — In two weeks, Pennsylvanians will head to polling booths all across the Commonwealth to cast votes for state House and Senate candidates, as well as for Governor.

NOVEMBER 30, 2005 | Commentary by JOHN KENNEDY

From Hopeless to Hopeful

On November 16, the legislators handed Gov. Rendell a bill to repeal the General Assembly’s July 7 pay and pension grab. The Governor promptly signed the measure without fanfare. Only the Three Mile Island disaster in 1979 could compare with the relentless press coverage, fueled by organized citizen groups and regional talk show ho