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AUGUST 31, 2010 | Commentary by ELIZABETH STELLE

Traditional Energy Fuels Pennsylvania's Economy

Pennsylvania has always been a leading provider of America's energy. From timber and coal to the nation's first commercial oil well, and now the Marcellus Shale boom, traditional energy is vital to our state's economy. But these industries, and the prosperity that accompanied them, are now threatened because they have become politically unpopular. Instead of entrepreneurship and the responsible development of natural resources, today's energy companies are rewarded on the basis of the

AUGUST 27, 2010 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Gov. Rendell's Gamesmanship

While table games have been in Pennsylvania casinos for more than a month, I don't know if Gov. Rendell has tried his luck. But it would be a safe wager that he's a fantastic poker player. Why? For eight years, he's been able to bluff, bully, and stare down anyone who opposes his tax-borrow-and-spend agenda.

AUGUST 17, 2010 | Commentary by NATALIE ROGOL

Time to Exit Rendell's Road to Higher Taxes

Governor Rendell has proposed a series of tax increases to fill a $415 million transportation funding deficit created when the federal government rejected his plan to toll I-80 for a third time. The state's highway system is in sorry condition, but not because taxpayers pay too little. Pennsylvania spends more on transportation than nearly every other state, and since the Governor took office, transportation spending increased 53%. The biggest problems with the state's

AUGUST 3, 2010 | Commentary by DOUG MCLINKO

Gas Fuels Growth

The national economy is in a slump, unemployment remains stubbornly high, and economic growth is being hampered by misguided policies. Meanwhile, Bradford County, Pennsylvania led the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in net job growth from March of 2009 through March of 2010 with 2500 new jobs or a 7.2% employment increase. The robust increase in jobs is a direct result of Marcellus Shale drilling and its ancillary economic benefits.

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.

JULY 27, 2010 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

Can Tom Corbett Keep His "No Tax" Pledge?

Attorney General Tom Corbett has taken significant criticism for his pledge to not raise taxes if elected governor. That was to be expected from his Democrat rival, Allegheny County executive Dan Onorato, who hasn't ruled out raising taxes to fill a budget gap expected to be as high as $5 billion next year. But it's the friendly fire from Senate Republican Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi that has wounded the AG (aspiring governor).

JULY 22, 2010 | Commentary by MICHAEL NEROZZI, NATHAN BENEFIELD

I&R: Our Inalienable Right to Reform

It is clear our government will not reform itself. Article I, Section 2 of the Pennsylvania Constitution recognizes the right of the citizens to "alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper." It is past time to exercise this right, but the General Assembly and Governor have not provided the means to do so.

JULY 13, 2010 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

The Real Problem with the Specter Library

As part of the state budget deal, Gov. Rendell secured $600 million in new borrowing for pork-barrel projects, including $10 million for the "Arlen Specter Library" at Philadelphia University and another $10 million for the "John P. Murtha Center for Public Policy." These monuments to politicians have sparked outrage, but represent only the tip of the iceberg in Pennsylvania's debt-fueled pork spending.

JUNE 30, 2010 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

2010 Budget Deal Fails to Plan for Future

Years of overspending push Pennsylvania toward the edge of a financial cliff in 2011

Commonwealth Foundation president and CEO Matthew Brouillette released the following statement in response to the announced Pennsylvania state budget deal.

JUNE 29, 2010 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania Budget Facts 2010: Corporate Taxes

The Commonwealth has the second highest state corporate income tax (behind Iowa, which has more generous deductions and exemptions). When compounding state and federal corporate taxes, Pennsylvania's corporate income tax rate is higher than that of every other country.