Many Pennsylvanians face chronic unemployment, welfare dependency, and the cycle of poverty. This happens because labor incentives have been overridden by bad policies that keep millions out of the workforce and enact excessive red tape. We can reverse this trend by ending the practice of waiving work requirements on able-bodied Pennsylvanians with no dependents, removing barriers to employment for those seeking a fresh start, and creating a healthcare system without burdensome regulations.

Health Care

Cyber Charter School Teachers Speak Out

  • Kevin Mooney
  • April 2, 2020

Pennsylvania parents who may not have given any consideration to cyber public charter schools previously are doing that now in the wake of the coronavirus. This has the education establishment upset…

Commentary

Read More: Cyber Charter School Teachers Speak Out

Education

Understanding Cyber Charter Schools

  • Colleen Hroncich
  • April 2, 2020

Misconceptions abound when it comes to cyber charter schools—and opponents use that confusion to attack this important option. In the current era of school shutdowns, it's more important than ever…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Understanding Cyber Charter Schools

Health Care

Pennsylvania Can Beat COVID-19. Here’s How

  • Tirzah Duren
  • March 31, 2020

It’s a thin tightrope to walk, but lawmakers must balance policies that keep Pennsylvanians safe with those that empower medical workers, protect the health care supply chain, and …

Commentary

Read More: Pennsylvania Can Beat COVID-19. Here’s How

Education

How to Enroll in Cyber School

  • Lenny McAllister, Marc LeBlond
  • March 27, 2020

Parents, if you’re anything like our family, you’re probably considering certain education options for your kids for the first time. As schools across the state work to develop remote…

Commentary

Read More: How to Enroll in Cyber School

Education

A Time for Choosing: Systems or Kids?

  • Marc LeBlond
  • March 26, 2020

In this time of crisis, teachers and parents are working to ensure children can continue to learn. But new legislation cuts off funding for parents seeking cyber education for their…

Commentary

Read More: A Time for Choosing: Systems or Kids?

Education

Welcome to the Homeschool Club!

  • Colleen Hroncich
  • March 24, 2020

New homeschoolers, try to relax and enjoy this unexpected time with your kids. While there may be some things they don’t learn now that they would have learned in a…

Commentary

Read More: Welcome to the Homeschool Club!

Health Care

Policy Recommendations to Fight COVID-19 in Pennsylvania

  • March 24, 2020

As Pennsylvania faces its greatest crisis in decades, it is imperative that legislators take the lead and enact key heath care, education, and budget reforms to help Pennsylvania families and small…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Policy Recommendations to Fight COVID-19 in Pennsylvania

Health Care

Recommendations to Ease Mounting Healthcare Burden

  • March 16, 2020

March 16, 2020, Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pennsylvania State Legislature should prioritize flexible medical care as it returns to session this week aiming to mitigate the spread of the novel…

Press Release

Read More: Recommendations to Ease Mounting Healthcare Burden

Health Care

No Easy Pass This Year on Cost Overruns

  • Andrew Abramczyk
  • March 3, 2020

Legislators are questioning the administration's chronic overspending habit, but they aren't getting many answers.

Commentary

Read More: No Easy Pass This Year on Cost Overruns

Health Care

Where Have All the Human Service Dollars Gone?

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • February 10, 2020

Nearly half of Pennsylvania's budget goes to human services or welfare. Governor Wolf wants to increase human service spending by $1.4 billion next year. But how well are these programs…

Commentary

Read More: Where Have All the Human Service Dollars Gone?

Criminal Justice Reform

Pa. Prison Population Plummets by Most in History — Again

  • January 21, 2020

January 21, 2020, Harrisburg, Pa.—Pennsylvania’s prison population dropped by 1,495 individuals in 2019, according to new Department of Corrections numbers—the sharpest decline ever recorded. The number of incarcerated Pennsylvanians…

Press Release

Read More: Pa. Prison Population Plummets by Most in History — Again

Criminal Justice Reform

CF’s 2020 Vision

  • January 1, 2020

The Commonwealth Foundation’s mission sounds pretty simple: transform free-market ideas into public policies so all Pennsylvanians can flourish. Accomplishing that mission—with a divided government, powerful special interests, and a diverse…

Media

Read More: CF’s 2020 Vision

Criminal Justice Reform

Crime Declines as Pa. Passes Criminal Justice Reforms

  • Jessica Barnett
  • December 30, 2019

Responsible, smart reforms are paying dividends in Pennsylvania’s correction system—and recently passed reforms aim to build upon this success. The state Department of Corrections released a statement and…

Media

Read More: Crime Declines as Pa. Passes Criminal Justice Reforms

Criminal Justice Reform

Pa. Leading Nation on Smart Justice Reform

  • December 18, 2019

December 18, 2019, Harrisburg, Pa. – Today, the Pa. Legislature passed two bills that firmly establish Pennsylvania as a national leader on criminal justice reform. Senate Bills 500 and…

Press Release

Read More: Pa. Leading Nation on Smart Justice Reform

Taxes & Economy

Feds Restore Foodstamp Rules: Providing a Pathway to Independence

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • December 6, 2019

Pennsylvanians are experiencing the lowest unemployment rates on record and wages are rising, including wages at the lower end of the pay scale. Across the country 16 states have restored…

Media

Read More: Feds Restore Foodstamp Rules: Providing a Pathway to Independence

Criminal Justice Reform

Pa. Senate Passes Legislation Removing Employment Barriers

  • Jessica Barnett
  • November 23, 2019

Individuals like Ericka Miller and Amanda Spillane are one step closer to having a fair opportunity to pursue success and live their American dream. On Thursday, the state Senate…

Media

Read More: Pa. Senate Passes Legislation Removing Employment Barriers