Pennsylvania’s notoriously high level of regulation is a burden on our state economy. To make the Keystone State a competitive place to live, work, or grow a business, reforms are needed to rein in the regulatory process. Taxpayers deserve a streamlined regulatory process that scrutinizes proposed regulations to ensure frivolous reforms do not overburden the state economy and do not prevent job-seekers from accessing employment.

Regulation

Pennsylvania Deficit Watch: June 2017

  • June 5, 2017

For the first time in seven months, the commonwealth’s revenue collections exceeded expectations. Pennsylvania collected $2.6 billion in May—$98.5 million more than anticipated. Still, total collections remain approximately…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania Deficit Watch: June 2017

Regulation

SB 1 is Major First Step on Pension Reform

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 5, 2017

Yesterday, Elizabeth wrote about the reasons we need pension reform now. As the full Senate prepares to vote on SB 1, I wanted to provide some clarity on this…

Media

Read More: SB 1 is Major First Step on Pension Reform

Regulation

5 Reasons to Enact Pension Reform Now

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 4, 2017

Pennsylvania is on the brink of transformative pension reform. Under SB 1, new school teachers and state employees, including new lawmakers and judges, would automatically be enrolled in a…

Media

Read More: 5 Reasons to Enact Pension Reform Now

Regulation

Policy Memo: Pension Reform in Pennsylvania

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • May 26, 2017

Pennsylvania’s $71 billion unfunded pension liability is unsustainable for taxpayers and puts public employees at risk. Without timely reform, pension payments will crowd out funding for other services, property taxes…

Memo

Read More: Policy Memo: Pension Reform in Pennsylvania

Regulation

Sports Teams Thrive at Taxpayer Expense

  • May 26, 2017

While sports teams across the county reap the benefits of lavish government subsidies to build stadiums, taxpayers bear the brunt of the cost, according to a working study by…

Media

Read More: Sports Teams Thrive at Taxpayer Expense

Regulation

Op-Ed: Zippo Lights the Way on Pension Reform

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 25, 2017

When you think of lighters, you probably think of Zippo. Recently, the company announced a move that shines light of a different kind: Zippo is transitioning from pension plans for its…

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: Zippo Lights the Way on Pension Reform

Regulation

Senate Introduces Substantive Pension Reform

  • Jessica Barnett
  • May 23, 2017

Now, more than ever, transformative reform in needed to address Pennsylvania’s undeniable pension crisis. Last week, the state Senate began this process by introducing pension reform bill SB…

Media

Read More: Senate Introduces Substantive Pension Reform

Regulation

Government Strikes Out, Yet Keeps Playing

  • Colleen Hroncich
  • May 19, 2017

For state government, it isn’t ‘three strikes and you’re out.’ Or even four strikes. In fact, state officials get to play by their own rules when it comes to economic…

Media

Read More: Government Strikes Out, Yet Keeps Playing

Education

For Most Teachers, Status Quo Pension a Lousy Deal

  • James Paul
  • May 16, 2017

Illuminating new research confirms what CF has been saying for years: Pennsylvania’s pension system is a bad deal for teachers. In EducationNext, authors Chad Aldeman and Kelly Robson…

Media

Read More: For Most Teachers, Status Quo Pension a Lousy Deal

Regulation

Liquor “Modernization” a Financial Flop

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 12, 2017

Last year, the legislature enacted a law allowing restaurants and a small number of grocery stores to sell wine and “modernizing” the government liquor stores to “run more like…

Media

Read More: Liquor “Modernization” a Financial Flop

Regulation

A Visitor?s Guide to Buying Booze in PA

  • May 10, 2017

Planning a dinner? Picking up a hostess gift? Here’s our handy shopping guide to keep things E.A.S.Y.*  *Every Annoying Stop You have to make to get what you need.

Media

Read More: A Visitor?s Guide to Buying Booze in PA

Regulation

Should Pennsylvania Subsidize Horse Racing?

  • May 2, 2017

Last month the House passed a General Fund budget that included more than $56 million in corporate welfare reductions. At the time, we indicated even more reductions were possible given…

Media

Read More: Should Pennsylvania Subsidize Horse Racing?

Education

Ten Reasons for Optimism

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 28, 2017

This week state lawmakers advanced a plethora of good policy, from legislation to finally end the government liquor monopoly to a bill that would improve health care in rural areas.

Media

Read More: Ten Reasons for Optimism

Regulation

The Keystone State of Corporate Welfare

  • April 27, 2017

Pennsylvania’s corporate welfare culture is pervasive. The state has the dubious distinction of leading the nation in subsidy payments since 2007—without getting much in return. This large transfer of wealth…

Media

Read More: The Keystone State of Corporate Welfare

Regulation

News Release: House Passes Significant Liquor Reform Bills

  • April 26, 2017

Yesterday, the House passed significant liquor reforms designed to end state government’s senseless stranglehold on the wine and liquor industry. Sponsored by House Speaker Mike Turzai, HB 975 builds…

Press Release

Read More: News Release: House Passes Significant Liquor Reform Bills

Regulation

Following Zippo’s Lead on Pensions

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 21, 2017

Zippo’s recent retirement plan transition is another example of why Pennsylvania state government should do the same. As Zippo CFO Don Hall said, defined contribution plans like 401(k)s carry…

Media

Read More: Following Zippo’s Lead on Pensions

Regulation

The Strong Case for?and Weak Case Against?Pension Reform

  • April 18, 2017

Pennsylvania’s public pension plans are woefully underfunded, with enough assets to cover just 60 percent of liabilities. This poor financial showing has relegated the commonwealth to the bottom of the Tax Foundation’s ranking of…

Media

Read More: The Strong Case for?and Weak Case Against?Pension Reform

Health Care

Senate Acts to Improve Health Access, Lower Costs

  • James Paul
  • April 18, 2017

All Pennsylvanians deserve access to quality, affordable health care. That's why it was encouraging to see the Senate advance SB 25 out of the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee.

Media

Read More: Senate Acts to Improve Health Access, Lower Costs