Regulation
Regulatory Reforms Stalled in State House
Summary Gov. Josh Shapiro’s PAyback permit rebate program is a step forward. But alone, it is insufficient to fix Pennsylvania’s above-average regulatory burden. The governor says he wants to…
Read More: Regulatory Reforms Stalled in State HousePennsylvania’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
Harsh Conditions Continue: Pennsylvania’s 2017-18 Business Climate
After the recent decision by Amazon not to put an HQ2 location in Pennsylvania, business owners and taxpayers all across the state are asking the same questions: What barriers…
Media
Read More: Harsh Conditions Continue: Pennsylvania’s 2017-18 Business ClimateGovernment Accountability
It’s Apparent PA’s Not Transparent
Parties and perks on taxpayers' dime was the headline-grabbing news from Pennsylvania's Auditor General investigation of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC). His findings underscore the need for government transparency. The SRBC,…
Media
Read More: It’s Apparent PA’s Not TransparentRegulation
Billions in Bribes Couldn’t Overcome Business Climate
As the old saying goes, “you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.” Such is the case with the business climate in Pennsylvania. And it appears…
Media
Read More: Billions in Bribes Couldn’t Overcome Business ClimateRegulation
On Amazon and Unilaterally Disarming Corporate Welfare
Amazon just announced that instead of one “HQ 2”, they will chose two new facilities—neither of which will be in Pennsylvania, instead choosing New York and Virginia. This shouldn’t…
Media
Read More: On Amazon and Unilaterally Disarming Corporate WelfareRegulation
Pennsylvania’s Pension Systems
In 2017, Pennsylvania passed landmark pension reform that will kick in come January. But our $70 billion plus liability is still growing and so is the municipal pension crisis.
Memo
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Pension SystemsRegulation
Four Fast Facts About PLCB Finances
It’s a timeless tradition. Each year, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) releases its financial report, touting the success of the government’s booze business. Shortly after, CF explains why the…
Media
Read More: Four Fast Facts About PLCB FinancesRegulation
Corporate Welfare: A Bad Deal for Pennsylvanians
Hanover company WNS closed its doors for good at the end of September, putting 107 men and women out of work. This news comes just two years after Governor…
Media
Read More: Corporate Welfare: A Bad Deal for PennsylvaniansRegulation
Corporate Welfare’s Record of Failure
In a free market economy, entrepreneurs succeed or fail based on their ability to meet their customers’ needs. Yet all too often, government disrupts this process by conferring tax credits,…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Corporate Welfare’s Record of FailureCriminal Justice Reform
Pennsylvania’s Financial Condition? Critical
Despite what you may have heard, Pennsylvania’s fiscal troubles haven’t disappeared. The recent state budget did not address the commonwealth’s short- or long-term financial challenges. It merely papered over them.
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Financial Condition? CriticalCriminal Justice Reform
Unlocking Pennsylvanians’ Potential
Pennsylvania’s poverty rate remains far too high. Employers can’t find workers with technical skills, and the commonwealth continues to lead the northeast in incarcerating our citizens. One organization is…
Media
Read More: Unlocking Pennsylvanians’ PotentialRegulation
Gov. Wolf’s Unfair Demands Will Hinder the Economy
The Wolf administration is once again attempting to impose excessive costs on the gas industry—and consumers—by proposing triple-digit-percentage increases in fees for authorizing well development. Pennsylvania charges more for…
Media
Read More: Gov. Wolf’s Unfair Demands Will Hinder the EconomyCriminal Justice Reform
Removing Barriers to Work for Ex-Offenders
Pennsylvania has a 3-year recidivism rate of nearly 61 percent. Research shows one of the most critical components of successful re-entry is a job. But for 255…
Memo
Read More: Removing Barriers to Work for Ex-OffendersGovernment Accountability
Does Power Corrupt? Absolutely.
Pennsylvania’s prohibition error(!) liquor system lends itself to corruption. The sentencing of former Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) official James Short serves as a stark reminder of this undeniable fact.
Media
Read More: Does Power Corrupt? Absolutely.Criminal Justice Reform
Spending Trends & Policy Developments Under Gov. Wolf
In the last four years Pennsylvania has experienced rapid state spending growth. On the plus side, constant tax hike proposals have been largely rejected and policies like pension reform, school…
Memo
Read More: Spending Trends & Policy Developments Under Gov. WolfHealth Care
Small Increases Expected on Pa.’s Exchange
Pennsylvanians who purchase health insurance on the Exchange will finally get some relief from years of premium hikes. Pa. Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman announced they expect an average premium…
Media
Read More: Small Increases Expected on Pa.’s ExchangeGovernment Accountability
State Budget Bill Packed with $35 Million in Earmarks
July 24, 2018, Harrisburg, Pa.—Nearly 50 obscurely-worded earmarks are buried in Pennsylvania’s fiscal code—amounting to $35 million in hidden expenses—according to a Commonwealth Foundation analysis. Click here for a searchable…
Press Release
Read More: State Budget Bill Packed with $35 Million in EarmarksCriminal Justice Reform
Another Step Towards Reducing Barriers to Work
Pennsylvania licenses over 250 occupations, creating unnecessary bureaucracy and obstacles to good paying jobs. Across the country states like Arizona, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Nebraska are eliminating licensure requirements…
Media
Read More: Another Step Towards Reducing Barriers to WorkPublic Union Democracy
More States Reject Prevailing Wage Mandates
Last month, Michigan took a step forward and joined 24 other states that have no prevailing wage law. Could Pennsylvania be the next? For far too long, Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage…
Media
Read More: More States Reject Prevailing Wage MandatesGovernment Accountability
Pennsylvania Needs to Improve Healthcare Accessibility
Recent debates over health care reform in Washington have centered around reorganizing insurance markets, but improving America’s health care system requires a more comprehensive approach. And states can lead the…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania Needs to Improve Healthcare AccessibilityRegulation
Gov. Moves to Eliminate Handful of Occupational Licenses
Sally Ladd earned a living managing vacation rental properties in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Her clients gladly pay Sally to manage their listings, but that livelihood was threatened when the…
Media
Read More: Gov. Moves to Eliminate Handful of Occupational LicensesRegulation
Government Job Creation is a Myth
Can government create jobs? If you ask Gov. Tom Wolf, you won’t get a straight answer. On the one hand, Wolf promised Amazon millions—likely billions—in taxpayer subsidies to build a…
Media
Read More: Government Job Creation is a Myth