Energy
Regulations subvert ‘environmental justice’
Originally published at the Williamsport Sun-Gazette Thirty years ago, more than 800 waste coal piles marred the Pennsylvania landscape, poisoning streams and emitting gaseous odors, including the rotten-egg smell…
Read More: Regulations subvert ‘environmental justice’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.
Criminal Justice Reform
Fighting Poverty can be a Bipartisan Effort
Here's a letter I submitted to the Philadelphia Daily News on how Pennsylvanians of any ideology can share good intent, and work toward a common goal. I was disappointed…
Media
Read More: Fighting Poverty can be a Bipartisan EffortRegulation
5 Facts on the Proposed Nuclear Power Bailout
Should Pennsylvanians pay more for electricity to benefit nuclear power companies? A group of lawmakers are proposing a new category to our renewable energy mandates known as the Alternative…
Media
Read More: 5 Facts on the Proposed Nuclear Power BailoutRegulation
New Report Shows Shortcomings of Corporate Welfare
Pennsylvania moviegoers who bought tickets for M. Night Shyamalan’s Glass last weekend paid more than the price of the ticket. They paid with their taxes. According to the Department of…
Media
Read More: New Report Shows Shortcomings of Corporate WelfarePublic Union Democracy
PLCB Keeps Employees in the Dark
Less than one year ago, the Supreme Court declared that public sector workers’ constitutional rights to free speech and association came before government unions’ desire to collect fees from those…
Media
Read More: PLCB Keeps Employees in the DarkRegulation
College Kids Don’t Need Incentive to Learn About Beer
Anyone hoping to enjoy a cold drink from their favorite brewery this summer should prepare to spend a little more. Beginning July 1, a 6 percent tax will be…
Media
Read More: College Kids Don’t Need Incentive to Learn About BeerRegulation
How Big is the Pa. State Budget? 17 Million Yoga Rooms
Much has been made about a yoga and meditation room in the state Capitol—costing taxpayers about $5,000 to furnish. With an annual state budget that could pay for…
Media
Read More: How Big is the Pa. State Budget? 17 Million Yoga RoomsCriminal Justice Reform
Punitive Occupational Licensing Laws Bar Pennsylvanians from Work
Pennsylvania’s occupational licensing laws are keeping two Philadelphia women out of work. Courtney Haveman and Amanda Spillane have sued the commonwealth after the Pennsylvania Cosmetology Board denied their cosmetology licenses…
Media
Read More: Punitive Occupational Licensing Laws Bar Pennsylvanians from WorkRegulation
Taking the First Step Toward Pension Reform in 2017-18
In the Christmas classic Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, the Winter Warlock despairs, “It is so difficult to make a change.” Kris Kringle disagrees, “It’s as easy as taking…
Media
Read More: Taking the First Step Toward Pension Reform in 2017-18Regulation
Just Say No To Corporate Welfare
“We prefer the term ‘corporate welfare.’” Elizabeth Stelle, CF’s Director of Policy Analysis, recently appeared on the KD/PG Sunday Edition to discuss the GM bailout, Amazon’s HQ2 forgoing Pennsylvania, and…
Media
Read More: Just Say No To Corporate WelfareRegulation
Our Christmas Wish: A Solvent Pennsylvania
“I’m dreaming of a solvent Penn’s Woods/Just like the one we used to know.” Lyrics not worthy of Bing Crosby, but still music to the ears of a…
Media
Read More: Our Christmas Wish: A Solvent PennsylvaniaRegulation
Turnpike Toll Hikes Highlight Missed Opportunities
There are three things Pennsylvanians have learned to count on: death, taxes, and Turnpike toll hikes. On January 6th, the state toll road will increase rates by another 6…
Media
Read More: Turnpike Toll Hikes Highlight Missed OpportunitiesRegulation
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’ Potential