Recent Issues
Whoops, We Were Wrong...
One of our goals at the Commonwealth Foundation is to predict the effect of proposed public policies. Most of the time, we are proven correct, and humbly announce, "We told you so!" But sometimes, our predictions miss the mark. Case in point: in a November 2008 commentary, we predicted "Obama's presidency will likely be less radical than his primary campaign proposals and more like the moderated views he unveiled after winning his party's nomination ... He will avoid controversy and not make [
Read More >Government Intervention Prolongs Recessions
Recessions are a tough time for all—many lose their jobs, family incomes shrink, and budgets are squeezed. But recessions are natural and, in the long-run, foster a stronger economy. It is important that policymakers recognize the ups and downs of the economy, and the lessons from past recessions, so as to not over-react to the current downturn and the political pressure to “do something.” A recession exposes poor management and waste in the business world by clearing out poo
Read More >Free Markets: An Unknown Ideal
President Obama, Governor Rendell, and many in the media have been echoing a similar refrain recently, "Conservatives had their chance. We tried free markets, and they failed." When exactly they think citizens enjoyed free markets is unclear, but it certainly did not occur under the presidency of George W. Bush or under Gov. Rendell.
Read More >Recent Blog Posts
7 Signs Pa.'s Pandemic Recovery Is Falling Behind
Pennsylvania business closures continue to be among the worst in the nation.
The Race to Rebuild: How Pa. Can Bounce Back After COVID-19
Pennsylvanians are facing some of the biggest challenges of their lifetimes. It is time for lawmakers to launch a race to rebuild Pennsylvania using the following policy solutions.