For Property Tax Relief, Give Voters Control
Should voters have the right to approve property tax increases? Absolutely. A budget agreement that shifts taxes without providing local control is a bad deal for taxpayers, who deserve a voice.
I&R: Our Inalienable Right to Reform
It is clear our government will not reform itself. Article I, Section 2 of the Pennsylvania Constitution recognizes the right of the citizens to "alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper." It is past time to exercise this right, but the General Assembly and Governor have not provided the means to do so.
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Poll Shows Voters Support Pension Reform, I&R, and Spending Limits
Today, the Commonwealth Foundation released results of a recently commissioned statewide measuring Pennsylvanians' opinion of three landmark reforms. The poll of 700 registered voters was conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research Company between April 7 and 12, 2010.
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The Case for a Citizen Legislature
The operating cost of the Pennsylvania General Assembly has steadily increased, while Pennsylvania's economy has been stagnant. The Keystone State's burden of state and local taxes is among the heaviest in the country, while it ranks near the bottom in economic growth and freedom. This reality can be addressed by a number of reforms that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Pennsylvania's legislature.
Read More >In Support of a Limited Constitutional Convention
Delivered on Monday, March 26, 2007 Thank you Chairman Piccola and members of the Senate State Government Committee for the opportunity to share with you the position of the Commonwealth Foundation on the proposal to convene a constitutional convention in Pennsylvania. This has been a topic of internal and external discussion for a number of years within the Commonwealth Foundation and with a number of reform-minded organizations that span the ideological spectrum.
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