The Commonwealth Foundation released an action plan this morning to assist Pennsylvania lawmakers address the challenges facing Commonwealth citizens.
The “Agenda for a Better Pennsylvania” offers 30 bipartisan solutions and reforms to address the economic, education, energy and budget problems that are causing residents to flee the state for friendlier environments.
The Commonwealth Foundation, a free-market think tank, is proposing measures to assist low-income children escape failing schools, cut taxes to spur economic development, empower Pennsylvania’s energy sector to prioritize affordability and safety, and ensure that workers are no longer at the mercy of special interest groups.
He also calls for an “Agenda for a Better Pennsylvania.” Governor Josh Shapiro with initiatives he said he supported during his successful 2022 campaign for office, but the Foundation says he failed to do so. These include reducing the state corporate income tax (CNIT) and introducing Lifeline scholarships.
“After sending a clear message in the 2024 election, a majority of voters believe Pennsylvania has gone ‘quite seriously down the wrong path’” – Commonwealth Foundation Senior Vice President Eric Telford he said.
“As state lawmakers begin the final legislative session of Governor Shapiro’s term, Pennsylvanians are demanding a new path forward and an end to partisan gridlock. Shapiro said he is ready to work with President Trump. Is he ready to fulfill his campaign pledge to work with Republicans and Democrats in Harrisburg?” Telford asked. “Pennsylvanians look forward to Shapiro delivering on a laundry list of unfulfilled campaign promises, from regulatory reform to tax cuts and scholarships for poor children in low-performing schools.”
The statewide survey, which has a margin of error of +/- 3.9%, begins by noting that more than half of respondents said the Commonwealth is on the wrong track (52%).
While it’s not surprising that rising prices and inflation are at the top of the list of issues the governor and state legislature need to address this legislative session, nearly 1 in 6 (17%) want Harrisburg to address the economy and jobs while while 13 percent indicated that taxes and spending should be the most essential issue.
When asked how respondents would rate Pennsylvania’s K-12 system, nearly half (44%) gave the commonwealth a grade of “C.” Using the established 4.0 grade point average, Pennsylvanians gave the state’s education system a 2.2 grade point average.
- Expanding tax credit scholarships
- 43% definitely support it, 45% rather, 12% are against it
- Lifeline Scholarships
- 36% definitely support it, 46% rather, 17% are against it
- Open registration
- 39% strongly support it, 36% rather, 25% are against it
- Refundable tax credits
- 36% definitely support it, 44% rather, 19% are against it
When it comes to the state’s economy, respondents split 50-50 in saying Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness is average among states.
- Require a vote of the Legislature to approve any state legislation costing $1 million or more
- 41% strongly support it, 42% rather, 17% are against it
- Pass the Taxpayer Protection Act to ensure spending is in line with inflation
- 50% strongly support it, 43% rather, 7% are against it
- Zero-based budgeting to reduce corporate and personal taxes
- 38% definitely support it, 47% rather, 15% are against it
Respondents also expressed positive views on privatizing the sale of alcoholic beverages and wines in the commonwealth (76% support), modernizing election laws with voter ID and consistent absentee ballot rules (91%), and enrolling all fresh government employees in a 401 ( k) pension plan instead of a guaranteed lifetime pension (86%).
The survey also asked about federal policy proposals supported by the Trump administration.
- Children’s Education Choice Act
- Tax Cuts and Job Renewal Act
- LNG Suspend and EPA Power Rule
- Reform Authorization Act and Reins
“Pennsylvanians took to the ballot box to demand new direction at the state and federal levels. More than 8 in 10 voters support Trump’s key proposals, including renewing tax cuts enacted during his first term, regulatory relief and an end to policies that have crippled energy production. The 84% approval rating ended Biden’s pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, which Trump reversed on the first day of his term.
“The Better Pennsylvania Plan provides policymakers with a roadmap to enact policies with overwhelming, bipartisan support that will put the commonwealth on a path to a more prosperous future where all Pennsylvanians can thrive,” he said. Elizabeth StellaVice President for Policy. “Pennsylvanians have demanded change, now it’s time for lawmakers to deliver it.”
The policies outlined in this program are not only politically effective, but also popular with Democratic, Independent and Republican voters. Below is a list of policy proposals from the Better Pennsylvania Agenda, along with the level of overall voter support for each policy.
