Andrew Lewis, a former Pennsylvania state representative, is the new president at the Commonwealth Foundation, the state's premier public policy organization. He stepped into the job in September, just as America turned its attention to the Keystone State, which will play a decisive role in the 2024 election.
In an interview with The Daily Signal, Lewis pinpointed the key issues facing Pennsylvania voters, starting with the higher prices they're paying for gas, groceries, and housing.
"The big issue on everybody's mind is inflation and the cost of living," Lewis said. "Over the last few years, voters and citizens have been given what's tantamount to a 20% tax hike ... and not being able to afford what they used to be able to afford just a few years ago."
As a near-lifelong Pennsylvanian, Lewis shared his aspirations for the state, faulting poor leadership as an impediment hampering the Keystone State. He cited Pennsylvania's strategic location and natural resources as key advantages, but blamed high taxes and regulations as reasons why its residents are fleeing for other states.
"We're the Keystone State. We're the epicenter of the East Coast. We've got great competitive advantages here," Lewis explained. "We should be leading economically, we should be adding to our population base. We've got so much potential, but unfortunately, a lot of leftist policies have held the state back for years."
Lewis plans to use his experience in the state legislature to guide the Commonwealth Foundation's efforts and help Pennsylvania achieve its true potential. He cited the energy sector as crucial to Pennsylvania's economy, warning that restrictive government policies could undermine its competitive advantage.
"If you were to rank Pennsylvania as its own nation, you would see we're in the top of exporters globally," Lewis said. "We have this massive opportunity."
Education reform is another priority for Lewis. As a lawmaker, he championed parental rights and the need for school choice.
"Parents know best what their kids need for their educational journey," he said. "And it's not always the government school."
The Lifeline Scholarship Program, which would provide educational opportunities for students in underperforming schools, was a step away from becoming law until Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a line-item veto in 2023. Shapiro, who touted his support for the idea during his 2022 campaign for governor, flip-flopped when faced with pressure from teachers unions.
Looking ahead to the future, Lewis outlined his vision for the Commonwealth Foundation, promising to maximize the organization's impact through policy development, government affairs, and storytelling.
"We transform free-market ideas into actionable public policies so that all Pennsylvanians can flourish," he said.
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