Our policy research function is manifested in policy papers stressing that government in Pennsylvania - and government leaders in the Commonwealth - should focus on accountability, efficiency, and responsibility in providing government services and in public service.

Read Policy Papers

Our 30 minute television production is seen on cable channels across the Commonwealth. The program provides insights into current events affecting Pennsylvanians, such as the economy, health care, taxes, the environment, schools, and how taxpayer money is being spent.

Watch Behind the Headlines

Various productions are available online as video or audio programs. Topics include PA History Makers, public policy and more.

View Other Media


The Susquehanna Valley Center for Public Policy's Mission

The Susquehanna Valley Center for Public Policy is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit public policy research organization that stresses that government in Pennsylvania - and government leaders in the Commonwealth - should focus on accountability, efficiency, and responsibility in providing government services and in public service. The Center places special emphasis on free market principles, the role of servanthood, and the responsibilities of citizenship that form the foundation of our political structure.

Recent Additions to our Policy Papers

Shippensburg University: Making Public Higher Education Sustainable

By David A. Atkinson, Associate, Susquehanna Valley Center's Edward H. Arnold Institute for Policy Studies on

  A classic quote from Henry Kissinger has it that “The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously.”  This admonition well applies to Pennsylvania’s fourteen state universities, whose operating model is being buffeted by declining enrollment, rising costs, and a shrinking percentage of state support.  Time has passed for denial, or for burning incense and […]

Step Up Or Stop Complaining!

By David M. Sanko, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors on

During this year’s municipal elections, voters will see familiar names when they stand in front of their voting machines…not the names from the nightly news, but rather the names of friends and neighbors who want to serve their community.   In a robust democracy, this is clearly what the Founding Fathers envisioned for what would […]

Taxpayers Deserve Timely, Effective Solution on Contract Posting

By David Atkinson, Associate, Susquehanna Valley Center's Edward H. Arnold Institute for Policy Studies on

Pennsylvania’s updated open records law was a monumental upgrade and a major win for advocates of more accessible and accountable state government.  At ten years of age and counting, the law occupies a high position on the list of certifiable legislative accomplishments.  The reform measure was spearheaded by then Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, and […]

Keeping The Lights On For Pennsylvania History

By David Atkinson, Associate, Susquehanna Valley Center's Edward H. Arnold Institute for Policy Studies on

In 1960, a popular Sam Cooke song began with the lyric: “Don’t know much about history…” Sadly, nearly sixty years later, that could be our alternative national anthem.  Successive studies show yawning deficiencies in history and civics knowledge across age classes, but especially among younger people.  The problem has many parts.  Manifold choices of entertainment […]