About Us
Our
Story
Rock the Capital exists for the people of Pennsylvania. We are a non-partisan government watchdog organization dedicated to bringing awareness in Pennsylvania to sunshine laws, the right-to-know, and transparency to the public about the state agencies. Our organization fights corruption and ensures that PA state agencies are in compliance with the law. With over 20 years of experience, Rock the Capital has led many successful legal cases and has contributed to making Pennsylvania a better-run state.
We were founded in 2005 by Eric Epstein and coalesced by dozens of organizations (left, center, and right) when there was a passing of the illegal legislative pay raise behind closed doors. Since then, Rock the Capital, has navigated obstacle courses of closed doors, deep pockets, and smoke and mirrors to advocate for fair and competitive state contracts as well as full compliance with the Open Records and Sunshine Laws. We have brought to light corruption in government, worked to reduce the legislature’s slush funds, and played a central role in exposing taxpayer abuse.
Pennsylvania politics present an obstacle course of closed doors, deep pockets, and smoke and mirrors. In the best of times, navigation of this political geography proves difficult. The Commonwealth includes 1546 townships, 958 boroughs, 67 counties, and 56 cities: it’s easy to get lost.
Attached to these political subdivisions are Authorities, Boards, and Commissions (“ABC’s”). The ABC’s are populated by political appointees who dole out millions of dollars in contracts. The ABC’s can fund valuable public works in the service of Pennsylvania residents. They can also quietly reward politically connected and influential contractors and vendors. They are not immune from political influence, and often operate without public oversight.
Rock the Capital will continue to fight for the people of Pennsylvania because as Plato once said, "The price of apathy is to be ruled by evil men."
