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Barb Dabitz

Manager, Executive Office & Board Affairs

Barb Dabitz is Manager, Executive Office & Board Affairs at the Commonwealth Foundation.

Prior to joining the Commonwealth Foundation in 2022, Barb spent over 15 years providing administrative and project management support to C-level and senior executives at healthcare organizations. A native of Delaware County and a graduate of Immaculata University, Barb is inspired by the Commonwealth Foundation’s leadership and dedication to creating greater opportunities for Pennsylvanians.

She resides in Chester County with her husband and enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time at the Jersey Shore.

Op-Ed: Students will suffer under Wolf’s latest charter attack

  • Colleen Hroncich
  • June 9, 2021

Targeting charter schools under the guise of fiscal responsibility is the latest attempt by the Wolf Administration to limit school choice for families. After the struggles of the past year,…

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: Students will suffer under Wolf’s latest charter attack

Gov. Wolf Falsely Claims Pa. Ed. Funding is Low

  • Michael Torres
  • June 9, 2021

Yesterday, Gov. Wolf held a press conference at the Capitol discussing the claim that Pennsylvania is “45th in education funding.” Thankfully, that is not true, as the facts plainly show. According…

Press Release

Read More: Gov. Wolf Falsely Claims Pa. Ed. Funding is Low

Education Reform to Be Voted on By Pa. Senate Committee

  • Michael Torres
  • June 7, 2021

June 7, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee will vote today on a bill that would increase children’s access to high-quality education. The Excellence in Education…

Press Release

Read More: Education Reform to Be Voted on By Pa. Senate Committee

Analysis: More COVID Aid Went to Education Than Healthcare in Pa.

  • Michael Torres
  • June 3, 2021

June 3, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa. – Commonwealth Foundation has completed an analysis of the distribution of federal relief funds in Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other findings, it shows that public education has been the biggest winner—even being allocated more than health…

Press Release

Read More: Analysis: More COVID Aid Went to Education Than Healthcare in Pa.

Steps to Enhance Election Integrity

  • June 2, 2021

In 2020, Pennsylvania’s newly amended election law struggled under unprecedented mail-in voting. In addition, last-minute state guidance and judicial decisions skirted state election law, further delaying results and causing confusion.

Fact Sheet

Read More: Steps to Enhance Election Integrity

Energy

Governor’s Lone Wolf Approach Leaves Families Wanting

  • May 27, 2021

Throughout his two terms in office, Governor Tom Wolf has showcased his preference to act unilaterally and consistent unwillingness to work with the state legislature. The unprecedented power Wolf has…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Governor’s Lone Wolf Approach Leaves Families Wanting

Education

Are Pa. Public Schools Underfunded?

  • Colleen Hroncich
  • May 24, 2021

Pennsylvania spends more per student than the vast majority of states. Education spending has significantly increased over the past decade. Scroll down to see how much funding your district receives…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Are Pa. Public Schools Underfunded?

State Budget

Pennsylvania COVID-19 Relief Funds

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • May 19, 2021

During the pandemic, Pennsylvania directed more funding to closed schools than to health care.

Fact Sheet

Read More: Pennsylvania COVID-19 Relief Funds

First Popular Referendum Against State Executive Overreach Succeeds

  • Michael Torres
  • May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa. — Voters in Pennsylvania have enacted two constitutional amendments that will limit a governor’s emergency powers in the first such popular referendum in the country,…

Press Release

Read More: First Popular Referendum Against State Executive Overreach Succeeds

State Budget

Reinvigorating Pennsylvania with One-time American Rescue Plan Funds

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • May 18, 2021

Pennsylvania’s chronic overspending, mediocre tax structure, and high regulatory burden are limiting growth and investment. We must pass reforms in these areas to make our economy healthier and more dynamic.

Fact Sheet

Read More: Reinvigorating Pennsylvania with One-time American Rescue Plan Funds

Voters can restore checks and balances on May ballot

  • May 18, 2021

One amendment would limit an emergency declaration to 21 days; the General Assembly would have to approve extensions. The other would give the Legislature the power to end an emergency…

Commentary

Read More: Voters can restore checks and balances on May ballot

Op-Ed: Vote yes in the May 18 referendum

  • May 17, 2021

In the case of the term-limited Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, voters won’t have that opportunity. And after a year of his decisions leaving our state in disarray— with unemployed workers, struggling families, students locked out of the classroom, and entire industries trying to recover…

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: Vote yes in the May 18 referendum

Op-Ed: Voters can restore checks and balances in Pa.

  • Kevin Mooney
  • May 12, 2021

On May 18, Pennsylvania voters will have the opportunity to overturn a state Supreme Court ruling that has enabled the governor to repeatedly extend emergency declarations without legislative input.

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: Voters can restore checks and balances in Pa.

Op-Ed: For real attacks on democracy, look to Pennsylvania

  • Jennifer Stefano
  • May 11, 2021

On May 18, two amendments will be on Pennsylvania’s primary ballot. One limits emergency declarations to 21 days and requires legislative approval for any extension. The other allows the legislature…

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: For real attacks on democracy, look to Pennsylvania