Erik Telford

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Erik Telford

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs

Erik Telford is the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the Commonwealth Foundation.

Erik is a senior public affairs and communications executive with more than 15 years of diverse experience across public policy, advocacy, and public affairs institutions. Before joining the Commonwealth Foundation, Erik served as the senior vice president at Stand Together Communications, the Koch network’s marketing and communications capability. Erik has also served as the president of the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity, a state-based watchdog journalism organization. And at Americans for Prosperity, he was the executive director of RightOnline (an initiative he founded) and the director of membership and online strategy. He is currently on the board of the American Commitment Foundation.

In 2013, Campaigns & Elections Magazine honored Erik as an “Advocacy Innovator” and in 2011 as a “Rising Star in American Politics.”  Politics Online named him one of the “Top 10 Who Are Changing the World of Internet and Politics.” 

Regulation

A Toast to the House, but Challenges Lie Ahead

  • February 27, 2015

On Thursday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed liquor privatization legislation sponsored by Speaker of the House Mike Turzai. You can see how your legislator voted in this interactive graphic…

Media

Read More: A Toast to the House, but Challenges Lie Ahead

Government Should Do Less So We Can Do More

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 27, 2015

Prosperity or ruin? In theory, it’s a simple choice with an obvious answer. But in practice, complicating factors make the decision anything but easy.

Commentary

Read More: Government Should Do Less So We Can Do More

Education

A School for the City, Not a Fortress from the City

  • Elizabeth Stelle, James Paul
  • February 26, 2015

The plan was for Hudson to attend public school in Philadelphia—at least for one year. But after Andy, Hudson’s father, visited their neighborhood school, Horatio Hackett, he wanted something different…

Media

Read More: A School for the City, Not a Fortress from the City

Regulation

Liquor Privatization Passage Puts People First, Not Politics

  • February 26, 2015

For Immediate Release Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 Liquor Privatization Passage Puts People First, Not Politics Ending State Monopoly Would Help Fill Budget Hole February 26, 2015, HARRISBURG,…

Press Release

Read More: Liquor Privatization Passage Puts People First, Not Politics

Public Union Democracy

Union Rally for ‘Equality’ Really about Political Pressure

  • February 26, 2015

Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 Union Rally for ‘Equality’ Really about Political Pressure Campaign Finance Records Indicate Rally Sponsor SEIU Wants Return on Political Investment Good morning, Today,…

Press Release

Read More: Union Rally for ‘Equality’ Really about Political Pressure

Taxes & Economy

Talk of Severance Tax Reduces Drilling

  • Gordon Tomb
  • February 26, 2015

What a shock! A gas exploration company says it is reevaluating plans to drill for natural gas in Southwestern Pennsylvania because of Gov. Wolf’s proposed severance tax, reports…

Media

Read More: Talk of Severance Tax Reduces Drilling

Regulation

Culture, Not Government, Drives Alcohol Use

  • February 25, 2015

Practically three-quarters of Pennsylvania’s twelfth graders tried alcohol at least once in their lifetimes, according to a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) report. This eye-opening statistic confirms the obvious:…

Media

Read More: Culture, Not Government, Drives Alcohol Use

Government Accountability

PA Union Campaign Contributions Exceed $10 Million

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 25, 2015

Pennsylvania government unions gave more than $10.5 million to candidates last election cycle. We updated our analysis of union political spending using the latest reports filed with the PA…

Media

Read More: PA Union Campaign Contributions Exceed $10 Million

Regulation

Setting the Record Straight on Liquor Privatization

  • February 24, 2015

It’s back! Liquor privatization is once again up for debate and has already cleared its first hurdle, as lawmakers voted yesterday to advance the bill out of a House…

Media

Read More: Setting the Record Straight on Liquor Privatization

Public Union Democracy

Paycheck Protection Advances in the Senate

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • February 24, 2015

Teachers and government workers are one step closer to getting their voices back. Yesterday, members of the Senate State Government Committee passed a constitutional amendment version of paycheck protection.

Media

Read More: Paycheck Protection Advances in the Senate

Education

Thousands of Philly Students Left on Waiting Lists

  • James Paul
  • February 23, 2015

The long, frustrating wait continues for Philadelphia families desperate for educational opportunity. Last Wednesday, Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission (SRC) rejected 34 of 39 charter school applicants. Five…

Media

Read More: Thousands of Philly Students Left on Waiting Lists