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.”
Conference generates ideas for tackling poverty in Reading
Media Hit
Read More: Conference generates ideas for tackling poverty in ReadingPublic Union Democracy
PSEA Pours $3.8 Million Into Politics
In the last year, the Pennsylvania State Education Association poured $3.8 million of its members’ dues into “political activities and lobbying,” according to its 2013 financial disclosure report. That’s an…
Media
Read More: PSEA Pours $3.8 Million Into Politics
Letter: Charter schools are boon to school districts
Media Hit
Read More: Letter: Charter schools are boon to school districts
Single-payer is the way forward on health care
Media Hit
Read More: Single-payer is the way forward on health careEducation
Cyber Schools Deserve Fair Treatment
Alyssa Weaver is a poster-child for the benefits of choice in public education. At the age of twelve, Alyssa was diagnosed with a crippling case of scoliosis which, in…
Commentary
Read More: Cyber Schools Deserve Fair Treatment
Your Union Dues Pay for PSEA Politics
As a teacher, you love being told what to think, right? That’s unlikely, but it’s exactly what the PSEA has been doing with union members across the state…
Media
Read More: Your Union Dues Pay for PSEA PoliticsPublic Union Democracy
Union Gave $650,000 from Teachers’ Dues to Anti-Republican Group
Remember the shadowy group, Pennsylvanians for Accountability, which ran “shell game” prime time attack ads on Gov. Tom Corbett for “bankrolling big tax cuts for his corporate backers”? The…
Media
Read More: Union Gave $650,000 from Teachers’ Dues to Anti-Republican GroupPublic Union Democracy
Detroit Warning: Reform Needed to Save Pensions
“They are going to take away your pension!” is a common scare tactic used by Pennsylvania government union leaders to oppose pension reform (even though private school unions have…
Media
Read More: Detroit Warning: Reform Needed to Save Pensions
John R. Bouder: Treat cyber schools fairly in Pennsylvania
Topics on this page Pennsylvania…
Media Hit
Read More: John R. Bouder: Treat cyber schools fairly in Pennsylvania
Grants aren’t the same old payouts, Corbett says
Media Hit
Read More: Grants aren’t the same old payouts, Corbett saysRegulation
Not in the Holiday Spirit(s)
If you like a good deal, nothing beats shopping during the holidays. Retailers will do whatever it takes—sales, coupons, early bird specials—to get an edge over their competition, all to…
Media
Read More: Not in the Holiday Spirit(s)
State Senate should reject misnamed “charter school reform” bill: James Hanak
Media Hit
Read More: State Senate should reject misnamed “charter school reform” bill: James HanakPublic Union Democracy
What Teachers Are Saying About Union Reform
One teacher called it “a kick in the teeth.” Another used the word “extortion.” What are these teachers talking about? The practice in Pennsylvania of teachers’ union dues…
Media
Read More: What Teachers Are Saying About Union Reform
Medicaid is high cost for low quality
Topics on this page Medicaid…
Media Hit
Read More: Medicaid is high cost for low quality
State Corrections boss Wetzel wants fewer prisoners
Media Hit
Read More: State Corrections boss Wetzel wants fewer prisonersPublic Union Democracy
Podcast: Would You Join Matt’s Education Association?
For a small annual fee of $669, you can join Matt’s political organization called the MEA—Matt’s Education Association. You’ll join? Great! Don’t worry about writing a check. Government will withhold…
Media
Read More: Podcast: Would You Join Matt’s Education Association?Public Union Democracy
Teachers Decry Unions’ “Unfair” Privilege
Ellwood City public school teacher John Cress is speaking up against the forced political speech he had to pay for via his union dues to the Pennsylvania State Education Association:…
Media
Read More: Teachers Decry Unions’ “Unfair” Privilege
Freind: Corbett’s Gas Tax: His Path To Single Digit Approval
Media Hit
Read More: Freind: Corbett’s Gas Tax: His Path To Single Digit Approval