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.”
Education
Poll Shows Pennsylvanians Favor School Choice
Harrisburg, PA—Pennsylvania voters elected a Governor last Tuesday who is committed to school choice, sending a message that our children’s right to an excellent education is one they are…
Press Release
Read More: Poll Shows Pennsylvanians Favor School Choice
Corbett plans to try to privatize liquor stores
Media Hit
Read More: Corbett plans to try to privatize liquor storesTaxes & Economy
Stop the Midnight Raid on PennVEST for a “Pipeline to Nowhere”
MEMORANDUM TO: Members of the General Assembly FROM: Matthew J. Brouillette, President & CEO, Commonwealth Foundation DATE: November 8, 2010 RE: Stop Rendell/Hanger’s Midnight Raid on PennVEST…
Press Release
Read More: Stop the Midnight Raid on PennVEST for a “Pipeline to Nowhere”Regulation
Pileggi Ignores Support for Real Pension Reform
Here is a letter I sent to the West Chester Daily Local, responding to a piece by state Sen. Dominic Pileggi, which argues for passing a flawed pension bill now,…
Media
Read More: Pileggi Ignores Support for Real Pension Reform
Would Milton Friedman Support the Fed’s “Stimulus VI”?
In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, Allan Meltzer argues that Nobel laureate economist Milton Friedman would never have supported the Federal Reserve’s purchase of $600 billion in long…
Media
Read More: Would Milton Friedman Support the Fed’s “Stimulus VI”?Taxes & Economy
PENNVEST to Vote on $12 Million “Pipeline to Nowhere” Tomorrow
Tomorrow, November 9th, PENNVEST will meet to approve a $12 million dollar grant & loan to construct a 12 mile water line from Montrose to Dimock Township in…
Media
Read More: PENNVEST to Vote on $12 Million “Pipeline to Nowhere” TomorrowRegulation
Corbett’s Challenge
As Tom Corbett prepares for his move into the Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion, he must be realizing the magnitude of what he is about to undertake: the governorship of a state…
Commentary
Read More: Corbett’s Challenge
Corbett has mandate to be fiscally sound
Media Hit
Read More: Corbett has mandate to be fiscally sound
PA House Cancels Lame-Duck Session
Today, Pennsylvania House of Representatives leaders announced there would be no more voting days this year, rather than holding a planned lame-duck session. Please be advised that the…
Media
Read More: PA House Cancels Lame-Duck SessionEducation
Bethel Park Teachers Strike
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review reported that Bethel Park teachers were on strike for the sixth time in thirty years. Interrupting classes in order to negotiate taxpayer-funded salaries and benefits…
Media
Read More: Bethel Park Teachers Strike
Should Teacher Salaries be Public Information?
Media Hit
Read More: Should Teacher Salaries be Public Information?Regulation
Defending State Pensions with Misinformation
A guest editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer defends HB2497—the pension deferral plan, by mischaracterizing its impact on the taxpayers and the economy. One myth is that a defined-benefit plan…
Media
Read More: Defending State Pensions with MisinformationGovernment Accountability
State Policies Sink Cities
Third-class cities (defined by population) in Pennsylvania, such as Lancaster, are hoping Governor-elect Tom Corbett will push legislation giving cities more autonomy from the state. The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce…
Media
Read More: State Policies Sink CitiesTaxes & Economy
PA DEP Reports Drilling Is Not Polluting the Air
In recent months, there has been much talk over air quality in areas with heavy Marcellus Shale drilling. Some have claimed drilling operations release enough chemicals into the air to…
Media
Read More: PA DEP Reports Drilling Is Not Polluting the AirEducation
Pennsylvania Voters Hit the Brakes on Runaway Government
HARRISBURG, PA — Commonwealth Foundation President & CEO Matthew J. Brouillette released the following statement regarding yesterday’s general election: “Yesterday, millions of Pennsylvanians collectively hit the brakes on runaway government…
Press Release
Read More: Pennsylvania Voters Hit the Brakes on Runaway GovernmentGovernment Accountability
PA Election Fun Facts
In case you missed our Election Night Live Blog last night, here are some highlights and fun facts. While Pat Toomey won the election for US Senate, he trailed…
Media
Read More: PA Election Fun Facts
Pension reform bill economically ‘unsustainable’
Media Hit
Read More: Pension reform bill economically ‘unsustainable’Government Accountability
Election Night Live Chat
Tonight, beginning at 4 pm until around midnight, we will be live blogging about the election results. In addition to CF’s team, the blog will feature PA Independent’s reporters,…
Media
Read More: Election Night Live ChatEducation
What’s Missing in Higher Education
While inputs like SAT scores, class rank, and GPA are plentiful, there are very few measures of college outputs, and the ones that are reported are very concerning. An analysis…
Media
Read More: What’s Missing in Higher Education