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.”
Taxes & Economy
I-80 Lease Non-Compliant with the Law
Governor should declare agreement “null and void,” says Commonwealth Foundation. HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation called on Gov. Ed Rendell and the General Assembly to declare the…
Press Release
Read More: I-80 Lease Non-Compliant with the Law
SCHIP Demagoguery
Amanda Carpenter on more SCHIP rhetoric from Nancy Pelosi. Paul Simon, sans Garfunkel, also spoke, as he needs a photo opportunity; he wants a shot at redemption; he…
Media
Read More: SCHIP Demagoguery
I-80 lease agreement ready
Morning Call reports that the contract between PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission for tolling and leasing I-80 is ready to be signed. Though it is unclear if any such…
Media
Read More: I-80 lease agreement ready
Increase in Ethanol Production Could Significantly Impact Water Quality and Availability
National Academy of Sciences report has more bad news of the environment impact of ethanol.
Media
Read More: Increase in Ethanol Production Could Significantly Impact Water Quality and Availability
Lots of reform news
Yesterday was a big day for reform issues: The push for a better Open Records law included a news conference and a potential vote on Wednesday. (More on the…
Media
Read More: Lots of reform news
Rendell Administration: Mercantilism will revitalize PA economy
I used to think the Rendell administration was guided by this economist, but after reading their latest news release, it is clear that 17th century thought is…
Media
Read More: Rendell Administration: Mercantilism will revitalize PA economy
Lincoln Institute’s Fall Business Survey
The latest Keystone Business Climate Survey has been released by the Lincoln Institute. Click here for Survey Highlights The full Survey Results are here Topics on…
Media
Read More: Lincoln Institute’s Fall Business Survey
I-80 Lease Agreement
Toll Roads News on the “Rube Goldberg” contraption that is the I-80 lease agreement between PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission, expected to be signed today. Topics on…
Media
Read More: I-80 Lease Agreement
BonusGate investigation heats up
Philadelphia Inquirer on the expansion of the BonusGate investigation and subpoena of several more staffers. Also check out the Patriot News story. Brad Bumsted offers his…
Media
Read More: BonusGate investigation heats up
Bill aims to ban teacher strikes
Several state lawmakers will introduce a bill today to end teacher strikes in Pennsylvania. The legislation will be similar to a bill introduced by Todd Rock, but will…
Media
Read More: Bill aims to ban teacher strikes
Civic Literacy Report – Take the Quiz
The latest Intercollegiate Studies Institute report on civic literacy for colleges and universities is available online, along with quiz itself. (HT to Pete DeCoursey). I scored…
Media
Read More: Civic Literacy Report – Take the Quiz
Sweep The Judges?
The Bulletin offers an insightful discussion of the PA Clean Sweep’s push for rejecting all judges up for retention. While we don’t offer advice on how to vote,…
Media
Read More: Sweep The Judges?
Republicans oppose system benefits charge
Patriot News on PA Republican’s continued opposition to a new electricity tax, but their seeming acceptance of the notion we need to pick winners and subsidize cost-savings measure. The…
Media
Read More: Republicans oppose system benefits charge
I-80 toll conversion speeds on
The Turnpike Commission and the PennDOT are expected to sign an I-80 lease agreement today, the Post-Gazette reports. Nothing like signing a contract to toll the road before before…
Media
Read More: I-80 toll conversion speeds on
PA Ranks 27th in FY 2008 Business Climate Index
The Tax Foundation’s latest State Business Tax Climate Index is now available. (Click here for the summary and here for the full report.) Pennsylvania ranks 27th (i.e.
Media
Read More: PA Ranks 27th in FY 2008 Business Climate Index
Idea Factories
Christopher DeMuth , retiring as head of AEI, has a column in the Wall Street Journal on the role think tanks play in using reseach to advance ideas…
Media
Read More: Idea Factories
SCHIP: The Mad Hatter Matter
Ken Blackwell compares those pushing SCHIP expansion to the Mad Hatter of Alice in Wonderland. I, however, think their push to claim anyone who opposes higher taxes on the…
Media
Read More: SCHIP: The Mad Hatter Matter
Turnpike Chief says FHWA has approved I-80 tolling
Toll Roads News reports that PA Turnpike CEO Joe Brimmeier has been saying, while at a conference in Vienna, that the FHWA has approved I-80 tolling. We find that…
Media
Read More: Turnpike Chief says FHWA has approved I-80 tolling
Medical Competition Works for Patients
John Stossel’s latest commentary on health care reform. Stossel will be the keynote speaker at our Speaker Franklin Awards Dinner, honoring Richard Scaife, Nov. 14, in Pittsburgh. I…
Media
Read More: Medical Competition Works for Patients
$9.6 million of EITC tax credits still available
From the REACH Foundation: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 $9.6 MILLION WORTH OF OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE!Not too late for PA Businesses to participate in Tax Credit Program…
Media
Read More: $9.6 million of EITC tax credits still available
Turnpike Commission’s “Fuzzy Math”
The latest talking points put out by the PA Turnpike Commission claim that the plan will generate $1.67 billion per year to PennDOT for transportation funding. This is substantially…
Media
Read More: Turnpike Commission’s “Fuzzy Math”