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
Rendell-conomics
According to News Release from the Governor, he has revitalized local communities by locating state offices in downtown locations. Apparently the key to economic growth is bigger state government…
Media
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The Burden of Over-Regulation
Summer’s Best Two Weeks (SB2W) is a non-profit summer camp located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Mountains for children ages 8 to 18. SB2W counselors have led campers on…
Commentary
Read More: The Burden of Over-RegulationGovernment Accountability
Legislative leaders need a diet
A must-watch story from KDKA exposing how many legislators leaders take $141 per-diem for “lodging and meals” every day they are in Harrisburg, then charge taxpayers for catering or…
Media
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Taller people are smarter
Groundbreaking study shows that taller people are smarter. I will cite this study frequently when debating people shorter than I.
Media
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How to fix our road
A book released from the Independent Institute discusses various options for transportation agencies to privatize, outsource, and use market incentives for road repairs and usage. Topics on this…
Media
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The Benefits of Health Savings Accounts
Data from Americans for Tax Reform shows that since the creation of Health Savings Accounts (January 2004) the annual growth in health care costs slowed, and health care costs…
Media
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Subsidy Economics 101
Cato Institute commentary on why government subsidies have made housing, health care, and education more expensive for twenty-somethings. “According to data from the College Board, over the past 20…
Media
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Transportation Funding Study
A PennDot commission released a report on funding for transporation titled “Addressing Pennsylvania’s Transporation Funding Crisis” (they identify a funding “crisis” because of too little taxpayer funding for transportation,…
Media
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$13,000 fees for new homes?
The Patriot News reports on a PA House committee hearing on charging impact fees on new homes – of $13,000 per home – in growing areas. Why would we…
Media
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Potential Effects of Reducing the Size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly
One of the most discussed legislative reforms in Harrisburg is a reduction in the size of the General Assembly. One version of this proposal, SB 890, sponsored by Sen. John…
Fact Sheet
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Procreation and Politics
Wall Street Journal article on why the Conservative ranks will grow – they have more children than liberals. Topics on this page The Wall Street Journal…
Media
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State sues over HIA attempt to seize land
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office has filed suit to stop the Harrisburg Airport from using eminent domain to take Cramer Airport Parking, reports the Patriot News. Cramer Airport Parking…
Media
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Health Care for All?
A Pennsylvania House committee will be holding hearings on universal health care (patterned after the Massachusetts plan passed earlier this year), reports the Patriot News. Read why…
Media
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Public Pension Price Tag
Wall Street Journal piece on the difficulties facing pension plans for state and local government employees.
Media
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Health Care Mandates No Silver Bullet
In April 2006, Massachusetts enacted a dramatic health care reform package. Dubbed “Romneycare” after Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, this plan calls for reforms in the health insurance market, a mandate…
Commentary
Read More: Health Care Mandates No Silver BulletEducation
Excess at PHEAA
Following Commonwealth Foundation president Matthew Brouillette’s chat about PHEAA on Wednesday’s Bob Durgin Show, a number of newspapers have run stories of the staff bonuses, “profit,” and extravagant trips…
Media
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Fight over signatures – literally
While county and verifying signatures on a petition doesn’t seem seem like physical labor, you’d better hit the weight room before you volunteer for that gig. The Associated Press…
Media
Read More: Fight over signatures – literallyEducation
New Test Scores In
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has posted the 2005-2006 PSSA Results (the state’s standardized test for 3rd through 8th grade and 11th grade students). It has data statewide, for…
Media
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The Other Pension Crisis
Wall Street Journal editorial on the underfunding and looming crisis in pensions for state and local government workers. Topics on this page The Wall Street Journal…
Media
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Rendell Doing It For The ‘Kids’ – And His Image
Jim Panyard’s editorial in The Evening Bulletin on the forthcoming “Cover All Kids” taxpayer-funded health care plan. Topics on this page Philadelphia Bulletin…
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Mythology Of The Minimum Wage
CBS News article on how raising the federal minimum wage increases poverty and unemployment Topics on this page CBS NewsMinimum wage…
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