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.” 

Pa. General Assembly passes House Bill 1861

  • Michael Torres
  • September 29, 2021

Today, both chambers of the Pa. General Assembly passed House Bill 1861 unanimously. It will now go to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature or veto. Commonwealth Foundation Vice…

Press Release

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Op-Ed: Empower Parents, Not Union Leaders

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 27, 2021

Originally published at RealClearEducation Earlier this year, the New York Post revealed that the American Federation of Teachers – one of America’s two national teachers’ unions – had…

Media

Read More: Op-Ed: Empower Parents, Not Union Leaders

Pennsylvania’s Use of ARPA Funds

  • Brandon Van Dyck
  • September 23, 2021

ARPA is a $1.9 trillion federal bill passed in March 2021. Supporters of the legislation argued that our country needed the added spending to stimulate a nationwide recovery from the…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Pennsylvania’s Use of ARPA Funds

Excellent Education for All Act Summary

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 22, 2021

The Excellent Education for All Act (House Bill 1) is a transformative plan that ensures more Pennsylvania children have access to an excellent education.

Fact Sheet

Read More: Excellent Education for All Act Summary

Op-Ed: Want To Grow Your Nonprofit? Stop Fundraising

  • Jennifer Stefano
  • September 14, 2021

Originally published at Forbes My challenge to you: Bring joy back to your development efforts by not fundraising. Sounds crazy, right? But you can drive forward and build your…

Media

Read More: Op-Ed: Want To Grow Your Nonprofit? Stop Fundraising

Energy

Consequences of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 1, 2021

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a controversial compact designed to tax electricity producers for emitting carbon. The Wolf administration is attempting to join the initiative through regulation in…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Consequences of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

Op-Ed: Main Line Madness

  • Michael Torres
  • September 1, 2021

Parents across the country are engaging with their schools’ embrace of critical racial pedagogy, but in progressive locales like Lower Merion, pushback requires organization and cooperation among those who want…

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: Main Line Madness

Gov. Wolf Contradicts Himself, Implements School Mask Mandate

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 31, 2021

Today, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that his administration will implement a mask mandate for all public and private schools and daycare facilities in the commonwealth despite having repeatedly stated that…

Media

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Op-Ed: Limited government can make a comeback

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 28, 2021

For advocates of limited government, it’s easy to feel like the fight is over and the country is on the path to fiscal ruin. But such pessimism is unwarranted.

Commentary

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Pa. Earmark Spending Hits All-Time High

  • Michael Torres
  • August 26, 2021

August 26, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa.— A new Commonwealth Foundation analysis shows a steep increase in earmarks in the 2021–2022 state budget. Approximately $5.5 billion in both federal and state…

Press Release

Read More: Pa. Earmark Spending Hits All-Time High

Don Kirkland Society: Mail

  • August 25, 2021

Please mail me more information about ensuring a legacy of freedom: Mail me info Topics on this page Philanthropy…

Media

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Don Kirkland Society: Call

  • August 25, 2021

Please give me a call to discuss ensuring a legacy of freedom: Give me a call Topics on this page Liberty…

Media

Read More: Don Kirkland Society: Call