Nicole Gabriel

Executive Assistant

Nicole Gabriel is the Executive Assistant at the Commonwealth Foundation, based in the Harrisburg office. She enjoys keeping the office running smoothly, solving problems with initiative, and helping build a workplace where everyone feels connected and included.

Previously, Nicole worked in administrative support at M&T Bank and taught primary school in Vietnam for several years. Her years living abroad taught her to think on her feet, embrace new challenges, and remain resourceful. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Diego State University.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys volunteering in the community, traveling to new and adventurous places, and exploring different cuisines. A passionate traveler, she has visited 15 countries and loves learning about new cultures along the way.

State Budget

Charles Mitchell: Josh Shapiro Plays to the Middle While Pleasing the Left

  • June 14, 2024

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s handling of Lifeline Scholarships threatens to upend the moderate image that drives his popularity among Pennsylvania voters, writes Commonwealth Foundation President and CEO Charles Mitchell in Thursday’s Pittsburgh…

Press Release

Read More: Charles Mitchell: Josh Shapiro Plays to the Middle While Pleasing the Left

Energy

New EPA Rule Is a Death Sentence for American Energy

  • André Béliveau
  • June 14, 2024

Originally published at The Daily Signal The Environmental Protection Agency plays judge, jury, and executioner—and its newest-issued rule is a death sentence to American energy and energy-producing states. Meanwhile, states…

Media Hit

Read More: New EPA Rule Is a Death Sentence for American Energy

Education

“Grow PA” Offers a Higher-Ed Reform Model for the Nation

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 13, 2024

Originally published at the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal Too often, lawmakers want to fix higher education by blindly throwing money at the problem. From President Joe…

Media Hit

Read More: “Grow PA” Offers a Higher-Ed Reform Model for the Nation

State Budget

Josh Shapiro plays to the middle while pleasing the left

  • Charles Mitchell
  • June 13, 2024

Originally published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Perhaps you’ve heard: Our governor is a moderate president-in-the-making. Josh Shapiro is leaning into this image as the state legislature negotiates next year’s budget,…

Media Hit

Read More: Josh Shapiro plays to the middle while pleasing the left

Education

Pa. schools don’t need more money, students need alternatives

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 8, 2024

Originally published at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette School districts know how to add, but not Pennsylvania students. Statewide scores show declining student outcomes despite historic public education spending. Pennsylvania school…

Media Hit

Read More: Pa. schools don’t need more money, students need alternatives

Education

Democrats Want to Cut Funding for PA Special Needs Students

  • Rachel Langan
  • June 7, 2024

Originally published at Delaware Valley Journal Pennsylvania Democrats are trying to cut funding for special needs students in Pennsylvania public schools. Now, brace yourself—the more you learn, the worse…

Media Hit

Read More: Democrats Want to Cut Funding for PA Special Needs Students

Public Union Democracy

Debating Public Sector Freedom Post-Janus

  • David Osborne
  • June 4, 2024

In this episode, host David R. Osborne and Vice President and Legal Director of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation Bill Messenger delve into the complexities of public…

Podcast

Read More: Debating Public Sector Freedom Post-Janus

Education

Season 2, Episode 4 Featuring Professor Robert Strauss

  • David P. Hardy
  • June 3, 2024

In this episode Professor Robert Strauss joins host David Hardy to discuss teacher retention and its significant challenges in Pennsylvania, with Professor Strauss highlighting the history of teacher preparation programs…

Podcast

Read More: Season 2, Episode 4 Featuring Professor Robert Strauss

Health Care

Petty politics and bad regulations hinder telemedicine

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • June 2, 2024

Originally published at The Patriot-News Dr. Marlene Wüst-Smith practiced telemedicine before it became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, government restrictions sometimes hinder her ability to practice this…

Media Hit

Read More: Petty politics and bad regulations hinder telemedicine

State Budget

Lawmakers can ease financial worries of Pennsylvanians

  • Stephen Bloom
  • June 2, 2024

Originally published at LNP The struggle is real. When asked about their families’ financial situation, only 17% of Pennsylvanians see themselves as better off now than two years ago,…

Media Hit

Read More: Lawmakers can ease financial worries of Pennsylvanians

State Budget

Proposed Tax Cuts and the 2024 State Budget

  • May 28, 2024

Key Points A responsible budget in fiscal year (FY) 2024–25 must grapple with Pennsylvania’s aging and shrinking workforce challenges through sound tax and regulatory reform. State Senate Republicans proposed two…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Proposed Tax Cuts and the 2024 State Budget

Public Union Democracy

New Yorkers are Moving to Florida—and Government Unions are to Blame

  • Andrew Holman, David Osborne
  • May 22, 2024

Originally published at RealClearPolicy What do former President Donald Trump, Derek Jeter, Jennifer Lopez, and millions of New Yorkers have in common? They all packed their bags and moved…

Media Hit

Read More: New Yorkers are Moving to Florida—and Government Unions are to Blame

State Budget

Pennsylvania’s Senate has answered Gov. Shapiro’s challenge

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 21, 2024

Originally published at The Patriot-News Following his budget address in February, Gov. Josh Shapiro challenged critics, saying, “If you don’t like my plan, show me yours.” Last week,…

Media Hit

Read More: Pennsylvania’s Senate has answered Gov. Shapiro’s challenge

Regulation

Why is rural broadband so challenging? Government red tape, mostly.

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • May 21, 2024

Originally published at Broad + Liberty Politicians celebrate taxpayer funds pouring into Pennsylvania to “bridge the digital divide.” Last month, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) praised the approval of…

Media Hit

Read More: Why is rural broadband so challenging? Government red tape, mostly.

Education

Pa. School Funding Reached $22,000 per student in 2023 

  • May 21, 2024

Harrisburg, Pa., May 21, 2024 — Pennsylvania per-student spending increased to $21,985 in the 2022–23 school year, according to recently released data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This represents a…

Press Release

Read More: Pa. School Funding Reached $22,000 per student in 2023