Robert O’Donnell
Education Senior Fellow
The Honorable Robert W. O’Donnell is an Education Senior Fellow with the Commonwealth Foundation.
Bob is a Philadelphia-based attorney and a former Democratic Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. As a member of the House for 19 years, Bob rose through the ranks of leadership, serving as caucus chairman, majority whip, majority leader, and Speaker of the House. While in public service, he developed a reputation as a thoughtful, dynamic, and intellectually honest member of the House. He has been a consistent advocate for equality of opportunity including supporting school choice throughout his tenure in the legislature.
Bob has served as a member of Public Employees Retirement Study Commission, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, the Board of Trustees of the University of Pittsburgh, the Mayor’s Tax Budget and Advisory Committee (Philadelphia), the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the General State Authority, the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force (Philadelphia), the Millrite Council, and the Philadelphia Port Corporation Board of Directors.
He is a graduate of Temple University and its law school and attended The Hague Academy of International Law. Arcadia College and Philadelphia University awarded Bod honorary degrees, and he has received several public awards including citations from the Pennsylvania League of Cities Service and Common Cause.
Bob resides in Chestnut Hill with his wife, Dr. Donna Gentile O’Donnell.
Did You Hear?
In December, legislation which would have prohibited government from collecting and distributing political campaign contributions was voted on for the first time by the full Pennsylvania House. Unfortunately, SB 166…
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Response Requested: Policy Roundtable on March 15
The Commonwealth Foundation invites you to a: Policy Roundtable with Rep. Bryan Cutler March 15, 2018 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Walnut Room…
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The PLCB’s Relentlessly Unimpressive Business Model
If you enjoyed a glass of wine or shot of liquor during Sunday’s thrilling Super Bowl, chances are your beverage of choice passed through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).
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A Budget of Contradictions
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Disco Governor Wants Money, Money, Money
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Wolf’s Budget: Nice Rhetoric, Wrong Solutions
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A Brief History of Tom Wolf’s Tax Hike Proposals
Since taking office, Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed or supported 11 tax hikes on working families. Lawmakers voted to raise taxes in two of the past three years.
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PA Companies Raise Starting Wages After Tax Reform
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School Choice Boosts Student Achievement Around the Globe
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PA Schools Spend Far Above National Average
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Lawmakers Call for Common Sense Spending Plan
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Tax Hike Redux? History Says Wolf’s Budget Address Could Cost You
In his first three budget addresses, Gov. Wolf proposed massive tax increases of $4.7 billion, $2.7 billion, and $1 billion. Will Wolf stick to his tax-and-spend budget formula and propose…
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Top 10 Reasons to Support ESAs
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More Money Coming to a Wallet Near You?
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The Invisible School District Income Tax
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Five Taxpayer Protection Act Facts Every Pennsylvanian Should Know
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Transparency a Must for Philly School Board Nominations
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Are PA Courts Biased Against Employers?
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