Headshot

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.

Regulation

A Toast to the House, but Challenges Lie Ahead

  • February 27, 2015

On Thursday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed liquor privatization legislation sponsored by Speaker of the House Mike Turzai. You can see how your legislator voted in this interactive graphic…

Media

Read More: A Toast to the House, but Challenges Lie Ahead

Government Should Do Less So We Can Do More

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 27, 2015

Prosperity or ruin? In theory, it’s a simple choice with an obvious answer. But in practice, complicating factors make the decision anything but easy.

Commentary

Read More: Government Should Do Less So We Can Do More

Education

A School for the City, Not a Fortress from the City

  • Elizabeth Stelle, James Paul
  • February 26, 2015

The plan was for Hudson to attend public school in Philadelphia—at least for one year. But after Andy, Hudson’s father, visited their neighborhood school, Horatio Hackett, he wanted something different…

Media

Read More: A School for the City, Not a Fortress from the City

Regulation

Liquor Privatization Passage Puts People First, Not Politics

  • February 26, 2015

For Immediate Release Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 Liquor Privatization Passage Puts People First, Not Politics Ending State Monopoly Would Help Fill Budget Hole February 26, 2015, HARRISBURG,…

Press Release

Read More: Liquor Privatization Passage Puts People First, Not Politics

Public Union Democracy

Union Rally for ‘Equality’ Really about Political Pressure

  • February 26, 2015

Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 Union Rally for ‘Equality’ Really about Political Pressure Campaign Finance Records Indicate Rally Sponsor SEIU Wants Return on Political Investment Good morning, Today,…

Press Release

Read More: Union Rally for ‘Equality’ Really about Political Pressure

Taxes & Economy

Talk of Severance Tax Reduces Drilling

  • Gordon Tomb
  • February 26, 2015

What a shock! A gas exploration company says it is reevaluating plans to drill for natural gas in Southwestern Pennsylvania because of Gov. Wolf’s proposed severance tax, reports…

Media

Read More: Talk of Severance Tax Reduces Drilling

Regulation

Culture, Not Government, Drives Alcohol Use

  • February 25, 2015

Practically three-quarters of Pennsylvania’s twelfth graders tried alcohol at least once in their lifetimes, according to a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) report. This eye-opening statistic confirms the obvious:…

Media

Read More: Culture, Not Government, Drives Alcohol Use

Government Accountability

PA Union Campaign Contributions Exceed $10 Million

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 25, 2015

Pennsylvania government unions gave more than $10.5 million to candidates last election cycle. We updated our analysis of union political spending using the latest reports filed with the PA…

Media

Read More: PA Union Campaign Contributions Exceed $10 Million

Regulation

Setting the Record Straight on Liquor Privatization

  • February 24, 2015

It’s back! Liquor privatization is once again up for debate and has already cleared its first hurdle, as lawmakers voted yesterday to advance the bill out of a House…

Media

Read More: Setting the Record Straight on Liquor Privatization

Public Union Democracy

Paycheck Protection Advances in the Senate

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • February 24, 2015

Teachers and government workers are one step closer to getting their voices back. Yesterday, members of the Senate State Government Committee passed a constitutional amendment version of paycheck protection.

Media

Read More: Paycheck Protection Advances in the Senate

Education

Thousands of Philly Students Left on Waiting Lists

  • James Paul
  • February 23, 2015

The long, frustrating wait continues for Philadelphia families desperate for educational opportunity. Last Wednesday, Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission (SRC) rejected 34 of 39 charter school applicants. Five…

Media

Read More: Thousands of Philly Students Left on Waiting Lists