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.

Education

How PFT Fails Philadelphia Students, Teachers & the Poor

  • October 16, 2014

For Immediate Release Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 PFT Leaders Use Students & Teachers as Pawns in a Political Game Leaders Block Millions of Dollars from the…

Press Release

Read More: How PFT Fails Philadelphia Students, Teachers & the Poor

Public Union Democracy

Yesterday’s Paycheck Protection Vote

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • October 16, 2014

Thanks to your voices, yesterday afternoon the state Senate suddenly voted on an aspect of “paycheck protection.” Senator Scott Wagner proposed an amendment yesterday that would end the taxpayer-funded collection…

Media

Read More: Yesterday’s Paycheck Protection Vote

Education

How PFT Fails Phila. Students & Teachers Revealed at Union Rally Tomorrow

  • October 15, 2014

PFT’s Failings Highlighted at Union Rally Tomorrow Union Leaders Playing Politics with Children’s Futures At tomorrow’s union rally in Philadelphia, Commonwealth Foundation will be distributing informational fliers to…

Press Release

Read More: How PFT Fails Phila. Students & Teachers Revealed at Union Rally Tomorrow

Education

York Schools Can Send a Lifeline to Kids

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 15, 2014

The York City school board is considering an intriguing proposal to turn over some of its schools to a charter operator to compete with the remaining city schools (if the…

Media

Read More: York Schools Can Send a Lifeline to Kids

Scholarships Offer Lifeline to PA Students

  • James Paul
  • October 14, 2014

Last summer, 5-year-old Kaiden Myers was preparing to enter kindergarten, but his mother, Marpessa, was worried she wouldn't be able to send him to a good, safe school. Read how…

Commentary

Read More: Scholarships Offer Lifeline to PA Students

Health Care

Obamacare’s Broken Promises Leave Pennsylvanians Looking for Solutions

  • October 14, 2014

Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 Obamacare’s Broken Promises Leave Pennsylvanians Looking for Solutions Healthcare Solutions Week Highlights Genuine Fixes Last year’s disastrous Obamacare rollout had serious consequences. Here…

Press Release

Read More: Obamacare’s Broken Promises Leave Pennsylvanians Looking for Solutions

Education

York Schools Rank 499th of 500 in Achievement, Change is Overdue

  • October 13, 2014

For Immediate Release Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 York School District’s Student Achievement still at Rock Bottom Despite  Funding Increases   Spends $656 more per Student than…

Press Release

Read More: York Schools Rank 499th of 500 in Achievement, Change is Overdue

Taxes & Economy

How Would Tom Wolf’s Tax Plan Impact You?

  • October 9, 2014

Yesterday, we released an analysis of the impact of Tom Wolf’s education spending and tax proposals, finding Pennsylvania’s income tax rate would have to increase by more than…

Media

Read More: How Would Tom Wolf’s Tax Plan Impact You?

Health Care

Access to Care Still a Burden to Bear

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 8, 2014

Need to see a dermatologist in Philadelphia? If you are on Medicaid you’ll have to wait a staggering 49 days, according to recent Merritt Hawkins survey. This is no…

Media

Read More: Access to Care Still a Burden to Bear