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
Pa. has $1 billion in CARES aid left. Where should it go?
As the pandemic slows, it’s time to step back and reevaluate Pennsylvania’s remaining needs for coronavirus relief. How can our state government ensure that the citizens and businesses who most…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Pa. has $1 billion in CARES aid left. Where should it go?
COVID-19 Community Recovery Report
Aug 13, 2020, Harrisburg, Pa. — The Commonwealth Foundation has released a new report outlining policy solutions that will help to rebuild Pennsylvania’s communities. Alongside the pandemic, Pennsylvania is facing crises caused…
Press Release
Read More: COVID-19 Community Recovery Report
Will the Shutdown Debacle Finally Spell the End of Pennsylvania’s Government-Owned Liquor Stores?
The pandemic has provided us with proof—Pennsylvania’s liquor market is in dire need of privatization and has been for decades. Along with streamlined service, privatization will increase sales tax revenue…
Commentary
Read More: Will the Shutdown Debacle Finally Spell the End of Pennsylvania’s Government-Owned Liquor Stores?
Will the Shutdown Debacle Finally Spell the End of Pennsylvania’s Government-Owned Liquor Stores?
The pandemic has provided us with proof—Pennsylvania’s liquor market is in dire need of privatization and has been for decades. Along with streamlined service, privatization will increase sales tax revenue…
Commentary
Read More: Will the Shutdown Debacle Finally Spell the End of Pennsylvania’s Government-Owned Liquor Stores?
ESAs to Get Kids Back on Track
Back on Track Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) are that solution. Every child is unique, so no system-oriented solution will meet their needs. …
Commentary
Read More: ESAs to Get Kids Back on Track
ESAs to Get Kids Back on Track
Back on Track Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) are that solution. Every child is unique, so no system-oriented solution will meet their needs. …
Commentary
Read More: ESAs to Get Kids Back on Track
How to Bolster the State’s Health Care Workforce
Safe innovations can expand Pennsylvania’s capacity to defend against a health crisis—and we should seek such opportunities wherever they arise. These policies aren’t about politics—they’re about keeping our citizens safe…
Commentary
Read More: How to Bolster the State’s Health Care Workforce
How to Bolster the State’s Health Care Workforce
Safe innovations can expand Pennsylvania’s capacity to defend against a health crisis—and we should seek such opportunities wherever they arise. These policies aren’t about politics—they’re about keeping our citizens safe…
Commentary
Read More: How to Bolster the State’s Health Care Workforce
While Nobody was looking, Harrisburg quietly spent $26 billion
Government institutions have gotten more than their fair share. Now it’s time to support parents who paid out-of-pocket for several months for their children’s education, on top of the tax…
Commentary
Read More: While Nobody was looking, Harrisburg quietly spent $26 billion
While Nobody was looking, Harrisburg quietly spent $26 billion
Government institutions have gotten more than their fair share. Now it’s time to support parents who paid out-of-pocket for several months for their children’s education, on top of the tax…
Commentary
Read More: While Nobody was looking, Harrisburg quietly spent $26 billion
The Reckoning: Before Privilege, Check Your Results
It’s time for action, not photo ops. America is at her best when we forge unity through difficult times. But if we believe every life has value and that all…
Commentary
Read More: The Reckoning: Before Privilege, Check Your Results
The Reckoning: Before Privilege, Check Your Results
It’s time for action, not photo ops. America is at her best when we forge unity through difficult times. But if we believe every life has value and that all…
Commentary
Read More: The Reckoning: Before Privilege, Check Your ResultsCriminal Justice Reform
Probation Reform Proposals Prioritize Public Safety and Cost Savings
The next step toward smart justice? Probation reform to reduce caseloads, prevent reoffending, produce savings, and break down unnecessary roadblocks to success.
Memo
Read More: Probation Reform Proposals Prioritize Public Safety and Cost SavingsHealth Care
Struggling Small Businesses Overwhelm Govt. Lifeline
Nearly 50,000 Pennsylvania small businesses applied for COVID relief grants from state government over the last two weeks, catching bureaucrats off guard as local businesses continue to see steep revenue…
Media
Read More: Struggling Small Businesses Overwhelm Govt. LifelineEducation
The Race to Rebuild: How Pa. Can Bounce Back After COVID-19
Pennsylvanians are facing some of the biggest challenges of their lifetimes. It is time for lawmakers to launch a race to rebuild Pennsylvania using the following policy solutions.
Report
Read More: The Race to Rebuild: How Pa. Can Bounce Back After COVID-19Education
No Cyber School?
Many parents are considering a cyber charter school for the first time to help ensure their kids have access to a continuous education in a time of uncertainty. Unfortunately, due…
Commentary
Read More: No Cyber School?Education
Just Enrolled in Cyber School? Here’s What to Expect Next
Thousands of new families have enrolled in one of Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools over the summer as school districts continue to wrestle with re-opening in the fall. If you’re one…
Commentary
Read More: Just Enrolled in Cyber School? Here’s What to Expect NextRegulation
Competition, Not Corporate Welfare: 3 Ways to Help All Businesses Flourish
To effectively promote economic growth and job creation, policymakers need to stop investing tax dollars in failed programs and start enacting policies that benefit a wide range of job creators.
Memo
Read More: Competition, Not Corporate Welfare: 3 Ways to Help All Businesses Flourish
Op-ed: 3 steps to ensure that Pa.’s private and Catholic school students can go back to class
Considering there are 50,000 private school kids in the Philadelphia region, and 200,000 in Pennsylvania, the implications of children in private schools going back to public schools is staggering. Private schools save…
Commentary
Read More: Op-ed: 3 steps to ensure that Pa.’s private and Catholic school students can go back to class
PLCB Makes Pa. National Loser in Liquor Sales & Tax Revenue
Aug 4, 2020, Harrisburg, Pa. — A new report from the National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association (NABCA) shows June spirits sales were up compared to last year in every state the association tracks—except…
Media
Read More: PLCB Makes Pa. National Loser in Liquor Sales & Tax RevenueEducation
Getting Started Guide to Cyber School
Considering cyber school for the first time? Education policy expert and cyber school parent Marc LeBlond explains how to get started and the options available for Pennsylvania parents: As schools…
Commentary
Read More: Getting Started Guide to Cyber School