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.
How is Gov. Wolf Handling COVID – Good
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Op-Ed: Financial recovery is as important as ending the lockdown
The Commonwealth should learn from states like Colorado to ensure financial stability for the state in the future.
Commentary
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Parents will be in a tough spot if schools don’t open. Back on Track ESAs can help.
Gov. Wolf says he is willing to “pull the plug” on school re-openings if an increase in COVID-19 cases continues. That puts working parents in an especially tough spot.
Commentary
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Op-Ed: SCOTUS ends religious discrimination in education funding
The Espinoza decision has not only reversed the injustice of Montana’s actions against Kendra and her children, but it has begun the necessary process of healing over a century of…
Commentary
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How is Gov. Wolf Handling COVID – Terrible
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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
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Pa. Can Energize Its Energy Sector by Cutting Red Tape—Not with Industry Subsidies
This week the state legislature passed House Bill 732. The bill—designed to exempt volunteer service providers from a 1 percent realty transfer tax— now offers tax credits to the…
Memo
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New Bill Would Give $1,000 to Eligible Families Cover Education Expenses
Kids have suffered enough from the coronavirus. Back on Track education scholarship accounts can help stop the losses and put them on a better path.
Commentary
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Questions for Gov. Wolf
Gov. Wolf is proposing additional restrictions on businesses across Pennsylvania because of a rise in the number of new COVID cases. Here is a list of questions for Gov.
Commentary
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Myths & Facts: Homeschooling
While the average kid—or parent—might have rejected the idea of homeschooling just a year ago, COVID-19 could change that sentiment. As face masks, social distancing, rotating schedules, and health risks…
Commentary
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Pa. Legislature Looks to Help Families with Education Expenses
July 15, 2020, Harrisburg, Pa. — Members of the Pa. House and Senate have sponsored legislation would create “Back on Track” Education Scholarship Accounts (ESA) to help families afford growing education…
Press Release
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What is Hybrid Homeschooling?
If you—like many parents—are hesitant to send your kids back to their district school this year, hybrid homeschooling may be a great option to consider. You’ll have far greater flexibility…
Commentary
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Honor the Heroes of Liberty: Give Military Families Educational Freedom
Patriotism runs strong in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, so it’s no surprise that Pennsylvanians stand united in support for military children. 85 percent of Pennsylvanians support an ESA program…
Commentary
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Pa. Supreme Court Grants Governor Unchecked Emergency Powers
July 1, 2020, Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pa. Supreme Court ignored the commonwealth’s tradition of checks and balances between branches of government in a ruling on a lawsuit between…
Press Release
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Thinking About Homeschooling? Here are 5 Things to Know
Homeschool mom and education expert Colleen Hroncich answers the five most frequently asked questions she gets from parents starting—or considering starting—homeschool. I never wanted to homeschool – what should…
Commentary
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5 Ways Lawmakers can Avert a COVID-19 Lawsuit Frenzy
The economy is reopening, but the threat of lawsuits from COIVD-19 exposure is just beginning.
Fact Sheet
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Public-Sector Unions Two Years After Janus v. AFSCME
Two years after Janus freed workers from forced union fees, public sector employees are still fighting for greater protection.
Fact Sheet
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2020: The year of challenges, can be the year of solutions
This year started rough and it isn’t slowing down. While some of these tragedies don’t have a policy solution, many do. One such example is COVID-19, telehealth, and ensuring that our…
Commentary
Read More: 2020: The year of challenges, can be the year of solutionsRegulation
Wine Distributors Sue the Liquor Control Board
The PLCB ignored the law for years by refusing to permit direct delivery. A judge may finally force them.
Commentary
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CF Amicus Brief Calls out Wolf for Overstepping his Authority
Commonwealth Foundation filed an amicus curiae brief in the case of Wolf v. Scarnati et. al.—arguing that the Governor must follow the legislature’s concurrent resolution to end the declaration of…
Testimony
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Occupational Licensing Reform Passes Unanimously, Goes to Wolf
June 25, 2020, Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pa. General Assembly unanimously passed SB 637 (Sens. DiSanto and Schwank), a bill that will remove professional licensing employment barriers for roughly 3 million…
Press Release
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