stephen kelly
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Stephen Kelly

Senior Associate of Government Affairs

Stephen Kelly is a Senior Associate of Government Affairs at the Commonwealth Foundation.

Stephen is an Adams County native. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2022 with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Economics.

After graduating, Stephen returned home to Pennsylvania. Before joining the Commonwealth Foundation, he was a Polling Assistant for the 2022 Midterm Elections at Cygnal, a polling and survey research firm serving center-right and conservative campaigns, political action committees, and independent expenditures.

Outside of work and following politics, Stephen enjoys learning about history, playing rugby, and rooting for all the Philadelphia sports teams.

The PFT Fails Philly’s Students and Teachers

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • October 28, 2014

PFT claims to stand up for the teachers and children of Philadelphia, but the facts show otherwise. It's time to prioritize the needs of students over the union's self-interest. …

Commentary

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Election 2014: What are the Real Adult Issues?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • October 27, 2014

Observers of the Pennsylvania governor’s race have been treated to a lot of adult-themed content in recent weeks, distracting from a discussion of the real policy differences between the candidates.

Commentary

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Regulation

PLCB Ethics Scandal (Again)

  • October 24, 2014

Pop quiz! What year is this headline from? A. 2014 B. 2013 C. 2012 D. 2011 E. All of the above. If you answered E., you…

Media

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Education

Can Your Family Bear the Burden of Tax Increases?

  • October 24, 2014

Can you afford to lose the equivalent of a mortgage payment? How about four? Given a possible 188 percent increase in the state income tax rate to pay for Tom…

Commentary

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Health Care

Huge Premium Hikes Expected in PA Exchange

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • October 24, 2014

Premiums are poised to rise significantly in Pennsylvania in year two of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Three insurers announced this week that they are seeking premium increases of…

Media

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Public Union Democracy

What are Their Priorities?

  • October 24, 2014

At at time when teachers are complaining about having to buy school supplies for their students, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) reported spending $3,764,154 from union dues…

Media

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Education

Victory for Student Safety

  • James Paul
  • October 23, 2014

In an important step for safety in the classroom, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a bill that will put an end to the abhorrent practice of “passing the…

Media

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Education

Video: There’s No Magic Money Tree

  • October 23, 2014

From education to health care to public pensions, it seems like the answer to every problem—for some—is always more spending. But where does that money come from? And why doesn’t…

Media

Read More: Video: There’s No Magic Money Tree