Have you checked out the Commonwealth Foundation’s School Choice Report podcast?

Hosted by our Distinguished Senior Fellow David (Dave) Hardy, School Choice Report covers the fight for educational freedom in Pennsylvania and nationwide. The show couldn’t have a more brilliant host. When it comes to school choice, Dave doesn’t only talk the talk; he walks the walk. A co-founder of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia charter school and interim president of Girard College, Dave has advocated for educational freedom for decades. And he brings that same expertise, along with many phenomenal guests, to School Choice Report.

This week’s episode is exceptionally informative, featuring Commonwealth Foundation Vice President Stephen (Steve) Bloom. As a former state representative, Steve brings a unique perspective and provides an inside look at the political process in Harrisburg. He weighs in with the latest news in our commonwealth’s ongoing 2023–24 budget stalemate and the fight over Lifeline Scholarships, referred to as the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS), for an interview you won’t want to miss.

Dave and Steve discuss the history of school choice in Pennsylvania, an early pioneer state in educational freedom. Many of those initial educational freedom initiatives were first proposed and passed thanks to lawmakers like Steve.

You’ll want to listen to the episode for the full story.

You can also check out past episodes of School Choice Report here. Dave has hosted many knowledgeable and engaging guests, including:

• Joe Lieberman, the former U.S. Senator and Democratic vice-presidential nominee, tells his story of becoming an ardent school choice champion and calls on Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania lawmakers to enact Lifeline Scholarships/PASS.
• Ryan Boyer, a prominent union leader in Pennsylvania, talks of his courageous stance in support of school choice while challenging the failed status quo.
• Troy Carter, the Philadelphia high school dropout turned famed music executive, tells the story of his journey in becoming a school choice advocate.
• Sen. Tony Williams, who represents Pennsylvania’s 8th Senate district, has long been a leading proponent of school choice. The discussion centers on his critical voice supporting a bipartisan Lifeline Scholarships/PASS Program.

Please sign up for alerts for when new School Choice Report episodes are released here.

You can also leave Dave feedback or ask questions here.

Erik Telford
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
The Commonwealth Foundation