Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words
Episode: Pennsylvania’s Policy Battles: Energy Independence, School Choice, and America 250
Guest: Andrew Lewis (President, Commonwealth Foundation)
Host: Jack (on behalf of Victor Davis Hanson)
Date: Recorded February 25, 2026 | Released March 5, 2026

Overview

This episode centers on Pennsylvania's significance in national policy debates and the ongoing battles over energy independence, school choice, and the approaching 250th anniversary of American independence. Host Jack interviews Andrew Lewis, president of the influential Commonwealth Foundation, to discuss the state’s legacy, current challenges, and the foundation's vision for securing liberty and prosperity for future generations. Key themes include Pennsylvania's pivotal role in American history and politics, the nature of energy policy and opportunity, major developments in education reform, and reflection on national identity as America’s semiquincentennial approaches.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pennsylvania’s Unique Role in America

• Historical Leadership (04:46–07:03)

  • Lewis highlights Pennsylvania’s instrumental place in the U.S. story—from Philadelphia’s constitutional significance and Valley Forge, to launching the coal and oil industries.
  • Pennsylvania now stands as both the largest swing state and a bellwether for national policy, possessing immense leverage with 19 electoral votes.

• Why State-Level Think Tanks Matter (04:46–07:03)

  • The Commonwealth Foundation transforms “great free market ideas into public policy... then we want to go and get those proposals turned into law.”
  • Since 1987, achievements include halting 11 tax hikes, preventing over $33 billion in extra spending, and enabling over 100,000 scholarships through innovative education programs.

2. Energy Independence & Opportunity

• Energy Revolution (11:50–15:21)

  • Pennsylvania sits atop the Marcellus and Utica shale, with enough reserves to “power the entire nation’s electric grid... for an entire century” (A. Lewis, 11:53).
  • The state is now “the nation’s number one exporter of electricity,” surpassing even Texas in energy-producing counties.

• Cross-Border Policy Contrasts (11:50–15:21)

  • Neighboring New York, having banned fracking, faces electricity costs “56% higher than the average” due to “draconian green New Deal policies” (A. Lewis, 12:43).
  • Lewis critiques mandates for unreliable renewables: “They did this in Spain… and there was a huge blackout… When you don’t have power in the 21st century, lives are threatened, and Pennsylvania people freeze to death” (A. Lewis, 01:04 & 13:10).

• Governance & Industry Impact (16:03–17:45)

  • Current Governor Shapiro’s “lightning plan” pushes for 50% renewables in the state’s energy portfolio, up from 18%, which Lewis argues would threaten reliability.
  • The Commonwealth Foundation fought and defeated a substantial energy tax proposal.

3. Education Reform & School Choice

• Personal Commitment and Legislative Action (07:35–08:18)

  • Lewis discusses his journey and legislative efforts: “School choice is a gateway to the American dream… I introduced the biggest universal school choice bill that had ever been introduced to date” (A. Lewis, 07:38).

• Federal Education Tax Credit Program (18:59–20:45)

  • A new nationwide tax credit, rooted in Pennsylvania’s model, will allow citizens to donate up to $1,700 to scholarship organizations—helping children “trapped in failing schools” attend a school of their choice.
  • Each state must opt in; Lewis questions why Governor Shapiro hasn’t yet, given the potential for $484 million in funds for Pennsylvania.

• Governor Shapiro’s Broken Promises (22:10–24:36)

  • Although Shapiro supported school choice while campaigning, he vetoed “Lifeline Scholarships,” betraying prior commitments under pressure from teachers’ unions.
  • “How someone governs is the test… He did not govern as he pledged” (A. Lewis, 22:54).
  • Lifeline Scholarships: Would allow students in failing schools to use ~$5,000–$6,000 of the state portion of education funds for alternative schools, but public schools would retain ~$15,000 per student.

• Union Influence and Legislative Dynamics (24:36–25:25)

  • Democratic House leadership’s ties to the teachers’ unions have obstructed meaningful reform.
  • Political control in Pennsylvania: Senate—GOP majority, House—Democrat majority by a razor-thin margin.

4. Policy Priorities for the Commonwealth Foundation

• Foundational Pillars (27:09–27:45)

  • Four main areas:
    • Educational choice
    • Energy independence and resilience
    • Tax and spending reform
    • Public sector (and some private sector) union reform

• Legal Advocacy (27:45–27:56)

  • The Fairness Center, an allied public interest law firm, supports litigation for worker freedom and free speech.

5. America 250—Semiquincentennial Reflections

• Civic Principles & National Opportunity (29:26–31:28)

  • America’s foundational values:
    1. Individual liberty: “Our rights come from God, not government.”
    2. Limited government: “Constitutionally limited government that protects those rights.”
    3. Law and order: “Equal justice under the law, justice being blinded.”
    4. Free market economics.
  • The 250th anniversary is a time to ask: “Are we still true to those four principles, or have we gone astray from them?” (A. Lewis, 29:43)

• Civics Education:

  • Commonwealth is part of a national coalition to improve civics education, recognizing its critical role in fostering informed and engaged citizenship for the next generation.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the Stakes of Energy Policy:

  “When you don’t have power in the 21st century, lives are threatened and Pennsylvania people freeze to death.”
  — Andrew Lewis (13:10)

• On Political Integrity:

  “How someone governs is the test… you don’t know where someone stands until it’s time to vote on a bill and their name is either in green or red… That’s the ultimate test.”
  — Andrew Lewis (22:35)

• On School Choice:

  “School choice is a gateway to the American dream — it’s making sure that every kid has access to it.”
  — Andrew Lewis (07:38)

• On America’s 250th Anniversary:

  “This is an opportunity for our country to step back and say, are we still true to those four principles [liberty, limited government, law and order, free market] or have we gone astray?”
  — Andrew Lewis (29:43)

• On Union Influence:

  “Too much pressure from the teachers unions, who I call the Taliban of education. I mean, these guys are out there just absolutely fighting reforms that would actually help kids escape from failing schools.”
  — Andrew Lewis (24:23)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:46 – 07:03: Pennsylvania’s national significance and state think tanks’ impact
• 11:50 – 15:21: Energy opportunity, policy contrast with NY, and the data-center boom
• 16:03 – 17:45: Shapiro’s “lightning plan” and the energy tax battle
• 18:59 – 21:06: New federal education tax credit and state opt-in debate
• 22:10 – 24:36: Governor Shapiro’s school choice reversal and Lifeline Scholarships explained
• 27:09 – 27:56: Commonwealth’s top priorities and the Fairness Center’s legal advocacy
• 29:26 – 31:28: Reflections on America 250, civic values, and civics education

Closing Thoughts

Andrew Lewis articulated Pennsylvania’s position as a policy laboratory and political bellwether. The episode emphasized that battles over energy, education, and the meaning of American liberty are unfolding in real time, with implications for the entire country as America approaches its 250th anniversary. The Commonwealth Foundation champions free markets, educational opportunity, and energy security—core values seen as vital for preserving the nation’s promise for another two and a half centuries.

To learn more or get involved:
Commonwealth Foundation website