Policy Outsider

TheDream.US is the nation's largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant youth. This episode of Policy Outsider features an interview with TheDream.US co-founder Don Graham, president and CEO Gaby Pacheco, and Chief Operating Officer Hyein Lee. In the recorded conversation, the TheDream.US team is interviewed by the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy's Executive Director Dina Refki and Immigrant Integration Fellow Adriana Mintarsih.GuestsDon Graham, Co-Founder, TheDream.USGaby Pacheco, President and CEO, TheDream.USHyein Lee, Chief Operating Officer, TheDream.USDina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and PolicyAdriana Mintarsih, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and PolicyLearn MoreTheDream.US | Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Refugee resettlement organizations play a critical role in immigrant integration, providing job training programs, interpretation and translation services, and other educational programming for individuals and businesses. The indefinite pause of the refugee resettlement program by the Trump administration froze funding for many of these organizations, including those with long-established relationships with local communities, employers, and other community-based organizations. This integration infrastructure takes years to build and is often the catalyst that helps foreign-born people move from surviving to thriving.On this episode of Policy Outsider, we dive into the services provided by one of these organizations, the benefits these services have in the community, and how the organization is navigating a challenging new funding and cultural landscape. Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, the executive director of the International Institute of Buffalo, an organization whose mission is to "make Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees," speaks with the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy's executive director, Dina Refki, and Ken Irish-Bramble, a fellow with the Institute on Immigrant Integration. GuestsJennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director, International Institute of BuffaloDina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and PolicyKen Irish-Bramble, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and PolicyLearn MoreInternational Institute of Buffalo

With a new presidential administration come new (and dimmer) prospects for the rescheduling of cannabis. The rescheduling process, which began under President Biden, has met with legal hurdles and will now be overseen by a group of Trump appointees that view the drug less favorably. On a new episode of Policy Outsider, Rockefeller Institute director of operations, fellow, and resident cannabis policy expert, Heather Trela, provides an update on where we are in the process, the new players, and what to expect in the coming months.

You've probably heard the headline: guns and cars are the leading causes of death among children. But to understand what policymakers can actually do to bring down rates of firearm and motor vehicle fatalities, researchers are going deeper into the intersection of age, sex, race, and ethnicity in mortality rates. On this episode ofPolicy Outsider, hear from two co-authors of a recently published article on firearm and motor vehicle pediatric deaths in the journal JAMA Pediatrics how prevention efforts need to be targeted across different high-risk subgroups to be most effective in bringing down the number of children killed by cars and guns.GuestsJaclyn Schildkraut,Executive Director, Regional Gun Violence Research ConsortiumEric Fleegler,Pediatric Emergency Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolLois K. Lee,Senior Associate in Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolLearn MoreFirearm and Motor Vehicle Pediatric Deaths—Intersections of Age, Sex, Race, and Ethnicity (JAMA Pediatrics)

Extreme Risk Protection Orders, or "red flag" laws, are a state policy tool designed to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are behaving in a manner dangerous to themselves or to others. As state laws, they vary in their design and implementation, including who is able to petition to have firearms removed. In some states with red flag laws, physicians, pediatricians, and other clinicians are enabled by law to fill this role. On this episode of Policy Outsider, we explore why clinicians are well-suited to be ERPO petitioners and their challenges and concerns with the laws as currently constructed. Guests Nina Agrawal, Richard P. Nathan Public Policy Fellow, Rockefeller Institute Shannon Frattaroli, Professor, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Learn More National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center A Critical Opportunity for Extreme Risk Protection Order Implementation (blog)

At all levels of American government, voters were asked to weigh in on cannabis policy in last week's election. On this episode of Policy Outsider, Rockefeller Institute of Government Director of Operations and Fellow Heather Trela breaks down the results of state ballot initiatives to legalize cannabis, local government efforts to decriminalize possession, and what a Trump presidency might mean for federal cannabis policy. Guests Heather Trela, Director of Operations and Fellow, Rockefeller Institute of Government Learn More Buds on the Ballot—Marijuana and the 2024 Election (blog) In the Weeds

Immigrant children face unique challenges in the classroom. Many are processing recent upheaval, working through academic material while learning a new language, or adjusting to new cultural norms. This episode of Policy Outsider, coordinated by the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy, explores how emotionally responsive practice can be used in the classroom to support children navigating adversity. Guests Margaret Blachly, Co-Director, Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice, Bank Street College of Education Romelle Moore, Mental Health Specialist, Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice, Bank Street College of Education Learn More Resources from the Bank Street College of Education Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month and on this episode of Policy Outsider, Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium Executive Director Jaclyn Schildkraut speaks with Hannah Klein, an affiliate scholar with the Consortium and an assistant professor at Lewis University, about the role of safe firearm storage in suicide prevention. The conversation covers what safe storage really means, what we know about where people receive and want to receive safe storage education, and why safe storage is so important in reducing firearm suicides. Guests: Jaclyn Schildkraut, Executive Director, Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium Hannah Klein, Affiliate Scholar, Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium; Assistant Professor, Lewis University

As researchers advance their understanding of the causes of gun violence in the US and the contexts in which it occurs, one area under recent consideration is the relationship between firearm use and alcohol misuse. A recent report by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions found that one in three individuals who committed a homicide with a firearm were heavily drinking at the time of the offense. Additionally, 30% of firearm homicide victims were under the influence of alcohol at the time of their death, as were 25% of gun suicide victims. On this episode of Policy Outsider, Senator Cory McCray of Maryland's 45th Legislative District, which covers parts of east and northeast Baltimore, joins Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium Executive Director Jaclyn Schildkraut to discuss the proactive policy action he's taken to address the dangerous intersection of alcohol misuse and gun violence in his district. Guests Honorable Cory McCray, Maryland State Senator, District 45 Jaclyn Schildkraut, Executive Director, Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium

On June 21, 2024, the United States Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decision in the case of United States v. Rahimi. In an 8-to-1 majority, the Court upheld the federal prohibition of firearms by those subject to a domestic violence restraining order. On this episode of Policy Outsider, Jaclyn Schildkraut, executive director of the Institute's Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium gets initial reactions to the decision from Consortium members Liz Tobin-Tyler, associate professor of health services policy and practice at the Brown University School of Public Health, and Kaitlin Sidorsky, associate professor of political science and public policy at Ramapo College of New Jersey. The conversation provides an overview of the ruling, what the concurrence and dissent opinions signal about how the court is interpreting the Second Amendment, and what comes next on the national stage for firearm and domestic violence policy. Guests: Jaclyn Schildkraut, Executive Director, Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium Liz Tobin-Tyler, Associate Professor of Health Services Policy and Practice at the Brown University School of Public Health Kaitlin Sidorsky, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at Ramapo College of New Jersey

Diya Abdo is a second-generation Palestinian refugee born and raised in Jordan and the author of the book, American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience. The book shares the stories of seven refugees from around the world who begin their American journeys in North Carolina, where Abdo is a Lincoln Financial Professor of English in the Department of English and Creative Writing at Guilford College. On this episode of Policy Outsider, the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy invited Dr. Abdo to talk about the book, myths about refugees and the refugee experience, and the intertwined cultural and policy changes that can support a more integrated immigrant experience. Guests Diya Abdo, Lincoln Financial Professor of English, Department of English and Creative Writing, Guilford College Learn More American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience (book)

Assemblymember Brian Cunningham joins Policy Outsider for the latest in the "Freshmen Perspectives" series, which invites freshmen legislators in the New York State Senate and Assembly to share what they're working on, what they've learned, and what they're excited about tackling next. Cunningham (who stretches our definition of freshman as a winner of a special election before winning his first full term in 2022), shares insights into how he approaches legislating, the unique perspective one gets working in the State Legislature, and the important work still to be done in housing, the green energy economy, and AI. Guests Honorable Brian Cunningham, New York State Assemblymember, Assembly District 43 Bob Megna, President, Rockefeller Institute

In the early 1980s, the New York State Division of the Budget released a retrospective on the executive budget process. The book, The Executive Budget in New York State: A Half-Century Perspective, describes how the executive budget process came to be, how it evolved over 50 years, and how it helped the state function through the Great Depression, World War II, the postwar period, and the 60s and 70s. Now, as we sit in view of 100 years of executive budgets in New York, the Division, in collaboration with the Rockefeller Institute, is beginning the process of telling the story of the next half-century. On this episode of Policy Outsider, Dominic Colafati, DOB's unit head for the Expenditure/Debt unit, joins Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna to talk about the project: what they hope to emulate, what they might do differently, and what comes next for the executive budget process. Guests Dominic Colafati, Unit Head, Expenditure/Debt Unit, New York State Division of the Budget Bob Megna, President, Rockefeller Institute of Government

For many, access to the banking system is an important component of upward mobility. Loans, savings accounts, credit cards–these are all part of a financial system that, when used strategically, can help establish financial stability or undergird entrepreneurial activity. But there are barriers to accessing the banking system for those on society's margins, including in some immigrant communities, where many are unbanked or underbanked. To explore these issues, we speak with Dr. Jay Zagorsky, clinical associate professor of markets, public policy, and law at Boston University's Questrom School of Business and Dr. Dina Refki, executive director of the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy. The conversation details the challenges and consequences of being unbanked and underbanked as an immigrant and highlights potential policy solutions for improving the financial options available to these communities. Guests Jay Zagorsky, Associate Professor of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, Questrom School of Business, Boston University Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy

Rates of both gun violence and firearm suicide have been increasing year over year, but not all Americans have been impacted equally. Black individuals in the US are nearly 14 times more likely to die from a firearm homicide than their white counterparts, and their inpatient hospitalizations due to firearm injuries are nine times higher. And in 2022, preliminary data indicate that, for the first time in history, firearm suicide rates among Black individuals exceeded those of white individuals. A new study out in JAMA Network Open explores the relationship between gun violence exposure and suicide among Black adults. In this episode, lead author Daniel Semenza of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center and member of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium joins Policy Outsider to discuss the study's findings. Guest Daniel Semenza, Director of Interpersonal Violence Research, Rutgers University's Gun Violence Research Center Learn More Gun Violence Exposure and Suicide Among Black Adults (JAMA Network Open)

A report we released in February 2024 found that foster youth at SUNY who received funding from the Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) tended to reenroll after their first year of college at higher rates than their peers; they also tended to post higher graduation rates for associate degrees and, after six years, bachelor's degrees. This episode of Policy Outsider goes beyond the numbers to hear from an FYCSI award recipient and an FYCSI advocate how this funding can change the trajectory of students' lives. Guests Tanajah Malachi, Licensed Master Social Worker, FYCSI Award Recipient Deidra Nesbeth, Director, Fostering Youth Success Alliance Brian Backstrom, Director of Education Policy Studies, Rockefeller Institute of Government Learn More Fostering Success at SUNY: Financial Support through the Foster Youth College Success Initiative (report) New York State Education Department – Foster Youth College Success Initiative

Assemblymember Dana Levenberg represents the 95th district in the New York State Assembly. Her road to statewide elected office included a stint as chief of staff for former New York State Assemblymember Sandy Galef, time on the Ossining School Board, and four elected terms as Ossining Town Supervisor. On this episode of Policy Outsider, Assemblymember Levenberg speaks with Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna about her path to the Assembly and the common thread that weaves together her work across different issues and different levels of government. Guests: Honorable Dana Levenberg, New York State Assemblymember, Assembly District 95 Robert Megna, President, Rockefeller Institute

Jessica Scarcella-Spanton was 21 when she first served as executive director of the Democratic Party on Staten Island. Now, she's serving as a freshman senator in the New York State Legislature, representing New York's 23rd District, which covers the North and East Shores of Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn. As a mother of two and wife to a disabled combat veteran, she brings a unique and fresh perspective to the State Senate. On this episode of Policy Outsider, Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna speaks with Senator Scarcella-Spanton about her road to the senate, how she approaches being a public servant and legislator, and what she's proud of in her first year as an elected official. Guests: Honorable Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, New York State Senator, Senate District 23 Robert Megna, President, Rockefeller Institute

Budget season is underway in New York and New Jersey. On this episode of Policy Outsider, guest Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, a former New Jersey State treasurer, joins Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna to discuss spending plans in the Garden and Empire State. The conversation covers what is included and excluded from reported budget numbers and how differences in budget formulation make it difficult to do apples-to-apples comparisons between states. Guests: Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, former New Jersey State treasurer Bob Megna, president, Rockefeller Institute of Government Learn More: Op-Ed: How big is New Jersey's budget?

On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna and Kevin Younis, executive deputy commissioner and chief operating officer at Empire State Development, return to the podcast to discuss the latest $10 billion investment in Albany's NanoTech Complex for a new High Numerical Aperture Extreme Ultraviolet (NA EUV) Lithography Center. The conversation covers who the stakeholders are in this $10 billion deal, how partnerships between private industry and government came together and landed on upstate New York as the future of the semiconductor industry, and what that means for the New York economy. Guests: Bob Megna, president, Rockefeller Institute of Government Kevin Younis, chief operating officer and executive deputy commissioner, Empire State Development Learn More: Ep. 62. New York's $100 Billion Micron Deal. How Did It Happen? Ep. 63. New York's Investment in Innovation Infrastructure

The latest episode of Policy Outsider dives deep into the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. Rockefeller Institute's Senior Fellow for Health Policy, Courtney Burke, follows up on her latest blog, "The Healthcare Industry Mega Trend to Watch in 2024: “Today” and “Tomorrow” Players and the Emergence of the “Striving Survivors”" that expands on her earlier work that identified 10 key trends in 2023 that are shaping the health care industry and discusses what we can expect in the coming year. The episode unravels the interaction between these trends and examines the existing challenges of today's health care marketplace, including labor shortages, price inflation, and declining margins; how tomorrow's healthcare entities are dynamically changing the playing field through private equity, consolidation, and technology; and the striving survivors–the existing health care businesses that are trying to navigate the evolution of healthcare in real time. Guest: Courtney Burke, senior fellow for health policy, Rockefeller Institute of Government Learn More: 2024 blog Top Health Trends for State Health Policymakers to Watch in 2023 Part One: Broad Workforce, Economic, and Health Policy Shifts Part Two: Internal Industry Economic Trends Part Three: Service Delivery, Quality, and Equity Trends A Mid-Year Update on 2023 Healthcare Trends

The latest episode breaks down New York's Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). Passed in 2021, the MRTA experienced an uneven rollout due to legal challenges and the rise of illicit markets. Yet, state officials are looking at new ways to support the marijuana industry, empower entrepreneurs, and protect consumers. New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, chair of the state Subcommittee on Cannabis and co-chair of the Marijuana Task Force,  joins the podcast to shine a light on the work being done at the state level and emphasizes the intricate balance between market regulation, taxation, and rectifying the harms of the failed war on drugs. Guest: Honorable Jeremy Cooney, New York State Senator Learn More: In the Weeds

This episode focuses on immigrant entrepreneurs, their impact on the New York economy, and their ability to access banking systems, loans, capital, and other resources to start and maintain their business. Ahyoung Kim, director of economic empowerment for the Asian American Federation, and Kristine Rudgers, small business advisor for America's Small Business Development Centers out of SUNY Brockport, recently participated in the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy webinar on the Future of Immigrant Entrepreneurship and join the podcast to expand on their discussion to touch on the opportunities and obstacles facing immigrant entrepreneurs and share their insights into how to strengthen immigrant business opportunities through policies and programs targeted at immigrant entrepreneurs. Guests: Ahyoung Kim, director of economic empowerment, Asian American Federation Kristine Rudgers, small business advisor, Small Business Development Center, SUNY Brockport Learn More: Between Stewardship and Laissez Faire: The Future of Immigrant Entrepreneurship Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy

On the latest episode, the Honorable Steven Raga, New York State Assemblymember from Queens, NY, shares his journey from legislative staffer to elected official and discusses the daily life of being an Assemblymember, including hectic legislative, community, and campaign schedules, as well as the importance of addressing constituents' immediate concerns. Assemblymember Raga reflects on his first year in office and details his legislative priorities for the upcoming year, including support for non-profits, safety on college campuses, and digital literacy resources for US veterans. Assemblymember Raga also provides his perspective on public service and offers advice for those considering a career as an elected official, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude, dedication to community work, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Guest: Honorable Steven Raga, New York State Assemblymember, 30th Assembly District

Recently, in coordination with New York Congressman Paul Tonko, the Rockefeller Institute hosted the Locally Sourced Capital Region Climate Policy conference, which examined ways local governments and organizations within New York's capital region are addressing climate change through policy and practice. As part of the Rockefeller Institute's ongoing look at municipal solutions to improving our climate and environmental sustainability, Carm Basile, CEO of the Capital District Transit Authority (CDTA) and a panelist during the Locally Sourced conference, joins the podcast to detail what programs and initiatives CDTA is embarking on that help reduce the regional carbon footprint by increasing access to and use of public transportation, as well as reduce its own carbon footprint by increasing green transit infrastructure. Guest: Carm Basile, CEO, Capital District Transit Authority Learn More: Locally Sourced Capital Region Climate Policy | An Integrated Approach to Zero Emissions, Carm Basile, CEO, Capital District Transit Authority Locally Sourced Capital Region Climate Policy | Entire Conference

Prior to the late 19th century, trash in many American cities accumulated in streets, in backyards, in privies, in empty lots, and in crawlspaces underneath homes. There were no organized municipal efforts to remove the trash and, as they grew in size and density, cities became smelly, foul, and unhealthy places to live. In their book, The Politics of Trash: How Governments Used Corruption to Clean Cities, 1890–1929, authors Patricia Strach, professor of political science and public administration & policy at the University at Albany and a fellow at the Rockefeller Institute, and Kathleen Sullivan, associate professor of political science at Ohio University, describe how this began to change. On this episode, Patricia and Kathleen discuss their book, the lessons we can learn about how cities develop new services, and how those lessons apply to some of the problems governments are facing today. Guests: Patricia Strach, professor of political science and public administration & policy, University at Albany, & fellow, Rockefeller Institute of Government Kathleen Sullivan, associate professor of political science, Ohio University Joel Tirado, director of communications, Rockefeller Institute of Government  Learn More: The Politics of Trash: How Governments Used Corruption to Clean Cities, 1890–1929

A recent report from the Congressional Research Service suggests that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is likely to approve a US Department of Health and Human Services recommendation to reschedule marijuana, which is currently a Schedule I drug. On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, Director of Operations and Fellow Heather Trela explains what such a change would mean for the marijuana industry and federal enforcement of the drug. The episode provides an overview of the drug scheduling system and its history, the challenges and limitations of rescheduling, and what comes next in the ever-changing marijuana policy landscape. Guest: Heather Trela, director of operations & fellow, Rockefeller Institute of Government Learn More: The High Court: How the Judiciary is Influencing Marijuana Policy The High Courts II In the Weeds

The 252 school-based health centers (SBHCs) operating in New York State serve more than 250,000 students. These health centers provide a range of services on school premises, from primary to behavioral health care—and, in some cases, dental and vision care—and augment the health services children receive from traditional healthcare providers. On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, Senior Fellow for Health Policy Courtney Burke interviews Dr. Viju Jacob, a pediatric specialist in the Bronx who works for Urban Health Plan, which operates several SBHCs, and Ronda Kotelchuk, founder of the Primary Care Development Corporation and current chair of New York State Foundation for School-Based Health Centers, to learn more about SBHCs, the positive health and academic outcomes they support, and what is needed to maintain and expand the important services they offer to students. Guests: Courtney Burke, senior fellow for health policy, Rockefeller Institute of Government Dr. Viju Jacob, pediatric specialist, Urban Health Plan Ronda Kotelchuk, founder, Primary Care Development Corporation & Chair, New York School-Based Health Foundation Learn More: New York School-Based Health Foundation New York School-Based Health Alliance Acronyms: H+H: Health and Hospitals HRSA: Health Resources and Services Administration FQHC: Federally Qualified Health Center SBHC: School-Based Health Centers

The recent influx of migrants into New York City has highlighted the barriers that these new arrivals face, including the limitations on their ability to work. In a new episode of Policy Outsider, Rockefeller Institute Nathan Fellow Sarah Rogerson, an expert in immigration law and director of the Immigration Law Clinic and Edward P. Swire Justice Center at Albany Law School, discusses the legal and logistical hurdles migrants face as they seek to enter the workforce, including federal restrictions that prohibit migrants from working for at least six months, the time, money, and effort work authorization applications require, and the systemic constraints that can delay work authorization and legal residency status. Guest: Sarah Rogerson, Nathan fellow, Rockefeller Institute & director of the Immigration Law Clinic and Edward P. Swire Justice Center

In August 2022, the Biden administration announced a plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student loan debt for eligible borrowers. The plan, legally challenged almost immediately, was struck down in early July by the Supreme Court, ruling the Executive had overreached its authority. Then, on July 14, the Biden administration announced its latest move: using the negotiated rulemaking process under the Higher Education Act to forgive student loans, revising income-driven repayment plans, and providing more than 800,000 qualifying borrowers with nearly $40 billion in loan forgiveness. On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, Rockefeller Institute Director of Education Policy Studies Brian Backstrom and Fellow Rebecca Natow discuss the Supreme Court's ruling, the Biden administration's latest plan, and what comes next in the lengthy saga of addressing the nation's student loan debt crisis. Guests: Brian Backstrom, director of education policy studies, Rockefeller Institute Rebecca Natow, fellow, Rockefeller Institute & associate professor of educational leadership and policy, Hofstra University Learn More: States Step In: Relieving the Burden of Student Loan Debt Student Debt In New York State: A Compendium of Work by the Rockefeller Institute of Government State-Sponsored Child Investment Accounts: Helping Parents Save for Collage, Helping Students Avoid Loan Debt

The deathcare infrastructure, consisting of frontline public servants who handle the recently deceased, faced an enormous strain during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were required to manage a tremendous number of excess deaths, often exceeding their capacity and resources to do so. Staci Zavatarro, Nathan Fellow at the Rockefeller Institute of Government and Professor of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida, joins the podcast to highlight some of the logistical challenges many coroners and medical examiners faced trying to manage the influx of decedents during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of federal and state government policies and investments to improve death care management systems and provide necessary support to the workforce. Guest: Staci Zavatarro, Nathan Fellow, Rockefeller Institute of Government and Professor, University of Central Florida

Public investments in mental health services are needed to deal with worsening mental health connected to, among other things, the pandemic, economic anxiety, rapidly changing technologies, and global geopolitical distress. On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, Rockefeller Institute Senior Fellow for Health Policy Courtney Burke and New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann Sullivan discuss the importance and timeliness of New York State's $1 billion investment for mental health services in the 2023-24 budget. The conversation outlines what policies and programs will be enabled by the new funding and the people it will support. Guests: Courtney Burke, senior fellow for health policy, Rockefeller Institute of Government Ann Sullivan, Commissioner, New York State Office of Mental Health

The rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans in recent years has been a cause for concern, with reports of violent acts occurring across the country. Advocacy groups alongside federal, state, and local governments have been actively working to address this alarming trend and provide support to victims. As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month draws to a close, Policy Outsider host Alex Morse speaks with Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the Asian American Federation and a member of the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy's board of advisors, about the violent and harmful acts experienced by Asian Americans. Jo-Ann details the Asian American Federation's response to the surge in hate crimes, and shares how individuals and communities can collaborate to confront violence toward not only Asian Americans, but all marginalized groups. Guest: Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director, Asian American Federation

Across the US, the pandemic hit community colleges hard. Enrollment is down and institutions have reduced staff and payroll. And while community colleges are heavily integrated into their local and regional education and workforce development fabric, federal policy is critical to sustaining and advancing these institutions. On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, Fellow Rebecca Natow explains how federal support promotes equity, accessibility, and opportunity in community colleges and how that support is evolving under the Biden administration. Guest: Rebecca Natow, fellow, Rockefeller Institute of Government & assistant professor of educational leadership and policy, Hofstra University Learn More: Federal Policy on Community Colleges: Presidential Priorities and Policy Tools

The New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act (the Empowerment Act) made it easier for New York State residents to initiate the dissolution or consolidation of village governments. On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, Rockefeller Institute Fellow and Daemen University Professor Lisa Parshall discusses her new book, In Local Hands, which examines the social, political, and narrative context surrounding municipal reorganization in the state, especially since the Empowerment Act went into effect in 2010. The conversation touches on questions explored in the book: why do village residents support or oppose dissolutions? How do residents initiate reorganizations? And how do dissolutions affect taxes and government services? Guest: Lisa Parshall, fellow, Rockefeller Institute of Government & professor, Daemen University Learn More: In Local Hands (SUNY Press)  A Comparative Look at the Village Dissolution Movement in Ohio and New York: Assessing State-Level Policy Impacts Is It Time For New York State to Revise Its Village Incorporation Laws? Dissolving Village Government in New York State Ep. 12. Power to the People

Many immigrant families and communities face barriers to utilizing social services and integrating into their communities. These challenges exist across healthcare, housing, legal assistance, education, workforce development, and more. On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, New York State Assemblymember Catalina Cruz talks about her experience as an immigrant, as a lawyer, and as a lawmaker, and how these shape her perspective in developing policy to support immigrants. The conversation also covers the knowledge-generating role of the new Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy, which will inform evidence-based integration solutions for policymakers. Guest: Honorable Catalina Cruz, New York State Assemblymember

The 2024 election cycle will be the first election where candidates running for statewide office in New York can opt into the state's new small donor public financing program. Laura Ladd Bierman and Erica Smitka of the League of Women Voters of New York join Policy Outsider host Alex Morse to discuss the details of the new program and the history of campaign finance reform in the state. The conversation examines how public financing intends to level the electoral playing field of state elections, increase representation, and reduce the influence of big money in politics. The episode also covers what other reforms can help strengthen elections and make campaign finance more equitable throughout the state. Guests: Laura Ladd Bierman, executive director, League of Women Voters of New York Erica Smitka, deputy director, League of Women Voters of New York Learn More: League of Women Voters of New York New York State Public Campaign Finance Board Small Donor Public Financing: A Tool for Empowering New Yorkers in the Age of Citizens United

As part of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) enacted by Congress, Medicaid programs were required to keep individuals continuously enrolled in the program to receive enhanced federal funding (typically, Medicaid requires an annual eligibility renewal). The continuous enrollment requirement was decoupled from the PHE through the Consolidated Appropriations Act (passed in late 2022) and is set to expire on April 1. States have some flexibility in how they "unwind" the automatic, continuous health coverage provisions that have been in place. To help make sense of how New York is approaching the unwind, Rockefeller Institute Senior Fellow for Health Policy Courtney Burke is joined by Amir Bassiri, deputy commissioner and Medicaid director at the New York State Department of Health, Danielle Holahan, executive director of New York State of Health, and Lisa Sbrana, director of the Division of Eligibility and Marketplace Integration at the New York State Department of Health. Guests: Courtney Burke, senior fellow for health policy, Rockefeller Institute of Government Amir Bassiri, deputy commissioner and Medicaid Director, New York State Department of Health Danielle Holahan, executive director, New York State of Health Lisa Sbrana, director, Division of Eligibility and Marketplace Integration, New York State Department of Health Learn More: New York State of Health

On February 28, 2023, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases opposing President Biden's student debt relief plan, which seeks to cancel up to $20,000 in student loan debt per borrower. Brian Backstrom, director of education policy studies at the Rockefeller Institute of Government, wrote an analysis that detailed how the student debt relief plan made its way to the Supreme Court and previewed the court cases to be heard. On today's episode, Brian joins to highlight the arguments presented in the cases, shares how the justices responded to those arguments, and points to what student loan borrowers can expect as the cases move forward. Guest: Brian Backstrom, director of education policy studies, Rockefeller Institute of Government Learn More: SCOTUS To Decide: Is the Biden Administration's Student Debt Cancellation Program Legal?

New York State has the fourth-largest population of older adults in the US, with 3.2 million New Yorkers over the age of 65, a number that is projected to grow to 5.3 million by 2030. Caring for those older New Yorkers is expensive; the state spends more on long-term care services annually ($32 billion) than any other service. To address the needs of the state's aging population, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Executive Order 23 last fall, which directs the state to develop a Master Plan for Aging. On today's episode, Courtney Burke, senior fellow for health policy at the Rockefeller Institute of Government, and Adam Herbst, deputy commissioner for the Office of Aging and Long-term Care at the Department of Health, discuss the process of developing the master plan, the intricate network of government and healthcare systems dedicated to designing this roadmap, and how New York will provide the necessary care and resources to ensure people can age in place. Guests: Courtney Burke, senior fellow for health policy, Rockefeller Institute of Government Adam Herbst, deputy commissioner for the Office of Aging and Long-term Care, Department of Health

In New York, Medicaid provides healthcare for nearly 8 million people and half of all births. With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting existing health disparities and disrupting the health care system, there is a significant need and opportunity to innovate Medicaid care delivery. On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, we examine how New York is using a Section 1115 waiver to address health equity issues. The State's Acting Medicaid Director, Amir Bassiri, and Rockefeller Institute Senior Fellow for Health Policy Courtney Burke join the show to discuss how the waiver works, the goals the waiver seeks to accomplish, strategies for achieving those goals, and a vision for the future of Medicaid. Terms CBO—Community-based Organization CMS—Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services DSRIP - Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment MRT - Medicaid Redesign Team HERO—Health Equity Regional Organization SDHN—Social Determinant Health Network VBP - Value-based Payment Guests: Courtney Burke, senior fellow for health policy, Rockefeller Institute of Government Amir Bassiri, New York acting Medicaid director & deputy commissioner for Office of Health Insurance Programs

David Anderson, president of NY CREATES, an innovation hub headquartered at the Albany NanoTech Complex, joins Policy Outsider to take us into the workings of the semiconductor industry and offer insight into how New York State's tightly woven research and economic development tapestry supports and drives advanced technologies and manufacturing. Guests: Bob Megna, president, Rockefeller Institute of Government Dave Anderson, president, NY CREATES

In the fall of 2022, Micron, a leading advanced technology manufacturer, agreed to partner with New York State to build a $100 billion dollar semiconductor fabrication facility in upstate New York. How did this deal come to happen? How did federal and state policy, such as the CHIPS and Science Act and New York's Green CHIPS Program, work to incentivize Micron to come to New York? And what role did local government partnerships play in the deal? On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, Kevin Younis, chief operating officer and executive deputy commissioner of Empire State Development and one of the principle architects of the Micron deal, sits down with Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna to talk about the deal and the critical role of decades of policy in bringing it to fruition. Guests: Bob Megna, president, Rockefeller Institute of Government Kevin Younis, chief operating officer & executive deputy commissioner, Empire State Development

The recent Ticketmaster-Taylor Swift ticket purchasing debacle brought renewed attention to the stranglehold Ticketmaster holds on the live music industry. On today's episode, New York State Senator James Skoufis, a leading champion of ticket reform legislation, breaks down the problems facing the ticket industry and how state and federal policy can work to protect consumers. Guest: Honorable James Skoufis, New York State Senator

In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, today's episode examines life after serving in the military as told by two veterans. We invited Aaron Gladd, chief of staff of the State University of New York and former platoon leader in the US Army, and Colonel Jim McDonough, CEO of The Headstrong Project and former director of New York State's Division of Veterans' Services, to share their experiences joining, serving, and transitioning out of the military. They describe the challenges many veterans face moving back into civilian life and discuss how communities and non-profits are working to fill the gaps in veterans' services left by local, state, and federal governments.

On Tuesday, voters in New York overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act. On today's episode, we invite New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar to discuss what this support means and what comes next for the environmental bond act. The conversation provides an overview of how funding will be prioritized and highlights the anticipated environmental and economic impacts of this investment. Guest: Sean Mahar, executive deputy commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation

In July, a bill designed to protect same-sex marriages passed the US House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Forty-seven Republicans joined House Democrats in passing the Respect for Marriage Act. Shortly thereafter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he was working to drum up sufficient Republican support in the Senate to pass the bill. Following weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Schumer announced in mid-September that the vote would be delayed until after the midterm elections. To make sense of what is happening with marriage equality, we put together a two-part podcast series, featuring conversations with policymakers, experts, and advocates. In part one of this series, Rockefeller Institute Fellow Heather Trela, Senior Policy Analyst Leigh Wedenoja, and Pride Center of the Capital Region Executive Director Nate Gray answer questions like: If the US Supreme Court ruled in 2015 to legalize marriage equality nationwide, why is there now a renewed push for legislating this issue? What is the legislative and judicial history of marriage equality and how does that inform the provisions in the Respect for Marriage Act? And how is the recent uncertainty surrounding marriage equality affecting members of the LGBTQ+ community? In part two, we draw some political parallels to the current moment with a look back at the push for marriage equality in New York in 2011. To understand the political calculations and consequences of a Republican “yes” vote on this issue, Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna talks with Senator Steve Saland, one of four Republican senators who crossed the aisle to say “aye” to the Marriage Equality Act.

In July, a bill designed to protect same-sex marriages passed the US House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Forty-seven Republicans joined House Democrats in passing the Respect for Marriage Act. Shortly thereafter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he was working to drum up sufficient Republican support in the Senate to pass the bill. Following weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Schumer announced in mid-September that the vote would be delayed until after the midterm elections. To make sense of what is happening with marriage equality, we put together a two-part podcast series, featuring conversations with policymakers, experts, and advocates. In part one of this series, Rockefeller Institute Fellow Heather Trela, Senior Policy Analyst Leigh Wedenoja, and Pride Center of the Capital Region Executive Director Nate Gray answer questions like: If the US Supreme Court ruled in 2015 to legalize marriage equality nationwide, why is there now a renewed push for legislating this issue? What is the legislative and judicial history of marriage equality and how does that inform the provisions in the Respect for Marriage Act? And how is the recent uncertainty surrounding marriage equality affecting members of the LGBTQ+ community? In part two, we draw some political parallels to the current moment with a look back at the push for marriage equality in New York in 2011. To understand the political calculations and consequences of a Republican “yes” vote on this issue, Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna talks with Senator Steve Saland, one of four Republican senators who crossed the aisle to say “aye” to the Marriage Equality Act.

In 2020, the most recent year for which data are available, over half of all completed suicides in America involved a firearm–that is more than 24,000 Americans dying by firearm suicide in one year alone. However, suicide attempts involving a firearm account for fewer than 5 percent of all suicide attempts. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and for this episode, we are re-issuing a recorded Twitter Spaces conversation hosted by Jaclyn Schildkraut, interim executive director of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium at the Rockefeller Institute and Michael Anestis, the executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers University. The discussion focuses on the risk factors associated with firearm suicide as well as what policies and tools exist to help to mitigate firearm suicides. Guests: Jaclyn Schildkraut, interim executive director of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium Michael Anestis, executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center Go in-depth: Preventing Suicide Through a Focus on Firearm Access and Storage New York State Firearm Storage Map New Jersey Firearm Storage Map Trevor Project US Department of Veterans Affairs' Suicide Prevention Website 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline If you or anyone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please consider dialing 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

The Biden Administration recently announced a student loan debt relief plan offering up to $20,000 in debt forgiveness for certain borrowers. The announcement also contained details about a new income-driven repayment plan that will reduce monthly payments for lower and middle-income borrowers. On this episode of Policy Outsider, Brian Backstrom, director of education policy studies at the Institute, joins guest host Joel Tirado to discuss the details of this relief plan and the interesting challenge of calculating the size of its benefits. Guest: Brian Backstrom, director of education policy studies at the Rockefeller Institute For more in-depth analysis, visit the student debt research series below: States Step In: Relieving the Burden of Student Loan Debt Relieving the Burden of Student Loan Debt State-Sponsored Child Investment Accounts: Helping Parents Save for College, Helping Students Avoid Loan Debt Student Debt In New York State: A Compendium of Work by the Rockefeller Institute of Government

It's not just an availability issue. While governments continue to invest in expansion of broadband infrastructure, high costs and poor digital literacy have hindered adoption of high-speed internet even where it is available. On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, guest Kevin Schwartzbach, a graduate research assistant at the Rockefeller Institute, shares his research on broadband policy and investment and discusses why gaps in access and adoption persist. Guest: Kevin Schwartzbach Go in-depth: Addressing Digital Literacy and Other Reasons for Non-Adoption of Broadband How Government Can Make Broadband More Affordable Should States Fund Municipal Broadband and Cooperatives? With Billions for Broadband Incoming, How Have State and Local Governments Expanded High-Speed Internet Access?