Show-Me Institute Podcast

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass is joined by Brian Blase, President of Paragon Health Institute, and Elias Tsapelas, Director of State Budget and Fiscal Policy at the Show-Me Institute, to break down the health care provisions in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” They focus specifically on the bill's Medicaid provisions, including efforts to enforce eligibility checks, freeze the growth of provider tax schemes, and reduce improper enrollment. Blase and Tsapelas also discuss the reality behind claims that millions will lose coverage, the true cost of Medicaid expansion, and the perverse incentives that allow states to game the federal reimbursement system. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Patrick Tuohey, senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute, about Missouri's upcoming special legislative session, slated to begin on June 2, and the debate over taxpayer subsidies for stadiums. They discuss why stadium subsidies often fail to deliver promised economic benefits, how billionaire sports team owners leverage public funds for private gain, and the potential impact of a $50 million annual giveaway to the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. Tuohey explains the flawed logic behind the argument that Missouri must compete with Kansas in a “race to the bottom” and argues that the state should instead focus on core services like public safety, education, and infrastructure. They also cover the broader implications of using taxpayer dollars to benefit wealthy team owners, the political dynamics driving these proposals, and what citizens and lawmakers should consider as the special session begins. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Special Session 01:59 Stadium Subsidies: The Chiefs and Royals 05:35 Economic Impact of Stadium Subsidies 09:43 Political Dynamics of the Special Session 12:34 Public Sentiment and Legislative Challenges 16:29 Conclusion and Future Implications Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Andrew G. Biggs, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), about the current state and future of Social Security. They discuss the dangers of a proposed temporary elimination of taxes on Social Security benefits, which could harm the program's finances and incentivize early retirement, an outcome that could undercut long-term retirement security. Biggs explains that this move would offset one of the greatest contributors to the success of America's retirement system and worsen the funding gaps of Social Security. They also cover concerns about the sustainability of the program, the shift from pensions to 401(k) plans, and the need for sound public policy to address these challenges. Check out Dr. Biggs' Substack, Little-Known Facts, here: https://littleknownfacts.substack.com/ And his new book, The Real Retirement Crisis: Why (Almost) Everything You Know About the US Retirement System Is Wrong, here: https://www.aei.org/research-products/book/the-real-retirement-crisis/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Social Security and Its Importance 01:57 Understanding Social Security's Financial Future 04:31 Taxation of Social Security Benefits 08:11 The Shift from Pensions to 401(k)s 10:04 Proposals for Tax Cuts and Their Implications 15:51 The Impact of Temporary Tax Cuts on Retirement 17:43 The Future of Social Security and Policy Challenges Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: the final stretch of Missouri's legislative session, including debates over education funding, Medicaid spending, and the state's overall budget growth. They discuss proposed education reforms, reading instruction standards, and open enrollment. The conversation also covers late-session legislative dealmaking, concerns over tax credit expansions, the pause of St. Louis's transit project, new land bank plans in St. Louis County, and developments in telemedicine and electricity market reforms. Timestamps 00:00 Budget Week: The Countdown Begins 02:57 Legislative Priorities: Education and Medicaid 06:00 Senate Bill 10: A Mixed Bag of Economic Development 09:03 House Bill 660: Local Tax Reforms 11:49 Education Legislation: Open Enrollment and Safety Measures 15:11 Land Banks: A Controversial Expansion 17:58 Telemedicine and Energy Policy: Future Prospects 20:49 Final Thoughts: Legislative Outlook and Community Impact Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Kelly Williams-Bolar about her harrowing experience of fighting for her daughters' education, which led to a legal battle that changed her life forever. After enrolling her daughters in a better school district, Kelly faced accusations of fraud and was ultimately charged with grand theft. After spending nine days in jail, Kelley was pardoned by the governor, who recognized the injustice of her situation. They discuss the systemic issues in education, the consequences of parental choices, and the importance of advocacy for educational equity. Kelly's story serves as a cautionary tale for parents navigating the complexities of school enrollment and the legal ramifications of seeking better opportunities for their children. Timestamps 00:00 The Struggle for Education 08:22 The Legal Battle Begins 14:06 Consequences of a Fight for Education 22:13 Advocacy and Change 30:50 Reflections and Future Directions Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

You can read the full op-ed here: https://bit.ly/4iscFH7 This is a reading of an op-ed written by Susan Pendergrass titled "A Bad Deal for Missouri's Children", published in The Heartlander on April 24, 2025. In this piece, Susan critiques the tradeoff being discussed in the Missouri Legislature, where a weak open-enrollment bill is being tied to a measure that would strip the State Board of Education (BOE) of its authority to hold schools accountable for performance. She argues that this compromise is a bad deal for Missouri's students and emphasizes the importance of holding school districts accountable. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with David Stokes, Director of Municipal Policy at the Show-Me Institute, about A Free-Market Guide for Missouri Cities, Towns, and Villages, Part Two: Taxation. They discuss Missouri's over-reliance on sales taxes and harmful local income taxes, particularly in St. Louis and Kansas City. Stokes emphasizes the need for a "three-legged stool" approach to municipal funding, where sales taxes, property taxes, and user fees work together to create a more stable and sustainable financial system for Missouri's municipalities. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Municipal Policy Expertise 02:52 Understanding Municipal Policy and Governance 06:12 Local Taxation: Sources and Implications 09:03 The Role of User Fees in Municipal Finance 12:10 Sales Tax Dynamics and Special Taxing Districts 14:47 The Impact of Tax Incentives on Local Development 17:54 Challenges of Property and Personal Property Taxes 20:58 Sales Tax Pooling: A Unique Approach 24:08 Conclusion and Future Directions in Municipal Policy Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Dr. Cory Koedel, the Show-Me Institute's new director of education policy, joins Susan Pendergrass to discuss the biggest challenges facing Missouri's public education system. They cover declining student outcomes, the role of accountability and testing, and the promise of school choice. Koedel shares insights from his research on school funding models—highlighting Tennessee's student-centered formula—and breaks down what Missouri can learn from states that are improving early literacy. They also examine controversial policies like early grade retention and open enrollment, and Koedel outlines his priorities for education research in Missouri. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Education Policy Challenges in Missouri 03:10 The Role of School Choice in Improving Outcomes 05:48 Funding Formulas and Their Implications 08:52 Early Literacy and Reading Instruction 12:05 Retention Policies and Their Effectiveness 15:04 Open Enrollment and Its Impact on Rural Schools 17:58 Future Directions for Education Policy in Missouri Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Sean McCarthy, Director of Fiscal Policy for the Arizona House of Representatives, about the state's innovative approach to education. They discuss universal school choice, open enrollment, and the broader implications of Arizona's funding mechanisms. McCarthy highlights Arizona's unique position as a national leader in school choice, the role of parental decision-making, and the challenges involved in education budgeting. They also discuss the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program and examine the positive impact this approach has had on rural schools across the state. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Arizona's Fiscal Policy and Education System 00:48 Universal School Choice in Arizona 03:55 Open Enrollment Dynamics and Parental Choices 10:13 Funding Mechanisms and Their Implications 14:59 Challenges in Education Funding and Budgeting 19:59 Arizona's ESA Program and Parental Empowerment 26:55 Rural Education and School Choice Outcomes Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass and Dominic Pino, the Thomas L. Rhodes Fellow at the National Review Institute, discuss the current state of U.S. tariffs and trade policy. They explore tariffs as a hidden form of taxation, debunk common misconceptions about trade deficits, provide historical context for America's protectionist tendencies, and more. Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding Tariffs and Economic Perspectives 02:51 The Impact of Trade Deficits 06:05 The Role of Government in Trade Policies 08:59 The Consequences of Protectionism 12:02 Future Economic Predictions 15:05 Historical Context of Tariffs 18:03 The Confusion Surrounding Current Policies Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Ben Scafidi, professor of economics and director of the Education Economics Center at Kennesaw State University. He is also a Friedman fellow with EdChoice and the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. They discuss the financial implications of declining enrollment in public schools, highlighting how districts with fewer students often experience increased funding per student. Scafidi explains the paradox of declining enrollment leading to financial windfalls for these districts, allowing them to pay teachers more and increase staffing levels. The conversation also touches on the need for a shift in mindset regarding school funding and the importance of adapting to demographic changes in education policy. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this conversation, James Shuls, senior fellow of education policy at the Show-Me Institute and head of the K-12 education reform branch of the Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University, and Jason Bedrick, research fellow in the Center for Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation, discuss the Phoenix Declaration. They explore the importance of cultural transmission, the distinction between education and indoctrination, and the necessity of grounding education in truth and goodness. The discussion emphasizes the role of schools in character formation and the importance of engagement in public education. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Tim DeRoche from Available to All about the importance of open enrollment in public schools, particularly in Missouri, where strict residential assignment policies limit access to quality education. They discuss the issue of educational redlining, the impact of district boundaries, and the need for policy changes to ensure equitable access for all families. DeRoche highlights transportation challenges, funding models, and successful open enrollment policies in other states that Missouri could learn from. Read Tim's full report here: https://bit.ly/41b2eRC Learn more about Available to All: availabletoall.org Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:11 The Case for Open Enrollment 06:02 Missouri's Unique Challenges 09:07 The Impact of District Lines 12:13 Educational Redlining and Its Consequences 15:03 Resistance to Change in Missouri 17:58 Comparative Analysis with Other States 20:51 Transportation and Accessibility Issues 24:03 Funding Models and Their Implications 27:08 The Future of Education in Missouri Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass, James Shuls, and Avery Frank debunk common myths about open enrollment policies, addressing concerns about their impact on rural schools, overcrowding, and financial stability. They break down the facts, challenge misconceptions, and explain how expanding school choice can benefit families while strengthening Missouri's education system. Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding Open Enrollment in Missouri 09:51 Common Myths About Open Enrollment 19:59 The Impact of Open Enrollment on Academic Performance 30:07 Legislative Landscape and Future of Open Enrollment Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: the Missouri Office of Government Efficiency (MOGE) and its impact on state governance, legislative approaches in the House and Senate, the role of outside experts in identifying inefficiencies, and the importance of accountability through timelines. They also cover educational policies like open enrollment, challenges with smartphone use in schools, COVID-era municipal water policies, source of income laws, and the ongoing debate over eliminating the state income tax. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Patrick Tuohey, senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute, about the intersection of education reform and economic development. They discuss the importance of school choice, its impact on property values and community growth, and how current education systems often trap families in underperforming districts. Tuohey advocates for open enrollment policies that empower parents to choose schools that best meet their children's needs. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Education Reform and Economic Development 03:06 The Role of School Choice in Economic Growth 06:02 Challenges in Urban Education Systems 09:02 The Impact of School Quality on Property Values 12:08 The Case for Open Enrollment and School Choice 14:49 Comparative Analysis of State Education Policies 18:02 The Future of Education in Missouri 21:01 Conclusion: Empowering Parents and Students Read more from Patrick Tuohey on this issue here: https://bit.ly/4jWeyxG Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Nat Malkus, senior fellow and deputy director of education policy at AEI, about the troubling 2024 NAEP results. They discuss declining reading scores, stagnant math performance, the rise in students performing Below Basic, criticisms of NAEP, and more. Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding NAEP: A Vital Educational Metric 1:54 Post-Pandemic Performance: A Troubling Reality 5:41 The Role of State Education Systems 7:45 Accountability and Its Impact on Education 12:19 The Influence of School Choice on Test Scores 18:40 The Honesty Gap: NAEP vs. State Accountability 24:44 Looking Ahead: Future Scores and Educational Strategies Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Chester (Checker) Finn, Distinguished Senior Fellow and President Emeritus at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, about the recent federal executive order "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling". They discuss the balance between patriotic education and federal overreach, the limits on Washington's role in curriculum, the latest NAEP scores, and more. 03:00 The Current State of American Education 06:11 Federal Role in Education: Weaponization vs. Minimization 08:56 Reading Proficiency Crisis Among Students 11:57 Impact of Disbanding the Department of Education 15:03 The Need for Stronger Accountability in Education 17:59 School Choice and Funding Challenges 21:03 Optimism and Pessimism in Education's Future 24:03 Addressing Chronic Absenteeism and Disconnected Youth Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In December 2024, in Springfield, Missouri, the Show-Me Institute and Show-Me Opportunity hosted an event featuring Dr. Aaron Hedlund, Chief Economist at the Show-Me Institute, and Elijah Haahr, former Missouri Speaker of the House and host of The Elijah Haahr Show on KWTO. The discussion focused on the 2025 economic outlook for Missouri and the U.S., exploring issues such as unsustainable government spending, the growing national debt, and the Federal Reserve's role in shaping inflation, housing, and labor markets. Today's episode is a recording of that event. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with John Ketcham, legal policy fellow and director of cities at the Manhattan Institute, about his Model Legislation to Restrict Smartphone Use in K–12 Public Schools. They discuss the growing concerns over smartphone use in schools, its documented negative impacts on students' academic performance and social development, how the proposed legislation aims to create a more focused educational environment, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass, Elias Tsapelas, and David Stokes join Zach Lawhorn to discuss the start of the 2025 Missouri legislative session. They cover budgetary reform, the need for a Missouri Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the creation of a recession preparedness fund, open enrollment policies, statewide school choice, improvements to Missouri's school report cards, tax reform, telemedicine, healthcare regulations, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Bryan C. McCannon, Dean of the School of Business and Economics and Robert S. Eckley Endowed Professor of Economics at Illinois Wesleyan University, and data analyst with Sicuro Data Analytics, LLC. They discuss a new report written for the Show-Me Institute titled "Crime Trends and Criminal Justice Policies in Missouri's Largest Cities". The report examines the rise in violent crime and homicides in Missouri since 2015. Bryan breaks down how the report compares Missouri's crime trends with other similar cities, explains how certain policies may have contributed to the increase, highlights some issues with crime data, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Virginia (Ginny) Gentles, director of the Education Freedom and Parental Rights Initiative at the Defense of Freedom Institute, about the future of the Department of Education given recent remarks from the incoming administration about abolishing the department. They discuss the implications for American education policy, explore the potential impact on parental rights and education freedom, and more. Ginny, a long-time school choice advocate and host of the Freedom to Learn Podcast, brings a wealth of experience from her time at the U.S. Department of Education under President George W. Bush, the Florida Department of Education, and as a legislative analyst on Capitol Hill. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

James Shuls, David Stokes, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss what the latest test scores reveal about Missouri schools, the debate over a four-day school week as a budget solution, Town and Country's controversial property tax increase, opposition to a comprehensive plan in Cole Camp, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Download the full 2025 Blueprint here: https://bit.ly/4iiQdBr In this episode, Susan Pendergrass, James Shuls, Elias Tsapelas, Aaron Hedlund, David Stokes, Patrick Tuohey, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss The 2025 Blueprint: Moving Missouri Forward. They discuss topics like statewide school choice, income tax reform, local government transparency, Missouri's Taxpayer Bill of Rights, nuclear energy policy, and more. About The 2025 Blueprint: The Show-Me Institute's mission is to advance liberty with individual responsibility by promoting market solutions for Missouri public policy. Our vision is for Missouri to be a place where entrepreneurs can pursue their dreams, parents are free to direct the education and upbringing of their children, and a growing economy provides opportunities for all. Critical to achieving this vision is a state government that understands the value of freedom in the lives and future of our people. The 2025 Blueprint: Moving Missouri Forward explores 17 policy areas in which common-sense reform could immediately and positively impact everyday life for Missourians. Issues covered range from education and healthcare to unemployment insurance and budget reform. Each article identifies a problem that affects the citizens of our state, provides background information and analysis, proposes one or more solutions, and then boils the solutions down into actionable recommendations. We believe that the proposals our policy team has assembled can put Missouri on the path to a healthier economy, a better public education system, and a more vibrant and flourishing civil society. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Jude Schwalbach, policy analyst at the Reason Foundation, about his report Public Schools Without Boundaries: 2024. They discuss how open enrollment policies are reshaping K–12 education by allowing students to attend public schools outside of their assigned districts, examine why Missouri ranks poorly in supporting open enrollment, highlighting significant areas for improvement in the state, and more. Read Jude's report here: https://reason.org/open-enrollment/2024-public-schools-without-boundaries/ Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Read the full report here: https://www.primecenter.org/education-reports-database/homeschooling Susan Pendergrass speaks with Dr. Collin Hitt, Executive Director of the SLU PRiME Center and co-author of the paper Taking Attendance: Estimating Homeschooling Populations in States Without Official Homeschool Data—A Pilot Analysis in Missouri. Dr. Hitt shares insights into the challenges of estimating homeschooling populations in states like Missouri, which lack administrative data. He discusses innovative methods, including leveraging publicly available data and parent polling, to provide a clearer picture of homeschooling trends, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3UE4wXf Susan Pendergrass speaks with Martin F. Lueken, Director of the Fiscal Research and Education Center at EdChoice, about the findings of his report Fiscal Effects of School Choice: The Costs and Savings of Private School Choice Programs in America through FY 2022. Marty shares insights into how school choice programs have financially impacted state and local budgets across the United States. He explains the methods used to estimate both short- and long-run savings from these programs and discusses the disparities in per-student funding between public and choice program students. Lueken also addresses the funding context and long-term fiscal implications of choice programs for K–12 education systems, shedding light on common misconceptions and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Charles M. Silver, professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, and David Hyman, professor at Georgetown Law, about their proposal for reforming Medicare by giving money directly to patients instead of providers. They explain how fraudulent practices like 'upcoding' are draining taxpayer dollars, driving up healthcare costs, and offer solutions to reduce fraud and improve efficiency. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Read David's full report here: https://bit.ly/3NuEfX6 In this episode, James V. Shuls speaks with David Stokes, Director of Municipal Policy at the Show-Me Institute, about his recent report, A Free-Market Guide for Missouri Municipalities. They discuss the benefits of applying free-market principles to local governance. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Jenny Clark, Founder & CEO of Love Your School, about the experience of navigating Arizona's Education Savings Account (ESA) Program from a parent's perspective. Jenny shares her personal journey as a mother of five in Arizona and how her family has utilized a variety of schooling options to fit each child's unique needs. She explains the flexibility ESA programs offer, the challenges parents face in accessing and managing the funds, how it empowers families to take control of their children's education, the growing popularity of school choice in Arizona, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: Missouri's Amendment 6, the Kirkwood sales tax vote, the state's minimum wage proposition, the return of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

See Charles live on October 9 in St. Charles, MO Tickets and details: bit.ly/3BtZ2r3 Susan Pendergrass speaks with Charles C. W. Cooke, senior editor at National Review, about the growing trend of federal centralization and its threat to the U.S. federalist system. They discuss how the founders intended for states and local communities to have control over their governance, and why the push to consolidate power in Washington undermines American principles of liberty and self-governance. Charles explains why this centralization is antithetical to the country's founding ideals, the consequences of this shift, and why it's essential to reverse course. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Jeff Asher, data analyst and co-founder of AH Datalytics, about the Real-Time Crime Index (RTCI). They discuss how the RTCI provides a near real-time look at crime trends across the U.S. by sampling data from hundreds of law enforcement agencies. Jeff explains the challenges of working with incomplete and imprecise data, the methodology for standardizing crime statistics across different agencies, the importance of real-time data for informed decision-making, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

James V. Shuls speaks with Crosby Kemper III, former director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, executive director of the Kansas City Public Library, and co-founder and former chairman of the Show-Me Institute, about the role of American institutions in shaping culture. They explore the impact of libraries, museums, and other cultural pillars on society, the ways in which these institutions influence public discourse and community engagement, the challenges they face in an evolving cultural landscape, and the importance of preserving these institutions for future generations. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Patrick Tuohey, senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute, about the Kansas City 33 School District's recent proposal to issue $424 million in bonds for building improvements. Despite a significant decline in enrollment and a previous failed bond referendum, KCPS is asking taxpayers to fund this initiative through increased property taxes. They discuss whether new buildings can truly address the district's deeper issues, such as poor academic performance and declining enrollment, if the funds could be better spent elsewhere, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Charles Fain Lehman, fellow at the Manhattan Institute, about his recent report titled "Doing Less with Less Crime and Punishment in Washington, DC." They explore the factors contributing to the rise in violent crime and public disorder, the impact of reduced law enforcement capacity, the broader implications for public safety, potential reforms to improve the criminal justice system, strategies for better resource allocation, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: a Missouri Taxpayer Bill of Rights, St. Louis County considering adopting a 'county manager' form of government, what the latest test scores tell us about Missouri schools, and more. Read the Taxpayer Bill or Rights here: https://showmeinstitute.org/publication/taxes/a-taxpayer-bill-of-rights-for-missouri/ Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Jude Schwalbach, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Reason Foundation, about his recent article on the urgent need for school districts to either reduce staffing or consolidate to survive. They discuss the financial pressures facing many districts due to declining enrollment, the tough decisions schools must make to remain viable, the potential benefits of consolidation, the resistance from various stakeholders, innovative solutions to navigate these challenging circumstances, and more.Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, James V. Shuls speaks with Michael Q. McShane, Director of National Research at EdChoice and Senior Fellow of Education Policy at the Show-Me Institute, about his latest paper, 'Why Markets Matter in Education.' They explore the growing role of market forces in education, the benefits of choice and competition for schools and students, the impact of educational marketplaces on innovation and quality, the challenges of government intervention in schooling, and the long-term advantages of allowing parents to shape their children's educational journeys. Read the essay here: https://bit.ly/3YG77Cy Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass talks with Patrick Tuohey, Senior Fellow at the Show-Me Institute, about the Missouri-Kansas border war over economic development incentives. They discuss how the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals reignited the subsidies battle between the states, the effects on local economies, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Daniel DiSalvo, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a professor of political science in the Colin Powell School at the City College of New York–CUNY, about his recent report on the policy response to declining public school enrollment. They explore the causes behind the drop in student numbers, the effectiveness of current educational policies, the challenges faced by public schools in adapting to these changes, innovative approaches to address enrollment declines, and more. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3LCvFVw Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with James V. Shuls, Director of Research and Senior Fellow at the Show-Me Institute, and Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, about the history and impact of the school choice movement. They discuss Shuls' recent paper, "The Father of the School Choice Movement," which highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Father Virgil Blum alongside the well-known Milton Friedman. The conversation explores Blum's legal, moral, and religious advocacy for educational freedom, his role in founding Citizens for Educational Freedom, and how his work laid the groundwork for modern school choice policies. Find the paper here: https://bit.ly/3zKTGXH Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

James V. Shuls speaks with Russell S. Sobel, Professor of Economics and Entrepreneurship at the Baker School of Business at The Citadel, about his latest paper, "Why Markets Matter for Human Progress & Prosperity." They discuss how free markets drive innovation, prosperity, and human flourishing, the historical context of market-based economies, the pitfalls of government intervention, the long-term benefits of entrepreneurship and competition, and more. Read the full paper here: https://bit.ly/3zISjZA Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Elias Tsapelas, Director of State Budget and Fiscal Policy at the Show-Me Institute, about his recent report, "Missouri's Hancock Amendment: A Primer." They discuss the historical context and significance of the Hancock Amendment, its impact on Missouri's fiscal policy, what can be done to improve protections for Missouri taxpayers, and more. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3Uzznoh Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Stephane Lavertu, Professor at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University and a Senior Research Fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, about the so-called "fiscal cliff" in public education funding. They discuss the idea that returning to pre-pandemic funding levels constitutes a crisis, the implications of declining student enrollment, whether maintaining or increasing current funding levels is truly necessary, and more. Stéphane Lavertu's teaching and research focus on public administration, political economy, public policy analysis and evaluation, and education policy and governance. He has a doctorate in political science from the University of Wisconsin, a master's degree in education from Stanford University, and a bachelor's degree in political science from The Ohio State University. His interdisciplinary research examines the politics of public administration and the performance of public organizations, particularly in the context of K-12 education. He publishes in public administration journals such as Journal of Public Administration Research & Theory, Journal of Policy Analysis & Management and Public Administration Review; political science journals such as American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, and Journal of Politics; education journals such as Educational Evaluation & Policy Analysis and AERA Open; and economics journals such as Economics of Education Review, Journal of Public Economics, and Journal of Urban Economics. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Judge Glock, the Director of Research and a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and a contributing editor at City Journal, about the ongoing attempts to address homelessness through housing policy. They explore the effectiveness of current housing initiatives, the challenges in implementing effective policy solutions, innovative approaches to reduce homelessness, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

James V. Shuls, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: – Their new report, "Longer Days and Fewer Total Hours: Examining the Four-Day School Week in Missouri" – The rise of the four-day school week in Missouri – The impact on student achievement and teacher retention – Parent opinion on the four-day school week, and more Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Bryan Caplan, Professor of Economics at George Mason University, about his latest book "Build, Baby, Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation." They discuss reducing housing regulations to address the housing shortage, the broader impacts of housing policy on urban development and affordability, how to talk about public policy, and more. Order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Baby-Science-Housing-Regulation/dp/1952223415 Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Ryan Bourne, the R. Evan Scharf Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics at the Cato Institute and editor of the book "The War on Prices: How Popular Misconceptions about Inflation, Prices, and Value Create Bad Policy." They discuss the effects of price controls, recent interventions in the economy, how to remind people about free market principals, and more. Ryan Bourne occupies the R. Evan Scharf Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics at Cato and is the author of the recent books Economics In One Virus, and The War on Prices. He has written on numerous economic issues, including fiscal policy, inequality, minimum wages, infrastructure spending, the cost of living and rent control. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass, David Stokes, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss the end of the 2024 Missouri Legislative Session.  Produced by Show-Me Opportunity