Podcasts about bipartisan safer communities act

GDP Script/ Top Stories for November 20th  Publish Date:  November 20th    From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.  Today is Wednesday, November 20th and Happy birthday to Robert Kenndy Senior.  ***11.20.24 - BIRTHDAY – RFK SR***  I'm Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia.  Gwinnett's annual Red, Blue and You celebration will highlight Apalachee High SROs  Gwinnett schools will add more social workers, with some federal help  Talk about deja vu. Another winning Powerball ticket was sold in Gwinnett  Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on donating food.  All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!  Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG  STORY 1:  Gwinnett's annual Red, Blue and You celebration will highlight Apalachee High SROs  The Red, Blue and You event, celebrating its ninth year, will honor two heroes who saved lives during the Apalachee High School shooting. Scheduled for 11:30 a.m. this Thursday at Buford Arena, the event thanks first responders and includes a meal catered by Jim N' Nicks. This year, special recognition will be given to Barrow County SROs who stopped the shooting, as well as firefighters and police officers. The event, supported by sponsors like Northside Hospital, is free and open to the public, with growing interest from the community.  STORY 2: Gwinnett schools will add more social workers, with some federal help  The federal government is aiding Gwinnett County Public Schools with a $2.45 million School Based Mental Health Grant to hire more social workers, addressing students' mental health needs. Announced by U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, the grant is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aimed at reducing gun violence and supporting mental health initiatives. This funding comes in response to the urgent need for more mental health professionals in Georgia schools. The grant will help provide essential mental health support for students facing various stressors.    STORY 3: Talk about deja vu. Another winning Powerball ticket was sold in Gwinnett  Gwinnett County has recently become a hotspot for Powerball winners. A $2 million winning ticket from the Nov. 16 drawing was sold at a Shell station in Lawrenceville, marking the second big win in the area within a month. The winner, who matched all five white-ball numbers with the Power Play option, has claimed their prize but remains unnamed. Previously, a $478.2 million jackpot ticket was sold on Oct. 23 at a Quick Mart in Buford, shared by two anonymous winners, marking the largest win in Georgia Lottery history. Powerball drawings occur three times a week.    We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.  We'll be right back  Break 2: 08.05.24 OBITS_FINAL  STORY 4:   Students46, Lawrenceville Host Love Lawrenceville Day for International Transition Center Students  Love Lawrenceville Day, hosted by Students46, offered a Spanish-language immersive experience for newcomer students from Gwinnett County's International Transition Center. The event, part of Impact46's programming, aimed to introduce Spanish-speaking students to careers and local government. Students participated in business-shadowing at City Hall, Public Works, and the Police Department, guided by bilingual staff. The day concluded with a lunch featuring Hispanic leaders. Supported by the City of Lawrenceville and various sponsors, the event emphasized inclusivity and community connection. Future events are planned for Discovery and Central Gwinnett High Schools.  STORY 5:   GCPS Recognizes REACH Scholars  Gwinnett County Public Schools celebrated four REACH scholars at the annual REACH Signing Day. The scholars, Yaima Cardenas-Vazquez, Sheyla Calderon Roblero, Jacob Cortez, and Ragib Talukder, each receive up to $10,000 for postsecondary education. Chosen in eighth grade, these students are supported through high school by mentors from the REACH Georgia Program, which aims to enhance college access for low-income students. Dr. Tinisha Parker praised the scholars for their excellence and potential to make a positive impact, while Dr. Demetria Williams highlighted their commitment to achieving higher education and career success.    Break 3:    And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on donating food  *** INGLES 5 'ASK LEAH' DONATING FOOD***  We'll have final thoughts after this.    Break 4: Ingles Markets 2  Signoff –   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com  Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  Produced by the BG Podcast Network     Show Sponsors:  www.ingles-markets.com    www.wagesfuneralhome.com   www.kiamallofga.com    #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we have a new Senate Majority Leader and are getting a clearer picture of what the next Congress will look like. But what will it do on gun policy? To answer that question, we have one of the preeminent congressional reporters on the show. Punchbowl co-founder John Bresnahan has been covering Congress for decades now. He knows all of the key players in Congress, including new Majority Leader John Thune. Bresnahan said Thune had the strongest pro-gun record of the three Senators who ran for the majority leader role. He said John Cornyn's role in negotiating the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act hurt him in the race and may even have made the difference since it was a very close vote. He argued the entire Republican Senate leadership is strongly pro-gun now. Still, Bresnahan doesn't necessarily believe there are going to be a lot of opportunities for pro-gun legislation in the next Congress. With a 53-vote majority and the filibuster likely to remain, there probably aren't any significant gun bills that can make it to President Donald Trump's desk.  However, there are other ways Congress could have a big impact on gun policy over the next eight years. He said the longest-lasting impact will likely come from judicial appointments, and he noted the GOP will probably control confirmations for all eight years of Trump's term. Special Guest: John Bresnahan.

In 2022, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, or BSCA, into law. It provides community-based programs, schools, grassroots organizations and more with funding to support efforts to keep guns out of the wrong hands, make schools safer and expand trauma-informed mental health services in underresourced communities. However, this funding is set to run out at the end of 2026, so what happens next and how could efforts funded by federal dollars be impacted? Reset sits down with Rita Oceguera, The Trace reporter and Veronica Arreola, 24th District councilor of Chicago's Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability to understand how another Trump presidency might impact gun violence prevention in Chicago.

On February 14, 2018, a former student opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, with an assault rifle he'd purchased legally. Hiding in a janitor's closet, David Hogg recorded his classmates on his phone. "I interviewed my classmates so that if we didn't make it out of there, hopefully our voices would carry on,” Hogg told NPR.” And it wouldn't be possible for the NRA and gun lobby to say, 'Oh, you can't talk about this. You're politicizing this.'”Seventeen students and staff died that day. Later that year, David Hogg co-founded March for Our Lives, and helped organize hundreds of thousands of young people to rally for an end to gun violence in the United States. In the years since, they've had some wins, including the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, which enhanced background checks for 18 to 21 year-olds, and provided funding for community violence intervention and mental health services. Hogg's new project, Leaders We Deserve, helps young progressives run for office. This week, we're bringing you a recent interview with David Hogg from Democracy Works, a podcast about what it means to live in a democracy, from the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State University. Something that stands out about Hogg, from our perspective as a podcast about peace, is how he works across the aisle to get laws passed. Like many in the peacebuilding field, Hogg recognizes that change is often incremental, and a compromise that will save lives is more useful than political gridlock.Democracy Works co-host Jenna Spinelle spoke with David Hogg on his trip to Penn State's campus this spring.You can find the original Democracy Works episode and a transcript here.Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions ABOUT THE SHOW Making Peace Visible is hosted by Jamil Simon and produced by Andrea Muraskin, with help from Faith McClure. Learn more at makingpeacevisible.org Support this podcast Connect on social:Instagram @makingpeacevisibleLinkedIn @makingpeacevisibleX (formerly Twitter) @makingpeaceviz We want to learn more about our listeners. Take this 3-minute survey to help us improve the show!

Caitlin Malcuit discusses the 16 mass killings in the United States in 2024, including the 11 that involved a firearm, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.  Then author Eric Rickstad (I Am Not Who You Think I Am, The Names of Dead Girls) returns to chat with Daniel Ford about his explosive new novel Lilith.  To learn more about Eric Rickstad, visit his official website. Also listen to our previous interview with the author in Episode 518.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE - School attendance is key for a child's success. While the Secretary of Education was on Capitol Hill this week, he addressed chronic absenteeism in our schools. This has been an ongoing concern since the pandemic. Nationally, the percentage of students missing 10 days of school or more surged from 15% in 2018 to 28% in 2022, according to the American Enterprise Institute. Secretary Cardona told lawmakers the money from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is going to address this, as well as increasing the number of mental health services at schools. There will be a bipartisan meeting at the White House this month.

Closing the Gun Show Loophole: A Legal Shift in America Bonus Episode Overview: In this enlightening episode of the "Stop the Killing" podcast, host Katherine Schweit delves into the recent legislative adjustments referred to as "closing the gun show loophole." This episode unpacks the nuances of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the implications of new regulations issued by the Justice Department. What You Will Learn: Understanding the Gun Show Loophole: What it is and the common misconceptions surrounding it. Recent Legislative Changes: A breakdown of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and its impact on gun sales and control. New Definitions and Regulations: Insights into how the Justice Department's newly released rules redefine who qualifies as a gun seller. Implications for Gun Sellers and Buyers: How these changes affect both traditional and non-traditional gun sales. Straw Purchases and Gun Trafficking: The law's approach to curbing illegal gun sales and its potential effects on gun trafficking. Featured Sections: Clarifying the Gun Show Loophole: Katherine provides a detailed explanation of what the gun show loophole traditionally means and the reality behind the headlines. Detailed Analysis of the Law: An exploration of the specific provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, highlighting the enhanced background checks and extended restrictions. Impact of New Regulations: Discussion on the Justice Department's implementation of the law, focusing on the definition of a gun seller and the tightening of regulations around gun sales. Perspectives on Gun Control: Katie discusses the broader implications of these legislative changes for gun control and public safety in America. Episode Resources: THE WHITE HOUSE RELEASE:  Where to Listen and Watch: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and directly on our website. Watch the video version on YouTube at Sarahferrismedia Join Katherine Schweit as she navigates through these complex legal territories, bringing clarity to a topic that impacts all Americans. Send us your Listener Questions for our Tuesday episodes  Message us on instagram :  @conmunitypodcast @stopthekillingstories And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: www.katherineschweit.com SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE DON'T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS”  RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI  RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gun Violence is on the rise and the problems the cause shooting deaths is completely preventable. Listen to Vice President Harris on this topicBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.

Friday, April 12th, 2024Today, we are but three sleeps away from the first criminal trial of Donald John Trump; the Tennessee lawmaker who was trying to make marrying your cousin legal has lost his fight; President Biden has closed the gun show loophole and expanded background checks; a state prosecutor in Georgia has finally been assigned to investigate Lt. Governor Burt Jones for his role in the fraudulent elector scheme; the RNC is yet again fundraising off the big lie, Republicans' sham impeachment of Gena Griswold falls apart; plus Allison delivers your good news. Have some good news; a confession; or a correction?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ From the Good NewsNobody's Perfekt Dogs and Catshttps://www.nobodysperfektdogs.org/Ghost Parentsmelea.press@glasgow.ac.uk Our GuestJohn Fugelsanghttps://www.johnfugelsang.com/tmehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-fugelsang-podcast/id1464094232The Sexy Liberal Save The World Comedy Tourhttps://sexyliberal.com Live Show Ticket Links:Chicago, IL https://tinyurl.com/Beans-ChiPhiladelphia, PA https://tinyurl.com/Beans-PhillyNew York, NY https://tinyurl.com/Beans-NYCBoston, MAhttps://tinyurl.com/Beans-Bos2Portland, ORhttps://tinyurl.com/Beans-PDXSeattle, WAhttps://tinyurl.com/Beans-SEA Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/OrPatreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

The Biden-Harris administration has introduced a stringent new rule aimed at curbing the sale of firearms without background checks. A direct response to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the rule mandates that gun sellers, including those operating online or at gun shows, must now obtain a license and conduct background checks. The rule, expected to be submitted to the Federal Register by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), targets a significant loophole that has allowed unlicensed dealers to sell firearms unchecked, contributing to the illegal flow of guns and associated violent crime. The Department of Justice estimates this could impact over 20,000 unlicensed sellers who previously evaded the licensing requirement. Despite the progress, President Biden is still calling on Congress to pass universal background checks and to increase funding for the ATF so the agency can continue to stop the flow of illegal firearms into communities. The president requested $2 billion for ATF as part of his fiscal year 2025 budget request. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for an insightful discussion uncovering the impactful efforts of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. RBB hosts Kelly and JJ are joined by Brady President Kris Brown, along with Deputy Directors Greg Jackson and Rob Wilcox. Together, we analyze the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, delve into challenges surrounding victim compensation and legislative gaps, and highlight strides in firearm law reforms. Our dialogue showcases the collective determination against gun violence, emphasizing the importance of individual action.As we conclude, we recognize grassroots advocates as the driving force behind change, acknowledging the shift towards community well-being. We invite you to be active participants in this journey towards a future without gun violence, fostering hope, healing, and humanity.Further reading: Two Men Affected by Gun Violence 'Turn Pain into Purpose' as Leaders in the White House's New Gun Safety Office (People)White House announces new state-based gun violence initiative (Politico)Biden Creates Federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention (New York Times)Watch the full podcast, in video, here! Support the showFor more information on Brady, follow us on social media @Bradybuzz or visit our website at bradyunited.org.Full transcripts and bibliographies of this episode are available at bradyunited.org/podcast.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.In a crisis? Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor 24/7. Music provided by: David “Drumcrazie” CurbySpecial thanks to Hogan Lovells for their long-standing legal support℗&©2019 Red, Blue, and Brady

The Heartland POD for Friday, February 23, 2024A flyover from this weeks top heartland stories including:Primary voting is underway in Texas | Kansas Medicaid expansion update | Illinois Gov J.B. Pritzker lays out priorities as a progressive pragmatist | Missouri Democrats filibuster ballot candy | KS Gov Laura Kelly's veto will stand Primary voting is underway in Texashttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/21/julie-johnson-brian-williams-congressional-district-32-colin-allred/BY SEJAL GOVINDARAOFEB. 21, 2024WASHINGTON — In 2018, Rep. Colin Allred flipped Texas' 32nd Congressional District, turning the Dallas-based district into a blue stronghold. Now, as the Democrat vies to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a crowded field of 10 Democrats is lining up to replace him.Dr. Brian Williams, a trauma surgeon, and State Rep. Julie Johnson, of Farmers Branch, are leading the field in the Democratic primary with their fundraising efforts, each amassing about a million dollars in campaign donations since their campaigns were registered at the beginning of last summer.Ideologically, Williams and Johnson are aligned. They both rank health care a top priority if elected, and have touted their ability to work across the aisle.Johnson, a trial lawyer in her third term in the state House rode the 2019 blue wave to unseat hardline conservative incumbent Matt Rinaldi, by 13 points. Rinaldi now chairs the state GOP. In her three terms, at least 40 of the bills Johnson has co-authored or joint-authored have been signed into law.As a Democrat in the Republican-dominated state Legislature, Johnson has played a lot of defense trying to kill bills she and other progressives deem harmful. Johnson, who is gay, said she and other members of the House's LGBTQ caucus have had success in killing anti-LGBTQ bills by mastering the rules of procedure and “being better at the rules than the other side.” In 2019, she took down a House version of the so-called “Save Chick-fil-A bill” on a rule technicality. The bill was a response to a San Antonio airport kicking out the fast food restaurant over criticism of its religiously affiliated donations to anti-LGBTQ groups. It was revived in another bill and passed into law.If elected, Johnson would be the first openly LGBTQ member of Congress from a Southern state. She's drawn notable endorsements from Beto O'Rourke, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, EMILY's List, Equality PAC, and several labor unions.Matt Angle, director of Lone Star Project, a Texas group that works to boost Democrats, said Johnson is the frontrunner in the race, but Williams is a formidable challenger.“Make no mistake about it though,” Angle said. “Julie Johnson has a voter base within the district not only from her old district, but also just from years of being an active Democratic activist and a donor and really a couple of just outstanding terms in the legislature.”While he may be new to the Texas political arena, Williams is no stranger to the halls of Congress.Williams was a health policy adviser to U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy — who endorsed him — to help pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 – the farthest reaching gun safety legislation in decades. The legislation, crafted in the aftermath of the shootings in Uvalde and Buffalo New York, allocated millions of dollars to expand mental health resources, strengthens background checks and tightens the boyfriend loophole. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn was a lead negotiator on the bill with Murphy, and Williams worked closely with Cornyn's office. In his role as a health policy advisor for Murphy, he worked across the aisle with Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana on mental health legislation.Williams also worked with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California to pass federal health care legislation related to pandemic preparedness and reducing health care costs.Williams said his experience as a trauma surgeon — operating on victims of gun violence and women experiencing reproductive health emergencies — has fueled his priorities to fight for gun restrictions and increase access to abortions and other womens' health. Williams added his perspective as a Black doctor seeing racial disparities in health care will resonate with the district's diverse constituency, given that the district is now a majority-minority district with a 37% Hispanic or Latino population, 22% Black population and 8% Asian population.“They're excited that there's someone that looks like them that can represent them in Congress,” Williams said in an interview.As Allred opted to stay neutral in the race to succeed him – Williams said he had pursued his endorsement while Johnson said she had not – the tension between Johnson and Williams has been heating up.Williams has publicly criticized Johnson for a vote she took that would have made some changes and tweaks to the state's Alternatives to Abortions program, which provides information about resources to women seeking the procedure.“I draw contrast between myself and Representative Johnson about how I am the better candidate,” Williams said.Johnson, who is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, said Williams misrepresented the vote, which she said she cast to bring the already-funded program under the scope of the Health and Human Services Commission so it could be subject to public transparency. Her campaign published a fact-check on her website, likening Williams' misrepresentation of her record to “Trumpian-style, false attacks.”Planned Parenthood was critical of the legislation.Johnson said women's health is also a priority for her, and she stands by her record.“Texas leads the nation of uninsured folks, and in maternal mortality, and in infant mortality. Obviously, we're leading the nation in an attack on women's freedom for women's reproductive health, and I've been a champion of a lot of these issues,” she said.Other candidates vying for the open seat in the March 5 primary include businessman Raja Chaudhry, tech entrepreneur Alex Cornwallis, former Dallas City Councilman and real estate broker Kevin Felder and attorney Callie Butcher, who would be the first openly transgender member of Congress if elected.If no candidate gets a majority of the vote, there will be a runoff in May. The winner of the Democratic primary will face off against the winner of the Republican primary in November but is likely to win given that the district is solidly blue.And, from Dallas we go to Houston whereAfter bruising loss in Houston mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee faces her toughest reelection yetJackson Lee faces off against Amanda Edwards, her most formidable congressional opponent in three decades.https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/19/sheila-jackson-lee-amanda-edwards-democratic-primary-houston/BY SEJAL GOVINDARAOFEB. 19, 2024In 1994, Sheila Jackson Lee, then a 44-year-old Houston city councilwoman, unseated four-term U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in the Democratic primary, securing a seat she'd come to hold for the next 30 years.This March, former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, 42, is hoping to replicate that political upset as she faces off against Jackson Lee in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 18.Jackson Lee, who did not respond to requests for an interview, has only drawn four primary challengers over her 14-term career, all of whom she defeated by landslide margins.She's a household name in her Houston-based district, known for her frequent visibility at constituent graduations, funerals and baby showers.But last year she ran for Houston mayor against then-state Sen. John Whitmire. It was a bruising primary — unfamiliar territory for Jackson Lee — and her campaign was roiled with negative media after audio of her berating her congressional staffers was leaked. She ended up losing the race by 30 points and then immediately announced she was running for reelection to the U.S. House.Amanda Edwards, a former intern in Jackson Lee's office, initially announced she was running for Houston mayor until the congresswoman threw her hat in the ring. At that point, Edwards pivoted — endorsing Jackson Lee as mayor and beginning her own bid for Congress.By the time Jackson Lee announced she was running for her House seat again, Edwards had already gained momentum. In the fourth quarter of last year, Edwards outraised the congresswoman 10 to 1 — $272,000 to Jackson Lee's $23,000.Mark Jones, Baker Institute fellow in political science at Rice University said, “This could be the year that Congresswoman Jackson Lee loses. And given that as a safe, Democratic, seat whoever wins the primary will be headed to Washington in January of 2025”Jackson Lee holds a narrow lead in primary polls, while 16% of voters remain undecided. Edwards, a native Houstonian, said her commitment to public service is propelled by her father's battle with cancer when she was a teenager, where she learned firsthand about the cracks in the health care system and how “policy could be a matter of life and death.” She served as an at-large Houston City Council member from 2016 to 2020, where she represented a constituency of more than 2 million people.In her race to beat Jackson Lee, Edwards has garnered some notable endorsements including the Harris County Young Democrats, and the Harris County chapter of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats – both of which endorsed Jackson Lee in past races.The Harris County Young Democrats rescinded its endorsement of Jackson Lee in the mayoral race — citing a “zero tolerance policy” for staff abuse.Lenard Polk, Harris County chapter president of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, said Jackson Lee's leaked audio tape controversy also factored into the committee's decision to not endorse her. On the recording Jackson Lee berates a staffer for not having a document she was looking for and calls two of her staffers “Goddamn big-ass children, fuckin' idiots who serve no Goddamn purpose.”He said endorsement committee members were still “quite upset” over the tape and it “wasn't a good look” for Jackson Lee. The leaked tape fueled discourse about Jackson Lee's reputation as an unkind boss on Capitol Hill – she regularly makes Washingtonian Magazine's worst of Congress list and her office has high turnover rates.Polk added that voters felt abandoned by Jackson Lee, who jumped into the mayor's race without endorsing someone to take her place, only to file for reelection a day after losing.Jackson Lee's battle to retain her seat is made tougher by 2021 redistricting, because the 18th district now includes more young white professionals who do not have the same level of loyalty to her as longtime district residents.But despite any damage she may have incurred from her mayoral run, Jackson Lee remains a powerful political force in her district.County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who is backing Jackson Lee, said he doesn't know anyone in local politics with her “energy level,” and that Jackson Lee has secured meaningful federal grants for her district – most recently $20.5 million to Harris County Public Health Department's Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot project. He also said she has a reputation for being a reliably progressive voice in Congress.Jackson Lee has a long list of powerful endorsements from House Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Minority Whip Katherine Clarke. She's backed by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other members of Texas' Washington delegation including Democratic Reps. Lizzie Fletcher of Houston, Lloyd Doggett of Austin, Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Joaquin Castro of San Antonio.Ellis said Jackson Lee may not be a strong fundraiser but she will benefit from her incumbency advantage.Linda Bell-Robinson, a Houston Democratic precinct chair, said she is fighting for Jackson Lee to retain her seat because seniority in Congress is important and Edwards would be learning the ropes as a freshman if elected.“We need fighters,” she said. “We don't need people trying to learn how to fight on the battlefield. We need people who are already fighting and know how to fight their fight.SEAN: Super interesting race. For my part, I don't have any problem with members of Congress being extremely tough to work for. I have problems with lying, fraud, criminal activity, and squishy voting records. Congresswoman Jackson Lee has 100% ratings from Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and AFL-CIO. She has a 95% rating from League of Conservation VotersNew estimate predicts Medicaid expansion would serve 152K at no cost to stateA $509M federal incentive would help offset state cost for first eight yearsBY: SHERMAN SMITH - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 4:22 PMhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/22/new-estimate-predicts-medicaid-expansion-would-serve-152k-at-no-cost-to-state/TOPEKA — The Kansas Health Institute on Thursday unveiled its analysis of Gov. Laura Kelly's proposal to expand Medicaid, predicting 152,000 Kansans would enroll in the first year with no additional cost to the state government.The Democratic governor has made passage of Medicaid expansion a top legislative priority this year, following her statewide campaign to promote the policy last fall. But Republican leadership in the Legislature opposes the policy and has blocked hearings on Medicaid expansion for four years.Kansas is one of just 10 states that still haven't expanded Medicaid since President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act in 2010.The state-run version of Medicaid, called KanCare, provides health care services to low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. Currently, those who earn less than 38% of the federal poverty level are eligible. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $11,400.Under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, the federal government offers to cover 90% of the cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. The annual income threshold for a family of four would be $41,400.Kelly's proposal includes a work requirement with exceptions for full-time students, veterans, caregivers, people with partial disabilities, and former foster kids. Her plan also would add a new surcharge for hospitals.KHI predicts the change in income eligibility would result in 151,898 people enrolling in KanCare — 106,450 adults and 45,448 children. Those numbers include 68,236 adults and 16,377 children who are currently uninsured.About 68.9% of the adults are already working at least part-time, according to the KHI analysis. Of the remaining 31.1% KHI determined 19.1% of the unemployed adults have a disability, 16.1% are students and 3.8% are veterans.KHI calculated the cost to the state for expanding Medicaid over the first eight years would be fully offset — mostly because of a $509 million incentive included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Other savings would come from the federal government picking up more of the tab on existing services, as well as the new surcharge on hospitals. The Kansas Sunflower Foundation on Thursday released findings from surveys that found 68% of Kansas voters, including 51% of Republicans and 83% of small business owners support Medicaid expansion.Steve Baccus, an Ottawa County farmer and former president of Kansas Farm Bureau, said in a news release that expanding Medicaid was about “investing in the well-being of our communities.”Baccus said “Our rural communities are often struggling to keep Main Street open and to continue to offer the necessary services to the surrounding agricultural enterprises. A community that can offer a total health care package has an advantage in maintaining a viable town.”The findings are consistent with a Fort Hays State University poll that was released in October.With budget proposal and fiery address, Pritzker paints himself as progressive pragmatistThursday, February 22, 2024Governor's spending plan advances progressive-backed policies in tight fiscal landscapeBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/with-budget-proposal-and-fiery-address-pritzker-paints-himself-as-progressive-pragmatistSPRINGFIELD – In delivering his annual State of the State and budget address on Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker cast his administration as both progressive and pragmatic – a balance he's worked to strike as his national profile has grown.Some elements of the governor's proposed spending plan, like using $10 million in state funds to eliminate $1 billion worth of Illinoisans' medical debt, are hardline progressive ideas. Others, including a goal to achieve “universal preschool” by 2027, fit in with a more traditional liberal platform.But Pritzker has also defined his success in traditional economic terms, putting particular stock into how New York City-based credit ratings agencies view Illinois' finances, while also positioning Illinois as a hub for emerging technologies like electric vehicles and quantum computing. As Illinois faces an influx of migrants from the southern U.S. border Pritzker has leaned into a leadership style that prioritizes progressive ideals while projecting an image of fiscal responsibility.As he outlined a proposal to add $182 Million toward the state's migrant response, Gov. Pritzker said, “We didn't ask for this manufactured crisis, But we must deal with it all the same.”“Children, pregnant women, and the elderly have been sent here in the dead of night, left far from our designated welcome centers, in freezing temperatures, wearing flip flops and T-shirts,” Pritzker said. “Think about that the next time a politician from Texas wants to lecture you about being a good Christian.”The governor was met with big applause from Democrats in laying out his proposed “Healthcare Consumer Access and Protection Act,” which would, in part, ban “prior authorization” requirements for mental health treatment.Pritzker characterized the practice of prior authorization as a way for insurance companies to deny the care that doctors have prescribed.Pritzker is also proposing spending $10 million in state funds to buy Illinoisans' past-due medical debt that's been sent to collections. Partnering with national nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, which buys debt for pennies on the dollar on the same market that collections agencies purchase the rights to the debts, the governor said Illinois could “relieve nearly $1 billion in medical debt for the first cohort of 340,000 Illinoisans.”The governor spent time noting two key places he said Illinois fails its Black citizens:  maternal mortality and disproportionate rates of homelessness. To combat Black maternal mortality rates, Pritzker proposed helping more community-based reproductive health centers to open, citing Illinois' first freestanding nonprofit birthing center in Berwyn as a model.He said, “Black women in our state are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.” Pritzker proposed spending an additional $50 million on the state's “Home Illinois” program launched in 2021, in part to “attack the root causes of housing insecurity for Black Illinoisans.” He cited a statistic that Black people make up 61 percent of Illinois' homeless population despite only being 14 percent of the state's general population.Additionally, the governor proposed a $1 million pilot program for free diapers for low-income families, as well as a $5 million increased investment in an existing home visit program “for our most vulnerable families” with babies in their first year.His budget also includes $12 million to create a child tax credit for families with children under three with incomes below a certain threshold. Among the successes Pritzker pointed to, perhaps the most salient is his claim that Illinois' new “Smart Start” early childhood program – proposed last year in the governor's second inaugural address – had exceeded its first-year goals.The program aimed to create 5,000 new preschool seats last year, but ended up creating 5,823, Pritzker said – a 15 percent overperformance. “As a result, right now we have over 82,000 publicly-funded preschool classroom seats – the highest number in our state's history. Staying on the Smart Start plan, we will achieve universal preschool by 2027.”Echoing his 2022 election-year call for a temporary pause on the state's 1 percent tax on groceries, Pritzker on Wednesday proposed nixing the grocery tax altogether.He said “It's one more regressive tax we just don't need. If it reduces inflation for families from 4 percent to 3 percent, even if it only puts a few hundred bucks back in families' pockets, it's the right thing to do.”Even while proposing a series of progressive expenditures, the governor also sought to cast himself as a pragmatist when it comes to state finances. The state has seen strong revenue performances in the past few years, But in November, the governor's own economic forecasting office predicted a nearly $900 million deficit in the fiscal year that begins July 1.“Our FY25 budget proposal makes some hard choices,” Pritzker said Wednesday. “I wish we had big surpluses to work with this year to take on every one of the very real challenges we face.”Illinois' once-paltry “rainy day” fund now has $2 billion socked away, the governor noted, and the state has paid off high-interest debt during his five years in office.To mitigate Illinois' previously projected deficit, Pritzker is proposing to more than double the tax rate paid by sportsbooks on profits – a change that would bring in an estimated $200 million annually. He also proposed extending an existing cap on operating losses that businesses can claim on taxes, which could help generate more than $500 million, the governor's office claims.Another revenue generator proposed by the governor: raising $101 million by capping a sales tax credit retailers are allowed to claim. But business groups on Wednesday signaled they'd put up a fight. In his first few months in office in 2019, Pritzker used his fresh political capital to muscle a $15 minimum wage ramp through the legislature – a long-fought-for progressive policy goal – followed closely by a trip to New York City to meet with executives at the influential big three credit ratings agencies.When Pritzker took office, Illinois' credit ratings were hovering around “junk” status after a two-year budget impasse under his predecessor, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. And though Illinois suffered a final credit downgrade in the early months of COVID, the state has since received nine upgrades.The governor on Wednesday held those upgrades in high regard, saying“My one line in the sand is that I will only sign a budget that is responsibly balanced and that does not diminish or derail the improving credit standing we have achieved for the last five years,”Andrew Adams contributed.Missouri Senate Dems Hold The Line In Ballot Fighthttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/20/democrat-filibuster-forces-removal-of-ballot-candy-from-senate-initiative-petition-bill/BY: RUDI KELLER - FEBRUARY 20, 2024 5:15 PM     A Democratic filibuster that stretched more than 20 hours ended this week when Senate Republicans stripped provisions critics derided as “ballot candy” from a proposal to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petitions.Ballot candy refers to language designed to trick voters - into thinking the initiative is about ensuring only citizens vote, for instance - when that's totally irrelevant to the question voters are deciding.By an 18-12 vote, with nine Republicans and nine Democrats forming the majority, language that stated non-citizens could not vote on constitutional amendments was removed, as were sections barring foreign governments and political parties from taking sides in Missouri ballot measures.The Senate then, by a voice vote, gave first-round approval to the bill that would require both a statewide majority and a majority vote in five of the state's eight congressional districts to pass future constitutional amendments.The proposal would alter the way Missourians have approved constitutional changes since the first statewide vote on a constitution in 1846.Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence, a Democrat, said, “All we're asking for is a fair fight. And the Republicans know if it's a fair fight, they lose, which is why they have to pump it full of ballot candy and mislead voters.”Meanwhile, the House spent much of Tuesday morning debating legislation that would make changes to the signature gathering process for initiative petition campaigns.Among numerous provisions, the bill would require signatures be recorded using black or dark ink and that signature gatherers be citizens of the United States, residents of Missouri or physically present in Missouri for at least 30 consecutive days prior to the collection of signatures.Its most sweeping provision grants new authority to the secretary of state and attorney general to review initiative and referendum petitions for compliance with the Missouri Constitution.The effort to make it harder to get on the ballot and harder to pass a constitutional amendment has been a GOP priority for several years. In the past two election cycles, voters have expanded Medicaid coverage and legalized recreational marijuana, circumventing the GOP majority that opposed both. The push to raise the threshold on amendments proposed by initiative has taken on a new urgency for Republicans as abortion-rights supporters move ahead with a signature campaign to make this year's ballot.The results on abortion amendments in other states has Missouri abortion foes anxious about whether they can defend the state's almost total ban in a statewide election. Voters in Ohio last year rejected an effort to increase the majority needed to pass constitutional amendments before voting 57% in favor of abortion rights. And in 2022, Kansas voters defeated an attempt to restrict abortion rights by a landslide vote.Gov. Kelly Keep Kansas GOP In Linehttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/Kansas House Republicans fail to override governor's veto on massive tax reform billBY: TIM CARPENTER - FEBRUARY 20, 2024 12:41 PM     TOPEKA — The Republican-led Kansas House failed Tuesday to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly ‘s veto of a tax reform bill anchored by implementation of a single, flat state income tax rate of 5.25% in addition to elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and creation of a tax exemption for all Social Security income.The GOP holds supermajorities in the House and Senate, but there was skepticism that both chambers could muster two-thirds majorities necessary to rebuke Kelly given opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans to parts of the three-year, $1.6 billion tax cut favoring the state's most wealthy. Kelly said the decision of House members to sustain her veto was a win for working-class Kansans who would have seen “little relief under this irresponsible flat tax experiment.” The Legislature should move ahead with her proposal for reducing $1 billion in taxes over three years.The governor said “I urge legislators to work together to cut taxes in a way that continues our economic growth and maintains our solid fiscal foundation while benefitting all Kansans, not just those at the top,”.Rep. Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita, said the cost of the tax reform bill could reach $600 million annually when fully implemented, and the plan didn't do enough for the middle class in Kansas. He said a married couple earning $42,000 to $75,000 per year would only see an income tax reduction of about 75 cents.Rep. Trevor Jacobs of Fort Scott was among Republicans who opposed overriding Kelly's veto. He said the flat tax would force the state's working class to carry a larger burden of the state tax load. And the 2024 Legislature had sufficient time to develop an alternative that provided tax relief to all Kansans rather than just a select few.Good thinking! See it's not just Democrats who think KS Gov Laura Kelly knows what she's doing. Welp, that's it for me! From Denver I'm Sean Diller. Stories in today's show appeared first in the Missouri Independent, Kansas Reflector, Texas Tribune, and Capitol News Illinois. Thanks for listening, see you next time.  @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

The Heartland POD for Friday, February 23, 2024A flyover from this weeks top heartland stories including:Primary voting is underway in Texas | Kansas Medicaid expansion update | Illinois Gov J.B. Pritzker lays out priorities as a progressive pragmatist | Missouri Democrats filibuster ballot candy | KS Gov Laura Kelly's veto will stand Primary voting is underway in Texashttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/21/julie-johnson-brian-williams-congressional-district-32-colin-allred/BY SEJAL GOVINDARAOFEB. 21, 2024WASHINGTON — In 2018, Rep. Colin Allred flipped Texas' 32nd Congressional District, turning the Dallas-based district into a blue stronghold. Now, as the Democrat vies to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a crowded field of 10 Democrats is lining up to replace him.Dr. Brian Williams, a trauma surgeon, and State Rep. Julie Johnson, of Farmers Branch, are leading the field in the Democratic primary with their fundraising efforts, each amassing about a million dollars in campaign donations since their campaigns were registered at the beginning of last summer.Ideologically, Williams and Johnson are aligned. They both rank health care a top priority if elected, and have touted their ability to work across the aisle.Johnson, a trial lawyer in her third term in the state House rode the 2019 blue wave to unseat hardline conservative incumbent Matt Rinaldi, by 13 points. Rinaldi now chairs the state GOP. In her three terms, at least 40 of the bills Johnson has co-authored or joint-authored have been signed into law.As a Democrat in the Republican-dominated state Legislature, Johnson has played a lot of defense trying to kill bills she and other progressives deem harmful. Johnson, who is gay, said she and other members of the House's LGBTQ caucus have had success in killing anti-LGBTQ bills by mastering the rules of procedure and “being better at the rules than the other side.” In 2019, she took down a House version of the so-called “Save Chick-fil-A bill” on a rule technicality. The bill was a response to a San Antonio airport kicking out the fast food restaurant over criticism of its religiously affiliated donations to anti-LGBTQ groups. It was revived in another bill and passed into law.If elected, Johnson would be the first openly LGBTQ member of Congress from a Southern state. She's drawn notable endorsements from Beto O'Rourke, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, EMILY's List, Equality PAC, and several labor unions.Matt Angle, director of Lone Star Project, a Texas group that works to boost Democrats, said Johnson is the frontrunner in the race, but Williams is a formidable challenger.“Make no mistake about it though,” Angle said. “Julie Johnson has a voter base within the district not only from her old district, but also just from years of being an active Democratic activist and a donor and really a couple of just outstanding terms in the legislature.”While he may be new to the Texas political arena, Williams is no stranger to the halls of Congress.Williams was a health policy adviser to U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy — who endorsed him — to help pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 – the farthest reaching gun safety legislation in decades. The legislation, crafted in the aftermath of the shootings in Uvalde and Buffalo New York, allocated millions of dollars to expand mental health resources, strengthens background checks and tightens the boyfriend loophole. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn was a lead negotiator on the bill with Murphy, and Williams worked closely with Cornyn's office. In his role as a health policy advisor for Murphy, he worked across the aisle with Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana on mental health legislation.Williams also worked with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California to pass federal health care legislation related to pandemic preparedness and reducing health care costs.Williams said his experience as a trauma surgeon — operating on victims of gun violence and women experiencing reproductive health emergencies — has fueled his priorities to fight for gun restrictions and increase access to abortions and other womens' health. Williams added his perspective as a Black doctor seeing racial disparities in health care will resonate with the district's diverse constituency, given that the district is now a majority-minority district with a 37% Hispanic or Latino population, 22% Black population and 8% Asian population.“They're excited that there's someone that looks like them that can represent them in Congress,” Williams said in an interview.As Allred opted to stay neutral in the race to succeed him – Williams said he had pursued his endorsement while Johnson said she had not – the tension between Johnson and Williams has been heating up.Williams has publicly criticized Johnson for a vote she took that would have made some changes and tweaks to the state's Alternatives to Abortions program, which provides information about resources to women seeking the procedure.“I draw contrast between myself and Representative Johnson about how I am the better candidate,” Williams said.Johnson, who is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, said Williams misrepresented the vote, which she said she cast to bring the already-funded program under the scope of the Health and Human Services Commission so it could be subject to public transparency. Her campaign published a fact-check on her website, likening Williams' misrepresentation of her record to “Trumpian-style, false attacks.”Planned Parenthood was critical of the legislation.Johnson said women's health is also a priority for her, and she stands by her record.“Texas leads the nation of uninsured folks, and in maternal mortality, and in infant mortality. Obviously, we're leading the nation in an attack on women's freedom for women's reproductive health, and I've been a champion of a lot of these issues,” she said.Other candidates vying for the open seat in the March 5 primary include businessman Raja Chaudhry, tech entrepreneur Alex Cornwallis, former Dallas City Councilman and real estate broker Kevin Felder and attorney Callie Butcher, who would be the first openly transgender member of Congress if elected.If no candidate gets a majority of the vote, there will be a runoff in May. The winner of the Democratic primary will face off against the winner of the Republican primary in November but is likely to win given that the district is solidly blue.And, from Dallas we go to Houston whereAfter bruising loss in Houston mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee faces her toughest reelection yetJackson Lee faces off against Amanda Edwards, her most formidable congressional opponent in three decades.https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/19/sheila-jackson-lee-amanda-edwards-democratic-primary-houston/BY SEJAL GOVINDARAOFEB. 19, 2024In 1994, Sheila Jackson Lee, then a 44-year-old Houston city councilwoman, unseated four-term U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in the Democratic primary, securing a seat she'd come to hold for the next 30 years.This March, former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, 42, is hoping to replicate that political upset as she faces off against Jackson Lee in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 18.Jackson Lee, who did not respond to requests for an interview, has only drawn four primary challengers over her 14-term career, all of whom she defeated by landslide margins.She's a household name in her Houston-based district, known for her frequent visibility at constituent graduations, funerals and baby showers.But last year she ran for Houston mayor against then-state Sen. John Whitmire. It was a bruising primary — unfamiliar territory for Jackson Lee — and her campaign was roiled with negative media after audio of her berating her congressional staffers was leaked. She ended up losing the race by 30 points and then immediately announced she was running for reelection to the U.S. House.Amanda Edwards, a former intern in Jackson Lee's office, initially announced she was running for Houston mayor until the congresswoman threw her hat in the ring. At that point, Edwards pivoted — endorsing Jackson Lee as mayor and beginning her own bid for Congress.By the time Jackson Lee announced she was running for her House seat again, Edwards had already gained momentum. In the fourth quarter of last year, Edwards outraised the congresswoman 10 to 1 — $272,000 to Jackson Lee's $23,000.Mark Jones, Baker Institute fellow in political science at Rice University said, “This could be the year that Congresswoman Jackson Lee loses. And given that as a safe, Democratic, seat whoever wins the primary will be headed to Washington in January of 2025”Jackson Lee holds a narrow lead in primary polls, while 16% of voters remain undecided. Edwards, a native Houstonian, said her commitment to public service is propelled by her father's battle with cancer when she was a teenager, where she learned firsthand about the cracks in the health care system and how “policy could be a matter of life and death.” She served as an at-large Houston City Council member from 2016 to 2020, where she represented a constituency of more than 2 million people.In her race to beat Jackson Lee, Edwards has garnered some notable endorsements including the Harris County Young Democrats, and the Harris County chapter of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats – both of which endorsed Jackson Lee in past races.The Harris County Young Democrats rescinded its endorsement of Jackson Lee in the mayoral race — citing a “zero tolerance policy” for staff abuse.Lenard Polk, Harris County chapter president of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, said Jackson Lee's leaked audio tape controversy also factored into the committee's decision to not endorse her. On the recording Jackson Lee berates a staffer for not having a document she was looking for and calls two of her staffers “Goddamn big-ass children, fuckin' idiots who serve no Goddamn purpose.”He said endorsement committee members were still “quite upset” over the tape and it “wasn't a good look” for Jackson Lee. The leaked tape fueled discourse about Jackson Lee's reputation as an unkind boss on Capitol Hill – she regularly makes Washingtonian Magazine's worst of Congress list and her office has high turnover rates.Polk added that voters felt abandoned by Jackson Lee, who jumped into the mayor's race without endorsing someone to take her place, only to file for reelection a day after losing.Jackson Lee's battle to retain her seat is made tougher by 2021 redistricting, because the 18th district now includes more young white professionals who do not have the same level of loyalty to her as longtime district residents.But despite any damage she may have incurred from her mayoral run, Jackson Lee remains a powerful political force in her district.County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who is backing Jackson Lee, said he doesn't know anyone in local politics with her “energy level,” and that Jackson Lee has secured meaningful federal grants for her district – most recently $20.5 million to Harris County Public Health Department's Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot project. He also said she has a reputation for being a reliably progressive voice in Congress.Jackson Lee has a long list of powerful endorsements from House Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Minority Whip Katherine Clarke. She's backed by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other members of Texas' Washington delegation including Democratic Reps. Lizzie Fletcher of Houston, Lloyd Doggett of Austin, Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Joaquin Castro of San Antonio.Ellis said Jackson Lee may not be a strong fundraiser but she will benefit from her incumbency advantage.Linda Bell-Robinson, a Houston Democratic precinct chair, said she is fighting for Jackson Lee to retain her seat because seniority in Congress is important and Edwards would be learning the ropes as a freshman if elected.“We need fighters,” she said. “We don't need people trying to learn how to fight on the battlefield. We need people who are already fighting and know how to fight their fight.SEAN: Super interesting race. For my part, I don't have any problem with members of Congress being extremely tough to work for. I have problems with lying, fraud, criminal activity, and squishy voting records. Congresswoman Jackson Lee has 100% ratings from Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and AFL-CIO. She has a 95% rating from League of Conservation VotersNew estimate predicts Medicaid expansion would serve 152K at no cost to stateA $509M federal incentive would help offset state cost for first eight yearsBY: SHERMAN SMITH - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 4:22 PMhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/22/new-estimate-predicts-medicaid-expansion-would-serve-152k-at-no-cost-to-state/TOPEKA — The Kansas Health Institute on Thursday unveiled its analysis of Gov. Laura Kelly's proposal to expand Medicaid, predicting 152,000 Kansans would enroll in the first year with no additional cost to the state government.The Democratic governor has made passage of Medicaid expansion a top legislative priority this year, following her statewide campaign to promote the policy last fall. But Republican leadership in the Legislature opposes the policy and has blocked hearings on Medicaid expansion for four years.Kansas is one of just 10 states that still haven't expanded Medicaid since President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act in 2010.The state-run version of Medicaid, called KanCare, provides health care services to low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. Currently, those who earn less than 38% of the federal poverty level are eligible. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $11,400.Under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, the federal government offers to cover 90% of the cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. The annual income threshold for a family of four would be $41,400.Kelly's proposal includes a work requirement with exceptions for full-time students, veterans, caregivers, people with partial disabilities, and former foster kids. Her plan also would add a new surcharge for hospitals.KHI predicts the change in income eligibility would result in 151,898 people enrolling in KanCare — 106,450 adults and 45,448 children. Those numbers include 68,236 adults and 16,377 children who are currently uninsured.About 68.9% of the adults are already working at least part-time, according to the KHI analysis. Of the remaining 31.1% KHI determined 19.1% of the unemployed adults have a disability, 16.1% are students and 3.8% are veterans.KHI calculated the cost to the state for expanding Medicaid over the first eight years would be fully offset — mostly because of a $509 million incentive included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Other savings would come from the federal government picking up more of the tab on existing services, as well as the new surcharge on hospitals. The Kansas Sunflower Foundation on Thursday released findings from surveys that found 68% of Kansas voters, including 51% of Republicans and 83% of small business owners support Medicaid expansion.Steve Baccus, an Ottawa County farmer and former president of Kansas Farm Bureau, said in a news release that expanding Medicaid was about “investing in the well-being of our communities.”Baccus said “Our rural communities are often struggling to keep Main Street open and to continue to offer the necessary services to the surrounding agricultural enterprises. A community that can offer a total health care package has an advantage in maintaining a viable town.”The findings are consistent with a Fort Hays State University poll that was released in October.With budget proposal and fiery address, Pritzker paints himself as progressive pragmatistThursday, February 22, 2024Governor's spending plan advances progressive-backed policies in tight fiscal landscapeBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/with-budget-proposal-and-fiery-address-pritzker-paints-himself-as-progressive-pragmatistSPRINGFIELD – In delivering his annual State of the State and budget address on Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker cast his administration as both progressive and pragmatic – a balance he's worked to strike as his national profile has grown.Some elements of the governor's proposed spending plan, like using $10 million in state funds to eliminate $1 billion worth of Illinoisans' medical debt, are hardline progressive ideas. Others, including a goal to achieve “universal preschool” by 2027, fit in with a more traditional liberal platform.But Pritzker has also defined his success in traditional economic terms, putting particular stock into how New York City-based credit ratings agencies view Illinois' finances, while also positioning Illinois as a hub for emerging technologies like electric vehicles and quantum computing. As Illinois faces an influx of migrants from the southern U.S. border Pritzker has leaned into a leadership style that prioritizes progressive ideals while projecting an image of fiscal responsibility.As he outlined a proposal to add $182 Million toward the state's migrant response, Gov. Pritzker said, “We didn't ask for this manufactured crisis, But we must deal with it all the same.”“Children, pregnant women, and the elderly have been sent here in the dead of night, left far from our designated welcome centers, in freezing temperatures, wearing flip flops and T-shirts,” Pritzker said. “Think about that the next time a politician from Texas wants to lecture you about being a good Christian.”The governor was met with big applause from Democrats in laying out his proposed “Healthcare Consumer Access and Protection Act,” which would, in part, ban “prior authorization” requirements for mental health treatment.Pritzker characterized the practice of prior authorization as a way for insurance companies to deny the care that doctors have prescribed.Pritzker is also proposing spending $10 million in state funds to buy Illinoisans' past-due medical debt that's been sent to collections. Partnering with national nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, which buys debt for pennies on the dollar on the same market that collections agencies purchase the rights to the debts, the governor said Illinois could “relieve nearly $1 billion in medical debt for the first cohort of 340,000 Illinoisans.”The governor spent time noting two key places he said Illinois fails its Black citizens:  maternal mortality and disproportionate rates of homelessness. To combat Black maternal mortality rates, Pritzker proposed helping more community-based reproductive health centers to open, citing Illinois' first freestanding nonprofit birthing center in Berwyn as a model.He said, “Black women in our state are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.” Pritzker proposed spending an additional $50 million on the state's “Home Illinois” program launched in 2021, in part to “attack the root causes of housing insecurity for Black Illinoisans.” He cited a statistic that Black people make up 61 percent of Illinois' homeless population despite only being 14 percent of the state's general population.Additionally, the governor proposed a $1 million pilot program for free diapers for low-income families, as well as a $5 million increased investment in an existing home visit program “for our most vulnerable families” with babies in their first year.His budget also includes $12 million to create a child tax credit for families with children under three with incomes below a certain threshold. Among the successes Pritzker pointed to, perhaps the most salient is his claim that Illinois' new “Smart Start” early childhood program – proposed last year in the governor's second inaugural address – had exceeded its first-year goals.The program aimed to create 5,000 new preschool seats last year, but ended up creating 5,823, Pritzker said – a 15 percent overperformance. “As a result, right now we have over 82,000 publicly-funded preschool classroom seats – the highest number in our state's history. Staying on the Smart Start plan, we will achieve universal preschool by 2027.”Echoing his 2022 election-year call for a temporary pause on the state's 1 percent tax on groceries, Pritzker on Wednesday proposed nixing the grocery tax altogether.He said “It's one more regressive tax we just don't need. If it reduces inflation for families from 4 percent to 3 percent, even if it only puts a few hundred bucks back in families' pockets, it's the right thing to do.”Even while proposing a series of progressive expenditures, the governor also sought to cast himself as a pragmatist when it comes to state finances. The state has seen strong revenue performances in the past few years, But in November, the governor's own economic forecasting office predicted a nearly $900 million deficit in the fiscal year that begins July 1.“Our FY25 budget proposal makes some hard choices,” Pritzker said Wednesday. “I wish we had big surpluses to work with this year to take on every one of the very real challenges we face.”Illinois' once-paltry “rainy day” fund now has $2 billion socked away, the governor noted, and the state has paid off high-interest debt during his five years in office.To mitigate Illinois' previously projected deficit, Pritzker is proposing to more than double the tax rate paid by sportsbooks on profits – a change that would bring in an estimated $200 million annually. He also proposed extending an existing cap on operating losses that businesses can claim on taxes, which could help generate more than $500 million, the governor's office claims.Another revenue generator proposed by the governor: raising $101 million by capping a sales tax credit retailers are allowed to claim. But business groups on Wednesday signaled they'd put up a fight. In his first few months in office in 2019, Pritzker used his fresh political capital to muscle a $15 minimum wage ramp through the legislature – a long-fought-for progressive policy goal – followed closely by a trip to New York City to meet with executives at the influential big three credit ratings agencies.When Pritzker took office, Illinois' credit ratings were hovering around “junk” status after a two-year budget impasse under his predecessor, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. And though Illinois suffered a final credit downgrade in the early months of COVID, the state has since received nine upgrades.The governor on Wednesday held those upgrades in high regard, saying“My one line in the sand is that I will only sign a budget that is responsibly balanced and that does not diminish or derail the improving credit standing we have achieved for the last five years,”Andrew Adams contributed.Missouri Senate Dems Hold The Line In Ballot Fighthttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/20/democrat-filibuster-forces-removal-of-ballot-candy-from-senate-initiative-petition-bill/BY: RUDI KELLER - FEBRUARY 20, 2024 5:15 PM     A Democratic filibuster that stretched more than 20 hours ended this week when Senate Republicans stripped provisions critics derided as “ballot candy” from a proposal to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petitions.Ballot candy refers to language designed to trick voters - into thinking the initiative is about ensuring only citizens vote, for instance - when that's totally irrelevant to the question voters are deciding.By an 18-12 vote, with nine Republicans and nine Democrats forming the majority, language that stated non-citizens could not vote on constitutional amendments was removed, as were sections barring foreign governments and political parties from taking sides in Missouri ballot measures.The Senate then, by a voice vote, gave first-round approval to the bill that would require both a statewide majority and a majority vote in five of the state's eight congressional districts to pass future constitutional amendments.The proposal would alter the way Missourians have approved constitutional changes since the first statewide vote on a constitution in 1846.Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence, a Democrat, said, “All we're asking for is a fair fight. And the Republicans know if it's a fair fight, they lose, which is why they have to pump it full of ballot candy and mislead voters.”Meanwhile, the House spent much of Tuesday morning debating legislation that would make changes to the signature gathering process for initiative petition campaigns.Among numerous provisions, the bill would require signatures be recorded using black or dark ink and that signature gatherers be citizens of the United States, residents of Missouri or physically present in Missouri for at least 30 consecutive days prior to the collection of signatures.Its most sweeping provision grants new authority to the secretary of state and attorney general to review initiative and referendum petitions for compliance with the Missouri Constitution.The effort to make it harder to get on the ballot and harder to pass a constitutional amendment has been a GOP priority for several years. In the past two election cycles, voters have expanded Medicaid coverage and legalized recreational marijuana, circumventing the GOP majority that opposed both. The push to raise the threshold on amendments proposed by initiative has taken on a new urgency for Republicans as abortion-rights supporters move ahead with a signature campaign to make this year's ballot.The results on abortion amendments in other states has Missouri abortion foes anxious about whether they can defend the state's almost total ban in a statewide election. Voters in Ohio last year rejected an effort to increase the majority needed to pass constitutional amendments before voting 57% in favor of abortion rights. And in 2022, Kansas voters defeated an attempt to restrict abortion rights by a landslide vote.Gov. Kelly Keep Kansas GOP In Linehttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/Kansas House Republicans fail to override governor's veto on massive tax reform billBY: TIM CARPENTER - FEBRUARY 20, 2024 12:41 PM     TOPEKA — The Republican-led Kansas House failed Tuesday to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly ‘s veto of a tax reform bill anchored by implementation of a single, flat state income tax rate of 5.25% in addition to elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and creation of a tax exemption for all Social Security income.The GOP holds supermajorities in the House and Senate, but there was skepticism that both chambers could muster two-thirds majorities necessary to rebuke Kelly given opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans to parts of the three-year, $1.6 billion tax cut favoring the state's most wealthy. Kelly said the decision of House members to sustain her veto was a win for working-class Kansans who would have seen “little relief under this irresponsible flat tax experiment.” The Legislature should move ahead with her proposal for reducing $1 billion in taxes over three years.The governor said “I urge legislators to work together to cut taxes in a way that continues our economic growth and maintains our solid fiscal foundation while benefitting all Kansans, not just those at the top,”.Rep. Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita, said the cost of the tax reform bill could reach $600 million annually when fully implemented, and the plan didn't do enough for the middle class in Kansas. He said a married couple earning $42,000 to $75,000 per year would only see an income tax reduction of about 75 cents.Rep. Trevor Jacobs of Fort Scott was among Republicans who opposed overriding Kelly's veto. He said the flat tax would force the state's working class to carry a larger burden of the state tax load. And the 2024 Legislature had sufficient time to develop an alternative that provided tax relief to all Kansans rather than just a select few.Good thinking! See it's not just Democrats who think KS Gov Laura Kelly knows what she's doing. Welp, that's it for me! From Denver I'm Sean Diller. Stories in today's show appeared first in the Missouri Independent, Kansas Reflector, Texas Tribune, and Capitol News Illinois. Thanks for listening, see you next time.  @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Following the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act with some dollars earmarked to help schools, but an investigation by WCNC found about $40 million of that money has gone unused in the Carolinas. We hear more about what they found and how the schools that have received funds are using it.

Quintessential braying communist jackass Sen. Chris Murphy (D- Conn) recently posted a tweet on X extolling the "accomplishments" of the BSCA ("Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) of 2022 claiming it had reduced homicides significantly throughout the nation, including in Chicago, Los Angeles and other Democrat communist hellscapes.The problem is that he was giving credit to gun control when the REAL reason crime has been steadily dropping SINCE 1990(!!!) is due to more Americans purchasing and carrying firearms, and Royce brings the receipts!!Tune in and share!!Support the showBuy Paul Eberle's book "Look at the Dirt"Paul Eberle (lookatthedirt.com)Don't forget to catch Voice of the Blue podcast, hosted by Royce, and produced by the American Police Hall of Fame.Voice of the Blue (buzzsprout.com)

Many of us knew that the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (or BPSCA) signed last June was basically a gun control bill hidden under the veil of mental health legislation. And this fact is proving to ring true considering the Biden Administration's latest attempt to defund scholastic programs that benefit youth hunting and archery programs. This ... The post Bipartisan Gun Snatchers Go After School Programs & Her Milkshake Stopped a Predator Dead in Her Yard appeared first on The New American.

Thursday, October 26th, 2023   Nick Suplina is Senior Vice President for Law & Policy at Everytown for Gun Safety. He was previously an advisor for New York State's Attorney General. We discuss how 10 years of grassroots organizing has changed the political calculus on gun safety legislation, starting with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.    Although progress is slow, 15 Republican senators did vote for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022. This was made possible because of 10 years worth of pressure from constituents. Since Sandy Hook, grassroots organizing has made a significant difference. The notion that there is no point in fighting because nothing will ever change is false. As Nick told us, “Just because we can't get everything we want, doesn't mean we shouldn't act every way we can.”   Follow Nick on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/nicksuplina    Follow Mila on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/milaatmos    Learn about Everytown for Gun Safety:  www.everytown.org   Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/   Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey!  http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=6tI0Zi1e78vq&ver=standard    Take the Democracy Group's Listener Survey! https://www.democracygroup.org/survey   Want to support the show and get it early?  https://patreon.com/futurehindsight    Check out the Future Hindsight website!  www.futurehindsight.com   Read the transcript here:  https://www.futurehindsight.com/episodes/everytown-for-gun-safety-nick-suplina      Credits:  Host: Mila Atmos  Guests: Nick Suplina Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Stealth aka Silent Hunting. We do so chasing big game, learn why it applies to hunting upland game, especially pheasants. News headlines of a self-defense grizzly kill to recent legislation protecting our hunter education in schools. This is Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt with the radio show The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in the Outdoors & Western Lifestyle! Episode 155 Details     How many of you are locked and loaded, westward bound for the long awaited elk rifle season? For example, Montana's opens Saturday October 21st and Colorado has already started kicking off it's first season with the second season soon to start while Nebraska will be wrapping up bull elk seasons on October 31st.    We want to be sure to wish everyone the best out there on a successful trip! In our news shortly, we have another grizzly story you'll want to hear and then also for those that are leaving on that long awaited hunting or fishing excursion… we share ideas that Tigger & BEC personally do so that when a spouse or loved one is left behind, they don't feel lonely, avoid the jealousy that could stem and keep everyone part of being part of a memorable trip.   Also on today's show, we have an expert in upland game hunting joining and we are talking about STEALTH pheasant hunting. With all that on deck - Let's Ride and get this show on the Road!      NEWS   HUNTER EDUCATION PROTECTED   According to Outdoor News, President Joe Biden has signed the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, which protects funding for schools that provide hunter education, archery, shooting sports and other programs. The signature comes after both chambers of the U.S. Congress solidly passed the legislation that fixes language from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 that potentially allowed the U.S. Department of Education to pull federal funding from schools that have hunter education, archery and other shooting sports programs.     FLORIDA ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS OUTDOORS       According to WFLA, News Channel 8: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a new initiative that went into effect this week to encourage Floridians to get outside, including discounts to state parks and for obtaining hunting and fishing licenses. The Great Outdoors Initiative was created to encourage residents to explore Florida's state parks, recreation areas, and waterways. The executive order directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to offer 50% off annual state park passes and Gold Sportsman's hunting and fishing licenses. The following are the discounted rates that are available until Jan. 13, 2024: Florida State Parks Family Annual Pass: $60, plus tax Florida State Parks Individual Annual Pass: $30, plus tax FWC Annual Gold Sportsman licenses: $50.75, plus applicable fees FWC Five-year Gold Sportsman: $247.75, plus applicable fees FWC Lifetime Sportsman License: Age 4 or younger- $201.50, Ages 5-12- $351.50, Ages 13 and older- $501.50, plus applicable fees “Florida is home to some of the best state parks, waterways and recreational lands in the country, and I encourage all Floridians to get outdoors, experience our extraordinary natural resources and enjoy our fundamental right to hunt and fish,” DeSantis said. “And we are now making it more affordable for families to get outside and enjoy these wonders by offering state park passes and fishing and hunting licenses at sharply discounted rates.” We hope other states look into doing something similar for their residents. To Learn more about the FWC head to MyFWC.com.   IDAHO GRIZZLY KILLED IN SELF-DEFENSE   According to Fox News, An elk hunter in Idaho shot and killed a grizzly bear in self-defense after the animal charged directly at him in a "surprise encounter," wildlife officials said.   The hunter was moving through heavy timber near Henrys Lake State Park the evening of September 30th, 2023, when the large adult female grizzly bear emerged from the brush a short distance away, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) said in a statement. When the hunter, who was not publicly identified, yelled to warn his hunting partner about the bear, the grizzly rushed toward him, according to the department. The hunter drew his sidearm and fired several times as the charging bear closed in on him, striking and killing the animal before it was able to make contact, officials said. After killing the grizzly, the department said the hunter immediately called the Citizens Against Poaching hotline to report the incident. IDFG officers responded and conducted a thorough investigation. It was determined by wildlife officials that the hunter acted in self-defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a very close distance. Officials are reminding hunters again that grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law, and that the animals may be encountered within the Greater Yellowstone and north Idaho areas. When hunting in grizzly country, the department encouraged visitors to carry bear spray and keep it accessible, hunt with partners, look for signs of grizzly bears and retrieve meat quickly and hang it – along with other food and garbage – at least 10 feet off the ground and 200 yards from camp. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range, according to officials, who advised visitors to make noise around creeks and thick vegetation when not hunting.   According to Fox news, This comes after earlier in the month when Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., who chairs the Congressional Western Caucus, introduced legislation that would block a federal proposal to release grizzly bears in a forest area in Washington. The legislation would force the Department of Interior to withdraw a proposed rule introduced in September that would involve actively restoring populations of the Grizzly Bears in Washington. We are following this as 2023 is shaping up to be the year of Beware of Bears.   FEATURE STEALTH UPLAND BIRD HUNTING The Do, The Do Not & Did You Know About Pheasants Feature: Rick Acker, Award-Winning Taxidermist, Expert Upland Game Hunter Roughrider Game Birds https://www.facebook.com/roughridergamebirds After opening weekend, pheasant hunting can seem more of a challenge at times after the birds have been chased. That is why it is important to now quiet hunt or stealth hunt upland game birds. If hunting with youth, it is understandable to still communicate the sex of a bird, rooster vs hen. However, if with experienced hunters, to be more successful consider leaving the cheers, yells and talking for once back at the vehicle. STEALTH SILENT HUNTING Pheasants' strongest sense is sound. Quiet is key. Pheasants see color. Dress to blend into surroundings. Do Not be yelling "bird bird" to flush. Do Not be yelling “Rooster” or “Hen” Develop hand signals that all members of your group understand. Train your dog to fully understand the shock collar being worn, so that one does not need to call for your dog. Check your state's regulations for upland game hunting. Some states may require fluorescent orange vests and/or hats. Every year laws can change, so it is very important to know the laws before hitting the field regardless what species one is hoping to hunt or catch. THE BEND FIELD REPORT - HEATHER KROHE SMASHING PUMPKIN RECORD Did you know there is a Guinness World Record for longest distance paddled in a pumpkin? Well there is! And now a new record has smashed the previous pumpkin paddling record done so again on the mighty Missouri River. Here is Bend Field Staffer, Heather Krohe with the details. Steve Kueny grew his 1,293 pound pumpkin, carved it out, and paddled it 38.4 miles down the Missouri River from Kansas City to Napoleon. WAYS TO FLIRT FROM THE FIELD Both pack for the trip, try out the gear together. Compliment the other often, that it's fun to plan the adventure together. Leave notes in unexpected places before leaving. Flirty Text Messages Joke, tease, be playful when texting is possible. Offer to help with small chores or surprise by doing them, goes both ways. Touch affectionately. Give that BIG KISS or HUG before leaving. AND be sure to do the same upon returning, reminding the other of how much they were missed. FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS Call or Text your questions, or comments to 305-900-BEND or 305-900-2363 Or email BendRadioShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @thebendshow SUBSCRIBE to The Bend YouTube Channel. Website: TheBendShow.com https://thebendshow.com/ #catchBECifyoucan #tiggerandbec #outdoors #travel #cowboys The Outdoors, Rural America, And Wildlife Conservation are Center-Stage. AND how is that? Because Tigger & BEC… Live This Lifestyle. Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com Home - Tigger & BEC WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Tigger & BEC are News Broadcasters that represent the Working Ranch world, Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life as well as advocate for the Outdoors and Wildlife Conservation. Outdoorsmen themselves, this duo strives to provide the hunter, adventurer, cowboy, cowgirl, rancher and/or successful farmer, and anyone interested in agriculture with the knowledge, education, and tools needed to bring high-quality beef and the wild game harvested to your table for dinner. They understand the importance in sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of our labor and fish from our adventures, and learning to understand the importance of making memories in the outdoors. Appreciate God's Country. United together, this duo offers a glimpse into and speaks about what life truly is like at the end of dirt roads and off the beaten path. Tigger & BEC look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and sharing in the journey of making your life a success story. Adventure Awaits Around The Bend. REFERENCES https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/BigGameDatesandFees.aspx https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/seasons https://outdoornebraska.gov/hunt/game/elk/ https://www.outdoornews.com/2023/10/16/biden-signs-bipartisan-shooting-education-bill-that-protects-funding-for-hunter-ed-archery-programs/ https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/desantis-announces-50-discounts-for-parks-fishing-licenses-to-encourage-floridians-to-get-outside/ https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/ https://www.foxnews.com/us/idaho-elk-hunter-shoots-kills-charging-grizzly-bear-surprise-encounter-officials https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-republican-takes-action-block-biden-plan-release-deadly-grizzly-bears-near-rural-community

In Episode 381 of District of Conservation, Gabriella speaks exclusively with Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee's 7th Congressional District. Rep. Mark Green, along with Rpe. Rich Hudson, introduced the first bill to restore funding for school archery and hunting programs. He gives listeners an update on his efforts, bipartisan support to restore funding, and why he didn't support the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that invited this to begin with. Tune in to learn more! SHOW NOTES Connect with Rep. Mark Green online, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Republicans, Democrats unite to oppose Biden admin's crackdown on hunting, archery Protecting Hunting and Archery in Schools Act of 2023  H.R.5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act IWV Supports Restoring Funding To School Archery, Hunting Programs --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/district-of-conservation/support

This week, President Joe Biden announced new executive action aimed at tightening gun laws. This time, he wants to expand who must get a license to legally sell used guns. So, I brought back Bearing Arms editor Cam Edwards to review the ATF's proposed rule. We go over the new details of what the agency says will trigger the license requirement. Much of the rule codifies what the ATF has claimed for years about who might be prosecuted for selling guns without a license. But Cam notes the agency is seeking to expand its authority, perhaps beyond what's allowed under the law, even if it's claiming it will only use that power sparingly. He said the recent increase in "zero-tolerance" enforcement against licensed dealers could signal bad news for regular people the ATF decides need one too. The Biden Administration has pointed to changes made to the licensing law in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act as justification for the new rule. Cam said he's skeptical that will hold up in court where the other recent Biden executive gun actions have had trouble. But we talk about why things might go differently this time. Plus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how Tennessee shows "red flag" laws have hit a political ceiling. Special Guest: Cam Edwards.

This week Randy and Marcus are going to talk about the recent interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that has potentially led to funding being cut for hunter education and archery programs in schools. In Montana three women were attacked by a river otter while floating the Jefferson river. In Vail Colorado there is finally some closure on the long-term dispute over a proposed housing development on bighorn sheep winter range. In Montana the Alliance for the Wild Rockies recently won a court case against the Lewis and Clark National forest over the effectiveness or closed roads and their impacts to grizzly bears. In Arizona, President Biden recently designated a new national monument on either side of Grand Canyon National Park totaling over a million acres. The National Elk Refuge is seeking public comments to update their bison and elk management plan. Learn about and comment on the National Elk Refuge Bison and Elk Management Plan: https://www.fws.gov/project/upcoming-bison-elk-management-plan “Feeding The Problem” Documentary: https://www.pbs.org/video/montanapbs-presents-feeding-the-problem/ Contact your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Contact your Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative#:~:text=If%20you%20know%20who%20your,the%20U.S.%20House%20switchboard%20operator. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Biden blocks federal funds from schools with archery and hunting programs The Department of Education is withholding federal funding from hunting and archery programs in schools, citing a bipartisan law passed last year that tightened restrictions around gun purchases in the wake of a deadly school shooting in Texas. A spokesperson for the Department of Education said that the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, passed in the wake of the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, requires the department to withhold certain grant funds from archery and hunting programs in schools, according to Fox News. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/education/biden-blocks-schools-archery-hunting-programs-federal-funds Biden lays... View Article

In Episode 375 of District of Conservation, Gabriella analyzes two stories. First, the Department of Education's latest policy defunding school archery and hunting programs using the "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act." Second, the brewing Arlington County deer war over whether or not to manage this Northern Virginia town's overpopulated deer population. Tune in to learn more! SHOW NOTES Biden admin withholding key funding for schools with hunting, archery programs BSCA Guidance Published Nov. 2022 Thanks to Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, DOE Defunds School Archery Programs H.R.5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act Foxx Co-Leads Letter to Education Secretary Cardona Condemning Department of Education Decision to Eliminate Funding For Archery and Hunter Education Classes NASP Arlington Deer Management Project ARL Now: Animal agency, county commission at odds over deer claims ⁠FNRC Letter Calling for Deer Management in Arlington County ⁠ Virginia Deer Management Program --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/district-of-conservation/support

Senior White House officials hosted a meeting Tuesday with over 20 law enforcement leaders from across the country to discuss the critical issue of reducing gun violence through what they're calling common sense legislation. The focus of the discussion was building support for an assault weapons and high-capacity magazine ban, among other necessary measures. The meeting stemmed from President Biden's USA Today op-ed published back in May, where he laid out a roadmap for advancing gun safety legislation, building upon the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Law enforcement leaders shared their concerns about officers being outgunned by criminals armed with assault weapons and the devastating impact these weapons have on communities. The White House officials listened to the valuable insights provided by the law enforcement representatives, emphasizing the need to mobilize a broad coalition to demand Congress take action in banning assault weapons and implementing practical steps to curb gun violence. The law enforcement leaders in attendance included Chief William Scott of the San Francisco Police Department, Commissioner Sean Duryee of the California Highway Patrol, and Deputy Chief David Kowalski of the Los Angeles Police Department, among others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Hogg takes to Twitter to give tactical advice, Schumer plans doomed gun control effort, Newsweek tries to distract from "trans gender" shooters, Murder rate is beginning to recede, CBS News tries to make Bipartisan Safer Communities Act fetch.Lock N Load is presented by;Aero Precisionhttps://aeroprecisionusa.comModern Gun Schoolhttps://mgs.edu Ace Firearmshttp://www.acefirearms.comDeSantis Holstershttps://www.desantisholster.comStaccatohttp://staccato2011.comTaran Tactical Innovationshttps://tarantacticalinnovations.comSpikes Tacticalhttps://www.spikestactical.comChambers Customhttps://chamberscustom.com/Federal Ammunitionhttps://www.federalpremium.com/Primary Armshttps://www.primaryarms.com/

David Hogg takes to Twitter to give tactical advice, Schumer plans doomed gun control effort, Newsweek tries to distract from "trans gender" shooters, Murder rate is beginning to recede, CBS News tries to make Bipartisan Safer Communities Act fetch.Lock N Load is presented by;Aero Precisionhttps://aeroprecisionusa.comModern Gun Schoolhttps://mgs.edu Ace Firearmshttp://www.acefirearms.comDeSantis Holstershttps://www.desantisholster.comStaccatohttp://staccato2011.comTaran Tactical Innovationshttps://tarantacticalinnovations.comSpikes Tacticalhttps://www.spikestactical.comChambers Customhttps://chamberscustom.com/Federal Ammunitionhttps://www.federalpremium.com/Primary Armshttps://www.primaryarms.com/

David Hogg takes to Twitter to give tactical advice, Schumer plans doomed gun control effort, Newsweek tries to distract from "trans gender" shooters, Murder rate is beginning to recede, CBS News tries to make Bipartisan Safer Communities Act fetch.Lock N Load is presented by;Aero Precisionhttps://aeroprecisionusa.comModern Gun Schoolhttps://mgs.edu Ace Firearmshttp://www.acefirearms.comDeSantis Holstershttps://www.desantisholster.comStaccatohttp://staccato2011.comTaran Tactical Innovationshttps://tarantacticalinnovations.comSpikes Tacticalhttps://www.spikestactical.comChambers Customhttps://chamberscustom.com/Federal Ammunitionhttps://www.federalpremium.com/Primary Armshttps://www.primaryarms.com/

David Hogg takes to Twitter to give tactical advice, Schumer plans doomed gun control effort, Newsweek tries to distract from "trans gender" shooters, Murder rate is beginning to recede, CBS News tries to make Bipartisan Safer Communities Act fetch.Lock N Load is presented by;Aero Precisionhttps://aeroprecisionusa.comModern Gun Schoolhttps://mgs.edu Ace Firearmshttp://www.acefirearms.comDeSantis Holstershttps://www.desantisholster.comStaccatohttp://staccato2011.comTaran Tactical Innovationshttps://tarantacticalinnovations.comSpikes Tacticalhttps://www.spikestactical.comChambers Customhttps://chamberscustom.com/Federal Ammunitionhttps://www.federalpremium.com/Primary Armshttps://www.primaryarms.com/

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down a DOJ investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department in the years since George Floyd's death.Are we safer one year after the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act?USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee looks at whether we should expect a recession this year.Searchers used ayahuasca to help find missing Colombian children in the jungle.Vietnam-era whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg has died.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) joins Colin to discuss the one-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the critical role of advocacy groups in achieving gun violence prevention wins, and realistic, bipartisan paths forward on commonsense gun reform. Colin and Erin also talk about former President Donald Trump's federal indictment and encouraging economic trends.

This week we revisit our interview with Shannon Watts, the founder and a full-time volunteer with the nation's largest grassroots group fighting against gun violence, Moms Demand Action.  We looked at the major career events in Shannon's life, starting from the fateful day, December 14th, 2012 when the heartbreaking and tragic school shooting took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Shannon was moved to reach out via a small Facebook post to other moms who were also outraged by the tragedy and the rest is history. With nearly 10 million supporters and a chapter in every state, Moms Demand Action and its partner, Everytown for Gun Safety, have stopped the NRA's priority legislation in statehouses roughly 90% of the time, and passed hundreds of gun safety laws across the country, changed corporate policies and educated Americans about secure gun storage. This grassroots movement helped break through the logjam in Congress and pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun safety bill in 26 years. Shannon is also active in recruiting and training women to run for office at all levels of the political spectrum. She was named one of Glamour's 2022 Women of the Year and her book, Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World, was released in May of 2019. Shannon's story reminds us that one person can make a huge difference in tackling what seems like insurmountable problems. Tell everyone if they want to make their voices heard about gun safety to text 64433 or go to the Moms Demand Action website (momsdemandaction.org) for ways to get in touch with your representatives. #momsdemandaction #shannonwatts #astrologyreading #astrologypodcast #careerpodcast #chartyourcareer #everytownforgunsafety

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) defines the straw purchase of firearms as "purchasing a gun for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one, or for someone who does not want his or her name associated with the transaction."City officials have tried to enact tougher policies aimed at curbing the practice but were Other cities and states have found ways to push back on illegal trafficking. The issue has attracted federal attention, too. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed last summer, stiffened penalties for straw purchasing.We zoom in on the issue in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, before getting the nationwide picture from the ATF director.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Former NIMH director and renowned neuroscientist Dr. Tom Insel joins Claudia to talk about the state of mental health in America today. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities for improvement, the potential of technology, and what it will take to scale integrated treatment approaches across the nation. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and learn about Tom's new company, Vanna Health, which is delivering new care and payment models for people with serious mental illness.We discuss: Why he thinks the criminalization of mental illness is a fixable problemThat people, place and purpose are the foundation of recoveryThe big engagement issue in mental health treatmentWhy Medicaid patients don't have access to psych hospitalsThat effective crisis response is more than a new phone numberTom talks about how mental health is the biggest health disparity in the US today: “Someone with a serious mental illness in the United States today is probably going to die 20 to 23 years before someone without… [that's] the greatest health disparity that we have in the United States [and] far exceeds health disparities due to race or ethnicity. But beyond that, other forms of mortality like suicide and drug overdoses, what we call the deaths of despair, have become a massive public health issue… Suicide rates are up about 30 to 35% from the turn of the century, the mortality from drug overdoses is up about five to six fold from that time. So these are huge increases… That's a crisis we need to start talking about.”Relevant LinksTom's book “Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health”More about Vanna Health Mental health provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities ActExplanation of Medicaid IMD (institutions for mental diseases) Exclusion [PDF]About Our GuestTom lnsel, M.D., a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, has been a national leader in mental health research, policy, and technology. From 2002-2015, Dr. Insel served as Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). More recently (2015 – 2017), he led the Mental Health Team at Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences) in South San Francisco, CA. In 2017, he co-founded Mindstrong Health, a Silicon Valley start-up building tools for people with serious mental illness. Dr. Insel co-founded Vanna Health in 2022 and currently serves as Executive Chair. Vanna Health is focused on the needs of people with serious mental illness and works with community partners to provide the 3 Ps (people, place, and purpose) for recovery. In 2020, he co-founded Humanest Care, a therapeutic online community for recovery. Since May of 2019, Dr. Insel has been a special advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom and Chair of the Board of the Steinberg Institute in Sacramento, California. He is the author of the book Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health, published by Penguin Random House. With journalist co-founders, he recently launched MindSite News, a non-profit digital publication focused on mental health issues. Dr. Insel is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has...

In this episode Kelly Jennings conducts her much anticipated interview with national school safety advocate Max Schachter .Max Schachter is a national school safety advocate. His son Alex is one of the 17 victims murdered in the Parkland school shooting on Valentine's Day 2018.Max is the founder and executive director of Safe Schools for Alex 501(c)(3). Their mission is to provide most current school safety best practices and resources to students, parents, school districts and law enforcement so that all children can learn in a safe environment. Since the heartbreaking day that changed Max's life forever, he has been advocating for policy change at the highest levels of the United States government.He has worked alongside members of congress, leaders of all major federal agencies, and Presidents of the United States to make schools safer. Max has testified as a subject matter expert before the United States House and Senate and multiple state legislatures.In August 2018 he advocated for the creation of a federal agency to house national school safety best practices. In June 2019, Max's vision became a reality when President Trump created the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse at SchoolSafety.gov.In July 2022 Max attended the White House ceremony where President Biden announced the most significant gun safety legislation in 27 years, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which made SchoolSafety.gov permanent and law. Max has also worked to improve the safety and security of Florida's 2.4 million students through his appointment to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School Public Safety Commission.The MSD commission, established by former Governor Rick Scott, was tasked with leading the statewide investigation into the Parkland school shooting and developing recommendations to protect Florida's children.Max has advised the Federal Bureau of Investigation Behavioral Threat Assessment Center, the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center, and the Ohio Attorney General's Office on threat assessment policies and procedures.He is a member of the National Sheriffs' Association School Safety and Security Committee and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Mass Violence Peer-to-Peer Advisory Team. In June 2019, Max was awarded the U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General Citizen Volunteer Service Award by Attorney General William Barr. Max has been interviewed by many local and national media outlets including CNN, MSNBC, Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Dr. Phil.He has given keynote presentations to many school districts, law enforcement organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies detailing the lessons learned and best practices developed in the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting along with his journey from anguish to advocacy.#MaxSchachter #Unspeakablepodcast #KellyJennings #Truecrime #PodcastLearn more about safe schools for Alex here!https://www.safeschoolsforalex.org/our-team/Learn more about Max Schachter here:https://www.maxschachter.com/Check out my coverage of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shootings here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unspeakable-a-true-crime-podcast-by-kelly-jennings/id1651928508?i=1000586375065

An elite Canadian investment firm that brags they put ethics first has purchased a website that has apparently monetized children 6, 8 and 11 years old being raped on camera. It was the ethical thing to do. They even boast about their new purchase saying PornHub are great innovators. These are your elites. As their lying, cheating, bumbling and worship of pure evil becomes too gross to hide, they elite even harder. Janet Yellen needs a chair that grows about a ¼” every few minutes. I say this because the Great Lady, our financial over-Lordess visibly shrinks by about ¼” everytime she attempts to answer rational questions. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford asked Yellen one such question; to paraphrase, he asked: “are all banks treated equally in America or are some banks more equal than others?” Yellen's reply, spoken while shrinking, amounted to the fact that she would emote to FigureHead Biden about which banks she will force taxpayers to bail-out. In other words, confronted by a question rooted in the most basic of American jurisprudential foundations--equal protection under the law--Janet Yellen replies by saying I will let you know how I feel that day. She decided to elite even harder. The Brilliant Chris Bray tells us about several scientists (who define “science” as “what Fauci says at any one moment”) who held a panel discussion. They complained that, after Fauci told them to fear Covid, the science changed on a daily basis so they couldn't tell what was true . . . but, they were certain it was true that some scientists said things about Covid that weren't true. Now, science has apparently stopped changing so these scientists say the science says we need to censor people who said things that turned out to be true but weren't true back then. Caught bumbling, they elite even harder. This is good news, friends. It's desperation. God has them building Towers of Babble. I love it. What does God say? Psalm 62:10Do not trust in oppressionAnd do not vainly hope in robbery;If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”Proverbs 28:8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 'Ethics-First' Investment Firm Gobbles Up Pornhub; Canada-based Ethical Capital Partners (yes, really) acquires Hunter Biden's favorite websiteSen. James Lankford: “Will every community bank get the same treatment as SVB?”Yellen: “Banks only get the treatment if the failure to protect uninsured depositors would create systemic risk.”The Brilliant Mr. Chris Bray: ”Consensusism Is Ruin; if that's not a word, it should be.”Biden says report of a $1M+ payment from a Chinese energy firm to his family is “not true.” Someone should tell him that his own son admits it's true.Breaking news: Hunter Biden countersues computer repair shop owner who had laptop with provocative data and images, alleging invasion of privacySenator Tom Cotton: DOJ/SEC refuse to investigate claims (allegations) of US capital market fraud by Sequoia's global steward (China MD), treasury's now bailing out Sequoia China SVB account, and you let your own state pension fund @MassPRIM invest in new sequoia China funds aligned with the CCP. Great job for America.Govt Paying $50 Million a Year for Unused Border Wall Materials to Collect Dust; Greg Abbott: “The Biden Admin is spending nearly $50 million a year to do nothing with border wall materials. What a waste.”Attorney, Kostas Moras: Your reminder that Biden actually worsened the maximum penalty for a crime his son has gotten away with. So other people's sons can go to prison for up to 15 years for lying on a 4473 and taking possession of a gun illegally, but not his. "The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which President Biden signed into law in June, raised the maximum penalty for that offense to 15 years."4Patriotshttps://4patriots.comNever be in the dark with the Patriot Power Solar Generator. Use code TODD to save 10% on your first order.Alan's Soapshttps://alanssoaps.com/TODDUse coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price. Bonefroghttps://bonefrog.usEnter promo code TODD at checkout to receive 5% off your subscription. Bulwark Capitalhttps://knowyourriskradio.comGet your free copy of “Common Cents Investing” Call 866-779-RISK or visit the website. Healthycellhttps://healthycell.com/toddJourney to better health and save 20% off your first order with promo code TODD.My Pillowhttps://mypillow.comUse code TODD for BOGO free on the new MyPillow 2.0RuffGreenshttps://ruffgreens/toddGet your FREE Jumpstart Trial Bag of Ruff Greens, simply cover shipping. SOTA Weight Losshttps://sotaweightloss.comSOTA Weight Loss is, say it with me now, STATE OF THE ART!GreenHaven Interactivehttps://greenhaveninteractive.comGet more business from Google and your website!Texas Superfoodshttps://texassuperfoods.comTexas Super Foods is whole food nutrition at its best.

In this episode of Community Possibilities, Whitney Austin joins me to talk about how her life changed during what was otherwise a normal day on the Sept. 6, 2018 during a mass shooting in Cincinnati, Ohio. Three weeks after the shooting, she founded Whitney Strong with her husband, Waller Austin.Episode Highlights: How she and her husband went from knowing nothing about nonprofits to where the organization is now.Why they choose a path of inclusivity and common ground, a hard thing to do when working to prevent gun violence. Why they take a data-informed approach.Whitney Strong's Safe a Life InitiativeWhy a public health approach to gun violence research is needed. Why WS pursues policies that people from both parties support and their commitment to having conversations that unify.As Whitney says, she is a defiant optimist and "We can do better, when we come together." Find out more about Whitney and Whitney Strong at https://www.whitneystrong.org/ Whitney's BioImpassioned after surviving the Sept. 6, 2018, mass shooting in Cincinnati, Ohio, Whitney cofounded Whitney/Strong with her husband, an organization focused on finding common ground to end gun violence through data-driven, responsible gun ownership solutions.Under her leadership, Whitney/Strong has executed on a number of responsible gun ownership solutions including securing the first hearing on gun safety legislation in Frankfort in over a decade. Joining Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to announce the STRONG Ohio legislation, a response to the community call of “Do Something” after the Dayton Oregon District shooting in 2019. Distributing over 12,000 gun locks across Kentucky and Ohio thanks to a partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics and with the support of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Training over 500 people in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by gun violence in methods to reduce gun violence. And most recently, lobbying Senator Mitch McConnell and Rob Portman to ensure passage of the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.Prior to her calling, Whitney was employed by Fifth Third Bank for 15 years as Vice President, Digital Lending Product Manager. In 2018, Whitney and her team launched the first omnichannel digital lending application in the industry.A wife and a mother of two, Whitney resides in Louisville, Kentucky where she earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Louisville. She enjoys traveling to new locations with her family, musical theatre, the Bengals, college basketball, and getting outdoors.Connect with Ann: Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts! Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions How Ann can help: · Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization. · Help you create a strategic plan that doesn't stress you and your group out, doesn't take all year to design, and is actionable. · Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations. · Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving. · Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action. · Speak at your conference or event. Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful. Community Possibilities is Produced by Zach Price Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com

In June, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law. While full of good news for gun-reform advocates, this law—which was inspired by mass shootings—has been criticized for not actually doing much to address them. In this episode, a closer look at gun-death statistics suggests that's not exactly the case. Importantly, the new law does at least begin to close gaps in protections against domestic homicides, which are the lion's share of mass killings in this country.  Still, we have a long way to go. With this crucial first step behind us, what comes next for gun reform? The University of Michigan's April Zeoli, an expert in domestic violence and gun laws, and Carnegie Mellon's Dan Nagin, a criminologist and professor of public policy and statistics, share their wish lists. UPDATE: As we prepared to publish this episode, on February 2nd, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the restraining-order gun restriction is unconstitutional. While Texas and Louisiana have their own state laws on this that are still valid, it is now legal in Mississippi for domestic abusers under restraining orders to own a gun. Zeoli warns the ruling will put families in danger. Zeoli warns the ruling will put families in danger. For more information—including a recent op-ed coauthored by Zeoli, a 2020 TedTalk about her research, and videos of Dan Nagin addressing Congress with the NSF-funded workshop's recommendations, visit our website. 

Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots group fighting against gun violence. With 10-million supporters and a chapter in every state, Moms Demand Action and its partner, Everytown for Gun Safety, have stopped the NRA's priority legislation and passed hundreds of gun safety laws across the country, most notably the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun safety bill in 26 years. Shannon is also an active board member of Emerge America, which recruits and trains women to run for office, and Advance Peace, a community-based organization that works to end cyclical and retaliatory gun-violence in American urban neighborhoods. She was named one of Glamour's 2022 Women of the Year and her book, Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World, was released in May of 2019. Please join us for an incredibly important conversation about America's gun epidemic, the the recent spate of deadly mass-shootings and the continued fight for gun-reform legislation. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

"I believe in our country & the institution of representative government, that's how we address these issues" Congressman Mike Thompson represents California's 5th Congressional District, having been first elected to Congress in 1998. He is the Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and was instrumental in the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act earlier this year. He joins Explore The Space Podcast while on the campaign trail approaching an incredibly important midterm election. In our wide-ranging discussion, we cover advancing gun violence prevention in the United States, climate change, homelessness and much more. An incredibly compelling discussion! Click here for more episodes around gun violence reduction from the Explore The Space Podcast archive The Explore The Space Merchandise Store is open! Please check it out Please subscribe to and rate Explore The Space on Apple Podcasts or wherever you download podcasts. Email feedback or ideas to mark@explorethespaceshow.com Check out the archive of Explore The Space Podcast as well as our Position Papers and much more! Follow on Twitter @ETSshow, Instagram @explorethespaceshow Links Twitter: @RepThompson Congressman Thompson's website

In this episode, Aaron is joined by Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, to talk about how the powerful grassroots network of mothers is fighting for greater public safety measures to protect people from gun violence. The two discuss the impact of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed by Congress, and why it's just one step in the right direction of a much longer journey to address gun violence in America. Shannon also recalls the outrage she felt after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012 and how Mothers Against Drunk Driving became an inspiration to build an “army of badass women” to drive real change. Tune in to hear more about Shannon's story and learn more about Mom's Demand Action at momsdemandaction.org. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Haley Sacotte, Nina Valdes, Maria Bayas, Michael Grubbs, Anna Lamm and Mathew Passy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This summer, Stephanie was invited to the White House to hear President Biden give his remarks on the passing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Today, she sits down with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, to reflect on the bill, how we do more, and how in the world she got here. To learn more about Moms Demand Action and how you can get involved, visit https://momsdemandaction.org/ or text the word “READY” to 64433. To find out where your legislators and representatives stand on this issue, visit https://gunsensevoter.org/  Resources: To learn more about the people and organizations featured in this episode and access critical information about suicide and violence prevention visit: https://lastdayresources.simvoly.com/.  Stephanie Wittels Wachs is the host. Jackie Danziger is our supervising producer. Our producers are Kegan Zema and Giulia Hjort. Hannah Boomershine and Erianna Jiles are our associate producers. Andi Kristinsdottir is our audio engineer. Music is by Hannis Brown. Our story consultant is Kaya Henderson. Executive producers are Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs. This season of Last Day is created in partnership with the Kendeda Fund, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation, Levi Strauss & Co, and Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. Follow Stephanie on Twitter and Instagram at @wittelstephanie. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. If you want to continue the conversation with other listeners, please join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lastdaypodcast.  By the way, we have three whole other seasons! Go listen to them wherever you're listening right now. You can also get premium content and behind the scenes material by subscribing to Lemonada Premium on Apple Podcasts. Want to become a Lemonada superfan? Join us at https://joinsubtext.com/lemonadasuperfan.   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and all other Lemonada series: lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. To follow along with a transcript, go to www.lemonadamedia.com/show/lastday shortly after the air date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this first episode of season 2 of No Crystal Stair Podcast, Habeebah is joined by Michelle Bell, founder of M-PAC Cleveland and co-founder of Together We Rise. Michelle discusses the deep grief she lives with in the aftermath of her son's murder and how she honors his memory through relying on faith, activism,  and love of community. She explores the impact of her son's death, the pain of knowing his killer has not been brought to justice, and the passion that has been ignited within her to combat gun violence. She also shares about meeting with President Biden as he signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation in decades.Listeners can reach Michelle at M-PAC Cleveland by phone and email. M-PAC Cleveland is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Dby4hope/. Phone: 216-273-7811Email: impactheworld@att.netListeners can support M-PAC and Together We Rise by making a contribution by mailing a check to P.O. Box 19081, Cleveland, Ohio 44119 or via Cash App $MPACCleveland.

Doc highlights what has changed in school safety since the May 24, 2022, Robb Elementary School shooting that ended the lives of 19 students and 2 teachers in Uvalde, Texas. He interprets how schools will be impacted by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (signed into federal law July, 2022). Doc peruses each website to critically evaluate and assign ratings to the existing and “new” school safety clearinghouse websites. BIPARTISAN SAFER COMMUNITIES ACT: Per Everytown.org, the bill will purportedly enhance background checks for buyers under 21; support state red flag laws; disarm domestic abusers; clarify who must run a background check; crack down on gun trafficking; fund community violence intervention; invest in mental health services; and provide school safety funding. We will examine some of the centerpieces of the school safety section of the bill. (1) ANOTHER (and competing?) SCHOOL SAFETY RESOURCES WEBSITE. The bill installed schoolsafety.gov as the “official” repository for best practices in school safety. It will be situated at the Department of Homeland Security. However, this action is confusing because the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, already has the robust and updated Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center, or REMS. And, REMS TA has a “toolbox” feature that allows schools across the country to upload forms, job descriptions, tabletop exercises, organizational charts, and more - to be curated, easily-searched, and freely shared. These are from-the-field tools. (2) MORE MENTAL HEALTH DOLLARS TO SCHOOLS. Expanded reimbursement for schools billing Medicaid for Individualized Education Plan (IEP) mental health services. And, $500 million each for the School Based Mental Health Services Grant Program and the School Based Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Grant. The expected outcome is hiring and training more staff, but this doesn't seem to be a problem that will be solved by more funding as school staffing shortages haven't been ameliorated by increased pay and bonuses. In August of 2022, Des Moines Public Schools offered a $50,000 bonus to teachers who planned to retire but are willing to work another year. Also, grants are temporary. They are intended to start the ball rolling, not to keep the ball rolling. Professionals will hesitate to accept even well-paying grant-funded positions. (3) EXPAND ACCESS TO JUVENILE MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS. Thorough reviews of potential gun buyers under the age of 21 will require implementing a new protocol for checking juvenile records. This implies access to a student's school records - specifically, discipline, disability, or mental health records. These are areas strongly protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This is a can of worms and will vary greatly per perceived discretion and authority to make a subjective summary decision based upon a student's records. Schools might counter by pushing more behavioral events “off the books” by a practice known as ‘abeyance agreements.' GLARING OVERSIGHTS FROM THE BILL: LOCKED DOORS AND REGULATED DEVICES. Absent from the school section of the bill was a requirement that schools lock their doors during instructional time. This decision continues to be defaulted to the states. Kentucky (2020) requires that schools lock their doors. Recently California, Wisconsin, Florida, and Massachusetts have taken steps toward stronger emphasis on “best policy” to require doors to be locked. However, most school districts' board of education policies or handbooks continue to use the term “should lock doors” instead of “must lock doors.” It's clear this is done to dodge accountability and liability. In addition, school safety devices or apps continue to be unregulated and able to be marketed and purchased by schools without some standard of testing and pilot trials. Think of Underwriters Laboratories, but for school safety. SAFETY DOC WEBSITE, BLOG & BOOKS: www.safetyphd.com. The Safety Doc Podcast is hosted & produced by David P. Perrodin, PhD. This podcast and blog post represent the opinions of David P. Perrodin and his guests to the show. This is episode 182 of The Safety Doc Podcast published on 08-12-2022.   Purchase Dr. Perrodin's Books: School of Errors – Rethinking School Safety in America. www.schooloferrors.com Velocity of Information - Human Thinking During Chaotic Times. www.velocityofinformation.com 

This episode is the 4th in Madness Cafe's 4-part series on #endgunviolence. Join in as Raquel and Jennifer speak with Caia DeLaVergne, a 2020 Everytown Survivor Fellow, Virginia Moms Demand Action volunteer, and a graduate student working towards her joint MBA/MACC. During her freshman year of college, in 2015, Caia was shot in the head. Listen as Caia talks about how that, and the resulting loneliness, led her to a life as a "lazy activist". How to reach Caia:Instagram and Twitter: @imasurvivooorMentioned in this episode:- *The HEB Foundation - https://thehebfoundation.org/ - "Healing, evolving and building communities one family at a time."- *Violence Interrupters - https://www.violenceinterrupters.org/ - "Violence Interrupters focus on high level gang mediation and stopping retaliations."(* Moms Demand Action community partners)- Hope Charitable Foundation - https://hopecharitable.org/ - "Changing the fabric of our inner city and the world beyond, one child at a time."- Bipartisan Safer Communities Act - https://www.everytown.org/what-is-the-bipartisan-safer-communities-act/- “Returned citizens” - https://thenationalreentrynetwork.org/- Cure the Streets - https://www.naarcdc.com/cure-the-streets-naarc- Text BOLD to 644-33 to tell the Senate to pass gun safety laws - Text SURVIVOR to 644-33 to get in touch with survivor communitiesLet Raquel and Jennifer know what you think about this and other episodes of Madness Cafe on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com,And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks for listening and responding!

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is taking your average non violent felon, or violent misdomean...ons (?) and giving them the possibility to spend 15 years in prison depending on what state they are in! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/muddiedwaters/message

Join Health Affairs Insider.Listen to Health Affairs' Kathleen Haddad and Ellen Bayer discuss the new hotline and mental health initiatives in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.If interested in the Amazon-One Medical news from the week, listen to the limited podcast series Piecemeal produced for Health Affairs by Lalita Abhyankar.Currently, more than 70 percent of our content is freely available — and we'd like to keep it that way. With your support, we can continue to keep our digital publication Forefront and podcasts free for everyone.Related Links: US Transition to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Begins Saturday (HHS) Transforming Mental Health and Addiction Services (Health Affairs) Strengthening Behavioral Healthcare To Meet The Needs Of Our Nation (Health Affairs Forefront) Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Podcast: The Mental Health Crisis (Health Affairs Pathways)  Subscribe: RSS | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Castro | Stitcher | Deezer | Overcast

The recently signed gun law, S. 2938: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, contained a surprise dingleberry postponing a regulation designed to save seniors money on their pharmaceutical drugs by prohibiting kickbacks to an industry few have heard of: Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). This little-known but extremely powerful industry deserves much of the blame for ever rising prescription drugs costs in the United States. In this episode, Jen gives you the scoop on PBMs and how they make their money at the expense of Americans who are most dependent on medications. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via PayPal Support Congressional Dish via Patreon (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North, Number 4576, Crestview, FL 32536. Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! View the shownotes on our website at https://congressionaldish.com/cd255-pharmacy-benefit-managers-pbms We're Not Wrong Berlin Meetup Contact Justin at WereNotWrongPod@gmail.com Background Sources Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD134: The EpiPen Hearing US Healthcare Landscape Jessi Jezewska Stevens. Apr 23, 2020. “A Brief History of the Great American Healthcare Scam.” Bookforum. Tanza Loudenback. Mar 7, 2019. “The average cost of healthcare in 21 different countries.” Insider. Chuck Grassley and Ron Wyden. 2019. “Insulin: Examining the Factors Driving the Rising Cost of a Century Old Drug [Staff Report].” U.S. Senate Finance Committee. “Health Insurance Coverage of the Total Population.” Kaiser Family Foundation. Sara R. Collins and David C. Radley. Dec 7, 2018. “The Cost of Employer Insurance Is a Growing Burden for Middle-Income Families.” The Commonwealth Fund. PBMs What are PBMs? JC Scott. Jun 30, 2022. “Drug manufacturers are root cause of high drug costs; PBMs drive costs down.” The Hill. Zach Freed. Jun 22, 2022. “The Pharmacy Benefit Mafia: The Secret Health Care Monopolies Jacking Up Drug Prices and Abusing Patients and Pharmacists.” American Economic Liberties Project. Adam J. Fein. Jun 22, 2021. “The Top Pharmacy Benefit Managers of 2020: Vertical Integration Drives Consolidation (rerun).” Drug Channels. “Flash finding: How drug money from sick people really works.” Nov 11, 2021. 46brooklyn. Adam J. Fein. Feb 3, 2019. “Don't Blame Drug Prices on ‘Big Pharma.'” The Wall Street Journal. How PBMs Make Money “DIR Fees.” National Association of Chain Drug Stores. “How PBMs Make Money: PBM Practices & Profits.” RxSafe. True North Political Solutions. Oct 25, 2017. “White Paper: DIR Fees Simply Explained.” Pharmacy Times. ACA “Vertical Integration” Loophole Peter High. Jul 8, 2019. “A View From Inside Cigna's $67 Billion Acquisition Of Express Scripts.” Forbes. Angelica LaVito. Nov 28, 2018. “CVS creates new health-care giant as $69 billion merger with Aetna officially closes.” CNBC. David Dayen. Oct 12, 2018. “Why the Aetna and CVS Merger Is So Dangerous.” The American Prospect. Jeff Byers. April 12, 2018. “Optum a step ahead in vertical integration frenzy.” Healthcare Dive. Graph: Optum opens up wider market for UnitedHealth Group Graph: Optum's pharmacy business contributes the majority of its revenue Susan Morse. May 10, 2017. “Secret weapon: UnitedHealth's Optum business is laying waste to old notions about how payers make money.” Healthcare Finance. Lobbying “Client Profile: Pharmaceutical Care Management Assn.” Open Secrets. The Demise of Independent Pharmacies Christine Blank. Oct 17, 2019. “Independents Prepare to Close Up Shop.” Drug Topics. Paulina Firozi. Aug 23, 2018. “The Health 202: Here's why rural independent pharmacies are closing their doors.” The Washington Post. What Is a Formulary? Ana Gascon Ivey. May 19, 2020. “A Guide to Medication Formularies.” GoodRx. Previous Delays in Rebate Regulation Paige Minemyer. Jan 29, 2021. “In a win for PBMs, Biden administration delays rebate rule.” Fierce Healthcare. Paige Minemyer. Jan 12, 2021. “PCMA sues Trump administration over rebate rule.” Fierce Healthcare. “Incorporating the Effects of the Proposed Rule on Safe Harbors for Pharmaceutical Rebates in CBO's Budget Projections—Supplemental Material for Updated Budget Projections: 2019 to 2029.” May 2019. Congressional Budget Office. The Gun Law Passage Process Office of the Clerk. May 18, 2022. “Roll Call 212 | Bill Number: S. 2938.” U.S. House of Representatives. Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board. May 12, 2022. “Republican lawmakers should be ashamed for failing to honor Justice Joseph Hatchett.” Miami Herald. Annie Karni. Apr 12, 2022. “House G.O.P., Banding Together, Kills Bid to Honor Pioneering Black Judge.” The New York Times. Background on Most Important Provisions Mary Katherine Wildeman. May 26, 2022. “Data show most school shootings carried out by young adults, teens.” CT Insider. Jeffrey Pierre. May 26, 2022. “Experts say we can prevent school shootings. Here's what the research says.” NPR. The Dingleberry Erik Sherman. Jun 30, 2022. “Gun Safety Bill Extends Drug Middlemen Protection From Anti-Kickback Measure.” Forbes. Molly Rutherford. Jun 28, 2022. “Gun legislation provision puts drug supply chain profits over patients.” The Hill. Marty Schladen. Jun 22, 2022. “Deep inside the gun bill: a break for prescription drug middlemen.” Iowa Capital Dispatch. Poland Train Station Taylor Popielarz, Maureen McManus and Justin Tasolides. Mar 25, 2022. “‘The help given is remarkable': Inside the Poland train station that's become a hub for Ukrainian refugees.” Spectrum News NY1. The Law and the Regulation S. 2938: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Senate Vote: 65-33 (All Nos GOP) House Vote: 234-193 (All Nos GOP) Jen's Highlighted PDF of S. 2938: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Fraud and Abuse; Removal of Safe Harbor Protection for Rebates Involving Prescription Pharmaceuticals and Creation of New Safe Harbor Protection for Certain Point-of-Sale Reductions in Price on Prescription Pharmaceuticals and Certain Pharmacy Benefit Manager Service Fees U.S. Health and Human Services Department November 30, 2020 Audio Sources The State of Competition in the Pharmacy Benefits Manager and Pharmacy Marketplaces November 17, 2015 House Committee on the Judiciary Witnesses: Bradley J. Arthur, R.Ph., Owner, Black Rock Pharmacy David Balto, Law Offices of David A. Balto PLLC Amy Bricker, R.Ph. Vice President of Retail Contracting & Strategy, Express Scripts Natalie A. Pons, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, CVS Health Clips 53:48 Bradley Arthur: The Big Three PBMs control almost 80% of the entire market and these PBMs have the upper hand both in negotiating the contract with the payer, as well as strongly influencing the actual plan design itself. The PBM industry typically states that they can use their economic power to harness enhanced market efficiencies, but for whom? However, the staggering annual revenues that continue to grow each year of the big three suggests that these efficiencies are going directly to their corporations' bottom lines. Small community pharmacies like mine are faced on a daily basis with the impact of the PBMs' disproportionate market power. Community pharmacies routinely must agree to take-it-or-leave-it contracts from the PBMs just to continue to serve our long-standing patients. As if that weren't enough, the PBMs also directly set the reimbursement rates for pharmacies, the very same pharmacies that stand in direct competition of some of these PBM-owned mail-order and specialty pharmacies. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the PBMs present employer and government payers with carefully tailored suggested plans designs that steer beneficiaries to these PBM-owned entities. Drug Pricing in America: A Prescription for Change, Part I January 29, 2019 Senate Committee on Finance Witnesses: Kathy Sego, Mother of a Child with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Ph.D., President, American Action Forum Mark E. Miller, Ph.D., Vice President of Health Care, Laura and John Arnold Foundation Peter B. Bach, MD, MAPP, Director, Memorial Sloan Kettering Center for Health Policy and Outcomes Clips 1:57:30 Sen. John Cornyn (R - TX): Can anybody on the panel explain to me why we have a general prohibition against kickbacks — they call them rebates — under the Social Security Act, but we nevertheless allow it for prescription drug pricing? What's the sound public policy reason for excluding prescription drug pricing from the anti-kickback rule under federal law? Douglas Holtz-Eakin: I can't explain that and won't pretend to. [laughter] Sen. Cornyn: I thought I was the only one who didn't understand the wisdom of that. Well, it's not a transparent arrangement and it does produce upward pressure on drug prices. And obviously, the negotiations between the PBM and the pharma in terms of what the net cost is, is not transparent, nor is it delivered to the consumer. Is it Dr. Miller? Dr. Bach? Peter Bach: It's delivered to the consumer indirectly through the reduction of the total cost of the benefit, but it is not delivered to the actual consumer using the drug, and that is a disassociation, that is a problem. Because it essentially reverses the structure of insurance. Lowering the total costs are people who use it the least, and raising the costs are people who use it the most, relative to if you allowed the rebate to be used at the point of sale, including all discounts. 1:59:49 Douglas Holtz-Eakin: If we had the negotiation be about the upfront price, so instead of a high list price and a rebate, you just negotiate a lower price, that would be the price that Ms. Sego would pay and insurance companies would look at that and say, okay, she's not paying as much as she used to, we're going to have to make up that money somewhere else and they might raise premiums. That means that people who don't have extreme insulin drug costs would pay a little bit more in a premium every month, and people who have extremely devastating medical conditions and high health care costs would get less costs. That's exactly what insurance is supposed to do. And so the rebate system is more than giving strange incentives on pricing. It's undercutting the purpose of insurance in general. Drug Pricing in America: A Prescription for Change, Part II February 26, 2019 Senate Committee on Finance Witnesses: Richard A. Gonzalez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AbbVie Inc. Pascal Soriot, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca Giovanni Caforio, M.D., Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Kenneth C. Frazier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Merck & Co., Inc. Albert Bourla, DVM, Ph.D., Chief Executive Office, Pfizer Olivier Brandicourt, M.D., Former Chief Executive Officer, Sanofi Clips 1:22:03 Albert Bourla: Adverse incentives that favor higher cost biologics are keeping biosimilars from reaching patients. In many cases, insurance companies declined to include lower cost biosimilars in their formularies because they would risk losing the rebates from covering higher cost medicines. I can't think of a more concerning example of a broken system and we need to do something about it. 1:33:35 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R - IA): So many of you have voiced support for the recent rebate rule proposed by the administration. Should the administration finalized this rule, will you commit to lowering your drug prices? Richard Gonzalez [CEO, AbbVie]: Mr. Chairman, we are supportive of the rule. We'd like to see it in its final form, obviously, to make a final decision, but we are supportive of taking the discount to the patient at the point of sale. Sen Grassley: Okay. AstraZeneca? **Pascal Soriot [CEO, AstraZeneca]**The same for us Senator, I would go one step further: if the rebates were removed from the commercial sector as well, we will definitely reduce our list prices. Sen Grassley: Okay. And Bristol? Giovanni Caforio [CEO, Bristol-Myers Squibb]: We have the same positions. Sen Grassley: Okay. Johnson and Johnson? Jennifer Taubert [EVP, J&J]: Yes, we're supportive, and that definitely would be my goal. We would just need to see the final legislation, provided that there aren't additional fees that are added into the system to compensate for the rebates. Sen Grassley: Merck? **Kenneth C. Frazier: I would expect that our prices would go down if we change the system. Again, on the commercial side as well as the Medicare side. Sen Grassley: Okay, Pfizer? Albert Bourla [CEO, Pfizer]: It is a very clear intention that we will not keep a single dollar from these rebates. We will try to move every single penny to the patients and we think if this goes also to the commercial plants that will be even better for more patients. Sen Grassley: Okay. Sanofi? Olivier Brandicourt [Former CEO, Sanofi]: Lowering list price has to be linked to better access and affordability at the counter for the patients. 1:35:20 Sen. Ron Wyden (D - OR): Is it correct that your company, and nobody else, sets the starting price for all drugs sold by Pfizer? Yes or no? Albert Bourla: It is a negotiation with PBMs and they are very powerful. Sen. Wyden: But you still get to set the list price? Albert Bourla: Yes, but we set this price and the rebate limit(?). 1:35:40 Sen. Ron Wyden (D - OR): Is it correct, when a hypothetical patient, let's call her Mrs. Jones, goes to pay for her drug at the pharmacy counter, her coinsurance is based on the price of the drug you set? Albert Bourla: It is correct in many cases. Sen. Wyden: Okay. I just want you all to know that the number one reason consumers are getting hammered, is because these list prices, which you have the last word with respect to where they are, are unaffordable. And the high prices are tied to what the consumer pays at the pharmacy counter. And all this other stuff you talk about, the rebates and the discounts and the coupons, all this other stuff is window dressing, all of that. And the fact is on Part D, 40% of the drugs don't even have a rebate. So I want it understood, particularly because I've asked you, Mr. Borla, I think you and others in the industry are stonewalling on the key issue, which is actually lowering list prices. And reducing those list prices are the easiest way for American consumers to pay less at the pharmacy counter. 2:12:45 Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE): First is eliminating rebates to PBMs. That's the first one, eliminating rebates to PBMs. The second is value based arrangements. And the third is increasing transparency industry-wide on how you set your prices. 2:13:20 Richard Gonzalez: We clearly support providing the discount at the patient level, eliminating rebates essentially. 2:14:10 Pascal Soriot: If the rebates, as I said earlier, were to be removed from Part D and the commercial sector, we would actually reduce our list prices. 2:15:10 Giovanni Caforio: I would say that not only do we support all three elements that you mentioned, but I do believe those three elements together with the continued effort to develop a generic and biosimilar market would mean significant change, and would clearly alleviate the concerns that patients have today. 2:14:44 Jennifer Taubert: We are very supportive of all three elements that you outlined 2:15:52 Kenneth Frazier: We too support all three. 2:15:55 Albert Bourla: All three elements are transformational for our industry, will disrupt it. However, we do agree that these are the three things that need to be done and also I believe that will have significant meaningful results if we do. 2:16:10 Olivier Brandicourt: We support the three Senator, but we want to keep in mind at the end of the chain the patient has to benefit, so if rebates are removed it has to be to the benefit of patients. Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE): Good, thanks. 2:18:10 Albert Bourla: 50% of the American people are in commercial plans and these rebate rules apply to Medicare. If the rules apply to all, definitely the list price will go down. 2:18:30 Albert Bourla: The list price is not irrelevant, it's very relevant for a lot of people because they have to pay list price during the deductible period. However if the rebate rule is applied, then they become irrelevant because the patients will not be paying the list price at the purchase point. 2:19:10 Sen. John Thune (R-SD): How would manufacturers respond if the rebate rule were finalized for government programs? I mean, what does that what does that mean for the commercial market? Albert Bourla: Senator, as I said before, all these proposals that they're discussing, [undistinguishable], eliminating the rebate rule, are transformational and will disrupt the way we do business. I don't know exactly how the system will evolve, and I really don't favor a bifurcated system. I would like to have a transparent single system across both parts. So we need to see how the whole thing will evolve. 2:25:26 Johnny Isakson (R-GA): Who sets the discount and who sets the rebate? 2:26:20 Richard Gonzalez: We negotiate with payers, so managed care and PBMs— Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA): You're a supplier though, so you have to go negotiate with the PBMs and those people, is that right? Richard Gonzalez: Correct, and they negotiate aggressively. Sen. Isakson: Is that pretty much true with everybody, that they're the major component between the end retail consumer price and the origin of the product? Richard Gonzalez: Yes, Senator. Sen. Isakson: Well, that seems like that's someplace we ought to focus, because that's where the distorted numbers come in. Johnson & Johnson, Janssen, in your testimony, you talked about your average list price of 8.1%, up, but an average net price change of only 4.6%. So while your gross went up 8.6, your net went down 4.6 In the same pricing period. How does that happen? If you're setting the price, how does it not go up on the bottom? Jennifer Taubert: Yeah, and in fact, in 2018, our net price actually declined 8.6%, so even more than that. The intermediaries in the system are very, very effective negotiators— Sen. Isakson: Tell me who the intermediaries are. Jennifer Taubert: Those would be the PBMs and the insurers. Sen. Isakson: …and the insurance companies? Jennifer Taubert: Right, and they set the formularies for patients. Sen. Isakson: And they're not the same. They're two different people? Jennifer Taubert: Yes, correct. 2:40:45 James Lankford (R-OK): All of you have mentioned the rebate issue has been a problem and that insurance companies and PBMs are very effective negotiators. Part of the challenge of this is, health insurance companies pay their PBM based on the quality of their negotiation skills, cutting a price off the list price. And so if a list price is higher and a rebate is higher, that also gives preference to them. So the difficulty is, as you raise list price, and the rebate gets larger, the insurance company gives that preference, making it harder for biosimilars. Am I tracking this correctly? 2:43:00 Albert Bourla: Here in the US, the penetration of biosimilars is much lower than in other places, but it is disproportional to different parts of the US healthcare system. For example, in open systems, systems where the decision maker it is a PBM, the one biosimilar we have has a market share of 5% in the US. In closed systems, in systems like Kaiser, for example, integrated healthcare systems where the one who decides has the whole cost of the healthcare system in its interest, we have 73%. 5% and 73% for the same product. I agree with what Mr. Fraser said that we need to create incentives, but I would add also that we need to break this rebate trap that creates significant disincentives for providers, and the healthcare system, and insurance companies. 3:19:25 Kenneth Frazier: If you went back a few years ago, when we negotiated to get our drugs on formulary, our goal was to have the lowest copay by patients. Today the goal is to pay into the supply chain the biggest rebate, and so that actually puts the patient at a disadvantage since they're the only ones that are paying a portion of the list price. The list price is actually working against the patient. 3:19:50 Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT): Why do we have a system today? Where you all are setting, I'll just say very, very high list prices, which is the starting point for negotiation. Why? Olivier Brandicourt: Senator, we're trying to get formulary position. With those list prices. High list price, high rebates. It's a preferred position. Unfortunately the preferred position doesn't automatically ensure affordability at the end. Kenneth C. Frazier: Senator, If you bring a product to the market with a low list price in this system, you get punished financially and you get no uptake because everyone in the supply chain makes money as a result of a higher list price. Drug Pricing in America: A Prescription for Change, Part III April 9, 2019 Senate Committee on Finance Witnesses: Steve Miller, MD, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Cigna Corporation Derica Rice, Former Executive Vice President and President, CVS Health and CVS Caremark William Fleming, Pharm.D., Segment President, Healthcare Services, Humana Inc. John Prince, Chief Executive Officer, OptumRx Mike Kolar, JD, Interim President & CEO, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Prime Therapeutics LLC Clips Sen. Ron Wyden (D - OR): Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers first showed up decades ago, back when prescription drugs were being utilized more extensively. The PBMs told the insurance companies, “we're the ones who know drug pricing, we will handle the negotiations for you.” But there is little evidence that the pharmaceutical benefit managers have actually held down the prices in a meaningful way. In fact, most of the evidence shows just the opposite. Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers actually make more money when they pick a higher price drug over a lower price drug. Colleagues, let's remember that all the way through this discussion, benefit managers make more money when they pick a higher price drug over a lower price drug. The logic on this isn't exactly complicated, graduate-level economics. PBM profits are based on taking their slice of the prescription-drug pie. More expensive drugs means there's a bigger pie. When there's a bigger pie, [there are] bigger slices for the pharmaceutical benefit managers. 50:24 Mike Kolar: Rebates and the role they play have been key areas of focus in the drug cost debate. In our view, rebates are a powerful tool to offset high prices, which are set by pharmaceutical companies, and pharmaceutical companies alone. The fact that rebates are not offered on many of the highest cost drugs, and that studies show no correlation between prices and rebates underscore that rebates are a key to mitigating rather than causing high drug prices. We pass rebates through fully to our plans, and we believe our plans should be able to choose how to apply these rebates in ways that best serve their members and market needs by balancing premiums and cost sharing. 56:05 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA): I'd like to talk about consolidation, including the recent integration of PBMs with insurance companies. Last year I wrote to the Justice Department on the issues, it reported that the three largest PBMs who are before us today now covers 71% of Medicaid, Medicare Part D enrollees and 86% of standalone Drug Plan enrollees. 57:45 Derica Rice: This is a highly competitive space. In addition to the three that you've pointed out here, CMS has noted there are over 60 PBMs across the US. Therefore, the competition, there's many options for the employers that are out there, government entities, as well as unions to choose from given their specific needs. 1:10:35 Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI): So when we look at Express Scripts has 100 million Americans covered, CVS 90 million, OptumRx 65 million, Prime Therapeutics 27 million, Humana 21 million, and yet Americans still pay the highest prices in the world. Even though you are negotiating for millions of people. The VA has its own pharmacy benefit manager service, they negotiate for 9 million veterans, and they pay, on average, 40% less for the same drugs that the rest of the healthcare system pays for. Despite greater volume, you are unable to secure these kinds of low prices. With all due respect, you guys are pretty bad negotiators. Given the fact that the VA can get 40% less. And so I'd like to know from each of you why that's the case. Dr. Miller? Steve Miller [Former EVP and Chief Clinical Officer, Cigna Corporation]: Yes. Part of the equation is giving patients choice. At the VA, they actually limit their formulary more than any of us at this table do. So oftentimes, they'll have one beta blocker, one ace inhibitor. And so if it's going to get to that level of choice, then we could get better prices also. Sen. Stabenow: Let me jump in, in the interest of time. I know you create nationwide drug formularies, you have pre-authorization, you give preferred status to certain medications. So you don't use any of those tools that the VA is using? Because you do. Steve Miller: We definitely use those tools, but we also give people choice. It's crucial for both physicians and patients to have the choice of the products they want to be able to access. Many of our plans want us to have broad formularies and when you have more products, it means you move less market share. Sen. Stabenow: So basically you're saying a 40% premium gives them more choice. 1:24:30 Sherrod Brown (D-OH): If the administration's rebate rule were finalized as proposed, would you in some way be required to change the way you do business? Mike Kolar: Yes, Senator we would. John Prince: Yes. William Fleming: Yes. Derica Rice: Yes. Steve Miller: Yes. Sen. Brown: Thank you. 1:25:05 Sherrod Brown (D-OH): What percentage of prescriptions that you fill across Part D actually receive a rebate? Roughly what percentage? Mike Kolar: So Senator, approximately 8% of the prescriptions that we cover in Part D are associated with a rebate. Sen. Brown: Okay, Mr. Prince? John Prince: Senator, I don't know the exact number, I know our overall business is about 7%. Sen. Brown: Okay, thank you. William Fleming: About 7-8%. Derica Rice: Senator, I do not know the exact number but we pass through 100% of all rebates and discounts. Sen. Brown: [Grunt] Steve Miller: 90% of the prescriptions will be generic. Of the 10% that are branded, about two-thirds have rebates. So it's about seven-- Sen. Brown: 7-8% like the others. Okay. To recap, PBMs do not set drug prices. Forcing you to change the way you do business -- as the administration's rule would — will not change that fact. And while the rule might impact a small percentage of drugs and Part D that receive a rebate, it does nothing to lower costs, as your answer suggests, for the other 90% of prescriptions you fill. Most importantly, absolutely nothing in the proposed rule would require Secretary Azar's former employer or any other pharma company to lower the price of insulin or any other drug. It's important to establish that, so thank you for that. 1:41:40 Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV): Let me ask you, Dr. Fleming, in your testimony, you say Humana's analysis of the rebate rule -- and we're talking about the administration's rebate rule now — found that approximately 17% of beneficiaries will see savings at the pharmacy counter as a result of this rule. Can you tell me a little bit more about who these people are? And what kind of conditions do they have? William Fleming: Senator, there will be a number of members who are taking brand drugs for which we get rebates and so it could vary all the way from the common chronic conditions, things like diabetes or hypertension or high cholesterol, all the way over to occasionally, not usually, but occasionally on the specialty drug side. When you think of some medications like treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, places where there's competition. Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio)

On this Monday episode of THE POLITICRAT daily podcast: President Biden and Vice President Harris have a celebration of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act on the South Lawn at The White House. A heckler intervenes. July 11, 2022. Planned Parenthood: https://plannedparenthood.org Register to vote NOW: https://vote.org The ENOUGH/END GUN VIOLENCE t-shirts on sale here: https://bit.ly/3zsVDFU Donate to the Man Up Organization: https://manupinc.org FREE: SUBSCRIBE NOW TO THE BRAND NEW POLITICRAT DAILY PODCAST NEWSLETTER!! Extra content, audio, analysis, exclusive essays for subscribers only, plus special offers and discounts on merchandise at The Politicrat Daily Podcast online store. Something new and informative EVERY DAY!! Subscribe FREE at https://politicrat.substack.com Buy podcast merchandise (all designed by Omar Moore) and lots more at The Politicrat Daily Podcast Store: https://the-politicrat.myshopify.com The Politicrat YouTube page: bit.ly/3bfWk6V The Politicrat Facebook page: bit.ly/3bU1O7c The Politicrat blog: https://politicrat.politics.blog Join Omar on Fanbase NOW! Download the Fanbase social media app today. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to this to this podcast! Follow/tweet Omar at: https://twitter.com/thepopcornreel

[As always, this little blog/newsletter is how I pay my bills, and I would be so grateful if you support my writing with a paid subscription.]Four months is a long time these days. At least for me, it used to be that four months was a bit of a jog but easily contextualized in the brain's aerial view. I could look backwards and easily spot that marker. Now, it seems, the space-time continuum has been cruelly mocked and warped by current events in such a way that a month in 2022 honestly feels legitimately equal to a quarter in 2011 and looking backward that far, even that much, is a fool's errand, only bound to disappoint.Whatever you were doing four months ago, the world continues to indifferently spin into spun-up difference from what it once was. Four months ago was before 19 children and two teachers were murdered in Uvalde, TX. Four months ago was before a white supremacist murdered ten innocents, targeting the Black community in Buffalo, NY. Four months ago was before—wait, be honest with me: without looking it up, how easily can you recall the details of that horrific mass shooting on the New York City Subway in April?That wasn't even four months ago.Exactly four months ago yesterday, I was at SXSW watching the world premiere of “Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down”, a documentary about the former Arizona congresswoman who survived a brutal assassination attempt in 2011 that left six others murdered and has since been on a journey of remarkable advocacy, both in her medical rehabilitation after being shot in the head at point-blank range and the widely-praised leadership role she has undertaken in the gun reform movement. The documentary is superb, and we'll get to that in a second. I want to further underline that four months ago was a completely different world, especially for the families in Highland Park and Tulsa and Uvalde and Buffalo and Pittsburgh and Sacramento and I wouldn't blame you at all for missing details on a few of these. In America in 2022, it's hard for even the most news-centric among us to keep up with the mass shootings that make national news, let alone the unending cascade of underreported mass shootings that tear through communities across the country.Since March 12th, 2022—the date of the world premiere at SXSW—there have been 250 mass shootings, according to The Gun Violence Archive.In other words, there has been an average of more than two mass shootings per day since Gabby Giffords premiered her deeply moving and galvanizing documentary in Austin. More than twice daily has there been a mass shooting in the United States over the past four months. More than twice daily. Think about that.This past Monday, July 11th, was a good day for America but particularly meaningful for Gabby Giffords and every other survivor and advocate in the gun reform movement. Just before noon, President Biden presided over a ceremony on the White House South Lawn to celebrate the signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun reform legislation signed into law in three decades.Brilliantly shepherded through the notoriously inept upper chamber by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), the law does a hell of a lot more than we've seen in recent memory and yet has also drawn criticism for falling well short of what our lawmakers should be doing to curb gun violence in America.That's an observation which, forgive me, seems pretty goddamn redundant. Of course it doesn't do enough. No bill short of taking every single common sense measure would be enough in this crisis. Universal background checks are common sense. Registration of every firearm is common sense. Proper licensing for every gun owner is common sense. Banning civilian ownership of assault weapons is common sense. The absence of any of these in a bill would make the legislation inherently flawed, even if they were the sole absence. That must be the good faith reading of any rational adult in government.But our government is not flush to the gills with rational adults, and so, the most rational adults must not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Let me state resolutely: this new law is substantial progress and deserves celebration, and I personally don't need more than a moment's thought to understand that many thousands of lives will be saved because of it. That is worth celebrating.Of course it's not enough. Why would it ever be enough? Eighteen years from now, thousands of children will have just graduated from high school who would have otherwise been brutally murdered in a mass shooting or by an abusive relative or by themselves with an unsecured firearm in their home after being purchased by a domestic abuser.I was there on Monday with hundreds of other attendees. I saw Manuel Oliver stand up in the middle of the President's remarks, not far in front of me, and let the world know this isn't enough. That's true. It's not enough. He has every right to be angry at the pace of all this. The man lost his child. That is a pain I can't begin to fathom. I also saw numerous advocates carrying full-size photographs of their slain loved ones, far too many of those being a child's school portrait, coming up to President Biden and other elected officials to thank them for taking a few steps forward, saving a few more thousand lives, giving a few more million people a bit more hope for the future.It seemed like just about every single gun reform advocate in the country was at this ceremony and almost all were willing to express two thoughts simultaneously: that this bill is a good thing, won through dogged advocacy, and it's also not nearly enough.This new legislation wouldn't have been possible without countless advocates doing the labor for so many years, and even so, Gabby Giffords' story is one of those that stands out among that extraordinary crowd. A few hours after the ceremony, many of us made our way downtown to the U.S. Navy Memorial Plaza for the D.C. premiere of her documentary.Four months is a long time, as we've now established, and I could feel the difference between the screenings. I didn't feel as depressed or worn out in Austin. Maybe it was the lack of national reporting on mass shootings in the first quarter of this year, but the whole situation seemed to significantly lessen in its incessant horror for a bit, certainly nothing like the gauntlet of terror to which we've all been witness since April.And yet, there was hope. Had we not all just been at the White House to observe some significant steps forward? The documentary seemed to match this balanced tone of grounded optimism and brutal honesty perfectly, beat for beat. The filmmakers, Julie Cohen and Betsy West, previously won widespread critical claim for their documentaries on the late Justice Ginsburg (2018), Pauli Murray (2021), and Julia Child (2021), public figures navigating the exceedingly thorny intersection of power, influence, and gender.“Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down” is firmly within that tradition of excellence while also capturing a potent urgency that confronts the violent uncertainty of this hellish era in which we live. For a long time, there has existed a muted paranoia throughout the nation, a feeling that any of us could be next in a mass shooting. But the decline of our institutions and a corresponding decline of faith in our institutions and the ripped stitches of January 6th, raw and festering and wholly unclean, have added an additional and formidable layer of desperation to our national mood. How the hell are we gonna fix this when the tools required to fix it need fixing themselves?The documentary doesn't blow smoke but it also refuses to back down from the claim that we can get through this together, if only we had the faith in each other to do so. Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly have that kind of faith in each other, and it shows.So… the story.It was 2006, and Gabrielle Dee Giffords, a 36 year-old former CEO of her grandfather's local tire company, had seemingly come out of nowhere to win a congressional seat covering an area the GOP had held for more than 20 years. She had sold the business in 2000, did two years in the state house, two years in the state senate, and then launched a long shot bid to win in a district where the Republican incumbent had trounced both of the Democratic challengers in the two previous election cycles by more than 24 points. Well, the GOP incumbent, Jim Kolbe, decided not to run for reelection and the more moderate GOP candidate most likely to succeed him was plunged into scandal and GOP voters chose a far more conservative successor and Democrats nationwide had one hell of a year in effective political messaging (on their way to taking back the House), and suddenly, this seat seemed very much up for grabs.But that all still fails to account for the magnitude of the pendulum rebound that occurred in Arizona's 8th congressional district that year. Giffords didn't win a nail-biter. She didn't simply take the edge in a photo finish.She won by more than 12 points, a swing of 36 points among voters from Republican to Democrat in only two years. It wasn't just that she won in a landslide but that she did so in a district that was overwhelmingly Republican-supporting.And she did this while being unapologetically pro-choice, supporting a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and refusing to agree that marriage should be restricted to one man and one woman (remember: this is 2006).How?The documentary highlights Giffords' extraordinary interpersonal intelligence, at once empathetic and authentic and confident and completely disarming to even some of her most conservative constituents who didn't support her, a dynamic on the recipient that's described by admirers as being “gabbyfied”. That's not an exaggeration. Go look up interviews that Giffords did before the shooting. She sounds like a real person. She sounds like the most evolved form of a kind and well informed neighbor who truly wants to make the world a better place. I have been a student of politics for a long time and I've heard countless anecdotes about Clinton and Biden and a handful of others making someone in a crowded room briefly feel like they're the only person in the world. But even that effect carries something of a conceit that we all seem to accept: this is their job and they're the best in the country at it and the Greats are meant to suspend reality for a few moments. It's almost like a magic trick and we understand it's not real and the vast majority of us are okay with that.The thing about Gabby Giffords, what seems abundantly clear, is that she never needed the benefit of reality being suspended in order to reach someone. It wasn't magic. It was just her. The opening scenes of the documentary point to Giffords' most likely trajectory back in the early aughts: a handful of terms in the House, then probably some time in the Senate, and down the road, it is implied (and quite rightly), a truly competitive candidacy for the White House from a notable swing state, probably sooner rather than later.It was the first week of January in 2011 when Giffords and her advisors had made plans to huddle in D.C. and start prepping for a likely run against then-Sen. Jeff Flake in 2012. (By the way, can you imagine that race? She would have cleaned his clock.)Before they could do that, there was a constituent event to attend, “Congress on Your Corner”, a feature of her district outreach that had become a high priority for Giffords. It was supposed to be 90 minutes of greeting folks and talking out their concerns in front of the Safeway in La Toscana Village. Just past 10am, as Giffords and her staff engaged with constituents, a coward whom I refuse to name, armed with a Glock 19 pistol and several magazines he had purchased at a sporting goods store just a 12 minute drive away, walked up to the Congresswoman, shot her in the head at point blank range, and then began firing at everyone else. Gabriel Zimmerman, 30, Gifford's community outreach director; Dorwan Stoddard, 76, retired construction worker; Phyllis Schneck, 79, homemaker; John Roll, 63, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for Arizona; Dorothy “Dot” Morris, 76, retired secretary; and nine year-old Christina-Taylor Green, who was getting interested in civics and wanted to meet the Congresswoman.Six deaths, 14 injured, including Giffords, in less than 60 seconds of shooting. Daniel Hernández, Jr., an intern in her office, had the wherewithal to slow Giffords' bleeding and ensure she didn't choke on her own blood, long enough for paramedics to arrive five minutes after the shooting started. This would save her life at a critical moment.Gabby Giffords was pronounced dead to most of the country for at least an hour that Saturday afternoon. NPR ran with what they thought was a critical scoop, based on two unconfirmed sources, and the rest of national media did the bulk of the work in pushing it out. At one point, every major network was reporting that Giffords had been assassinated. By the way, as much as I love NPR and certainly support their journalism, the close of their explanation and apology over this incident, more than a decade ago, is ludicrous: “While NPR made a significant mistake that dinged its credibility, it should be commended for quickly apologizing and being transparent. Rather than hurting NPR's credibility, taking responsibility for the mistake should enhance it.”What?Mark Kelly, Gifford's husband, a seasoned NASA astronaut who was then prepping for an upcoming shuttle mission, listened to a news broadcast informing him that his wife had been murdered and broke down.As much as this documentary is about gun reform and Giffords' journey of recovery and her love story with Kelly, that particular scene over NPR's callous approach at the time, the normalized rush for media to be first rather than be right, is especially potent. The problem with clumsy media going for clicks and listeners rather than accuracy is one that very much persists to this day.Did I mention that Giffords and her family have a hell of a sense of humor? I certainly didn't expect to laugh as much as I did while watching a documentary on an assassination attempt. Throughout her recovery, Giffords, even through the dense fog of recalibrating her brain, sparks scenes with her wit and warmth. Her chemistry with Kelly—it almost feels underwhelming to describe it that way—is the engine of the movie. During the Q&A after the D.C. screening, CNN's Kate Bolduan asked Giffords and filmmakers Cohen and West about the undeniable theme of a “feminist marriage” between them — a true partnership between Giffords and Kelly that tracks a balanced but nuanced inverse of their public roles before and after the shooting.Giffords eventually returned to the House in the midst of her recovery for critical votes but declined to run again, the health complications being too much to surmount at the time. Kelly, having completed his fourth shuttle mission, retired from NASA, pissed as could be about the lackluster response from Congress following the attempted assassination on his wife and gun violence generally, particularly in the wake of Sandy Hook, and launched a bid for John McCain's old seat in the Senate.Kelly, whom the documentary lovingly describes as far more of an engineer than a politician, is guided through his campaign by Giffords. One notable and hilarious scene shows Giffords tutoring Kelly on the maiden speech he's scheduled to deliver following his victory against Martha McSally. “Slow down, head up”, Giffords playfully urges Kelly, who demonstrates an impressive adaptation to a skill set he's never needed.For his part, Kelly's predominant role is caregiver, tending to Giffords throughout her recovery process, keeping the family steady and optimistic, doing the emotional labor typically expected of women, and, all the while, continuing his demanding work as a literal NASA astronaut.Cohen and West depict an ideal marriage of equals, simply two human beings who love each other and bring out the best qualities in one another's hearts during the worst of times.Their relationships, with each other and their kids and their close circle of friends and family, emphasize the importance of community.I met Gabby Giffords in Austin after that screening back in March and couldn't help but get a picture with her after the D.C. screening on Tuesday. She didn't know me from Jane, just another admirer in the crowd, and yet, she took the time in both moments to thank me for attending, gave me a big hug, and said some encouraging words. I was most certainly gabbyfied.Four months is a long time these days, and the world is already very, very different from March, as it will be in November, four months from now. The speed of change has become so quick, seemingly everything in flux, that we are forced, for our own sense of stability, to grab things that are steady and hold on for dear life.It is in uncertain times that leaders who can offer us a sense of certainty shine the brightest. The Gabby Giffords who was once discussed as a likely future presidential candidate more than a decade ago is the same Gabby Giffords who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, last week.Folks will point to her example of recovery and resilience or the work that's been done by her organization, eponymously named “Giffords”, to educate the public on gun violence and push for common sense reform, or her general leadership in the public arena, which is more respected and influential than ever.With humility, I would offer that none of these are the greatest achievements of Gabby Giffords. Her greatest achievement is reminding us all of the importance of community in an era through which our country has never demonstrated a greater need for it. Four months is a long time and the world is changing quick on its own axis but Gabby Giffords, more than a decade on, even in her most vulnerable moments, hasn't changed much at all. She's always been right there, in the community, doing the work. If leadership means empathetic continuity, she's among the greatest to ever take that walk.God bless her for it.—[“Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down” enters nationwide release in theaters this Friday, July 15th. View the trailer here. Take my word and go see it. Find showtimes here.]Charlotte's Web Thoughts is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Hi, I'm Charlotte Clymer, and this is Charlotte's Web Thoughts, my Substack. It's completely free to access and read, but if you feel so moved to support my writing, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription: just $7/month or save money with the $70/annual sub. You can also go way above and beyond by becoming a Founding Member at $210. Get full access to Charlotte's Web Thoughts at charlotteclymer.substack.com/subscribe

In This Episode: Given the historic events of last week, we* have brought in professionals this week to expertly analyze and reflect upon what those events mean for us and for our nation. In separate interviews, Benjamin Blatt, Esq. and Clayton Cramer discuss the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which was recently signed into law. Mr. Blatt then returns to discuss the implications of the NYSRPA v. Bruen Supreme Court decision. *This was Erin's idea, and Erin is NEVER wrong! (Erin says: Weer'd wrote that. I would never say it. But neither am I going to delete it...) Did you know that we have a Patreon? Join now for the low, low cost of $4/month (that's $1/podcast) and you'll get to listen to our podcast on Friday instead of Mondays, as well as patron-only content like mag dump episodes, our hilarious blooper reels and film tracks. Show Notes S.2938 - Bipartisan Safer Communities Act NEW YORK STATE RIFLE & PISTOL ASSOCIATION, INC., ET AL. v. BRUEN (PDF) Clayton Cramer's Website Bipartisan Bill Misreading Four Troublesome Provisions in the Senate Gun Bill Gov Hochul: I don't need numbers New York governor signs bill to ban guns from Times Square, mass transit Store owners wary to alienate customers amid state's changing gun rules Massachusetts Updated Permit Guidance California gun owners leak: Riverside County sheriff calls for investigation: 'Concerning to us' The Reload-California Data leak  

President Biden is talking about the impact of gun violence on communities nationwide and ways to reduce it moving forward. This includes the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which is the most significant gun safety law passed by Congress in the last 30 years. We breakdown what we can expect today and next steps.

Former Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo, who served Florida's 26th district from 2015-2019, joins us for Episode 2 of TAG Season 2. While many believe additional, federal, gun safety legislation is unlikely anytime soon after the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Cong. Curbelo explains how the “breakthrough” could mean more needed reforms are coming -- how “Republicans now have a positive experience they can look back on and a point of reference.” He also shares how Florida's Republican-led reforms following Parkland showed the party can act despite special interest groups and not face negative political consequences. Finally, stick around as Dr. Michael Siegel joins us for another edition of Siegel's Scope, where he breaks down exactly which gun laws work and don't work based on his data.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Congressman Carlos CurbeloProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

President Biden has heralded the recent gun safety bill as the most significant federal attempt to reduce gun violence in 30 years.But after a gunman opened fire from a rooftop onto a Fourth of July parade in a Chicago suburb, questions abound about what the landmark legislation will — and will not — achieve.Guest: Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a Washington correspondent covering health policy for The New York Times.Want more from The Daily? For one big idea on the news each week from our team, subscribe to our newsletter. Background reading: Six people were killed and dozens more wounded in the deadly shooting at a parade in Highland Park, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. The police have taken a 22-year-old man into custody.Gun violence researchers have waged an often-frustrating battle to translate their findings into public policy.Here's what is in the gun safety law — officially called the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act — and what was left out.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

There have been over 250 mass shootings in the United States since the start of 2022. More than 110 people die from guns every day in the U.S. Americans are 25 times more likely to be killed in a gun homicide than their counterparts in other high-income countries.  For over a decade, Americans have organized, rallied, protested, and advocated for common-sense policies to prevent unmitigated gun violence in the U.S. On June 25, nearly a month after a tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 elementary school students and two teachers dead, President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. It's a pretty big deal -- this is the first major piece of gun violence legislation that Congrss has passed in nearly three decades -- but we're not seeing a lot of Democrats talk about it. In today's episode, McKenzie and Marcela discuss recent Data for Progress polling on voter attitudes toward gun reform and on the bipartisan gun reform bill and how Democrats can effectively communicate about gun violence prevention moving forward. Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email us at info@dataforprogress.org.   About Data for Progress Our Polling Methodology   PRODUCED BY: Marcela Mulholland McKenzie Wilson Carly Berke Grace Adcox Devi Ruia   MUSIC BY: chelliah   MIXED BY: Jack Wright   COVER DESIGN BY: Ed Ryan   SPECIAL THANKS TO: Blue Rose Research

In part 2 of this series Miyanovich and Oknyansky talk about the upcoming LGO Lens Law Pillar, Democratic legislators creating policy based on political coercion and not substantial evidence, The Bipartisan Safer Communites Act, systemic failures tied to school shootings, and the Depew / Swensen paper on the lack of effect on homicide that resulted from The Sullivan Act.

Randi Haseman shares the latest news on the Behavioral Health industry.

In Episode 283 of District of Conservation, Gabriella breaks down three news stories: the NYSRPA vs Bruen decision, Biden signing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, and why even the Biden administration and preservationist environmental groups are skeptical about abortion clinics on federal public lands in red states. SHOW NOTES NYSRPA vs Bruen Decision The Reload: Supreme Court Strikes Down New York Gun-Carry Law FPC: NYSRPA v. Bruen Decision FAQ / 'Splainer The Reload: Biden Signs New Federal Gun Restrictions Into Law NSSF: NSSF STATEMENT ON THE BIPARTISAN SAFER COMMUNITIES ACT E&E News: Dems look to federal lands for red-state abortion access Axios: White House warns against using federal lands for abortion care --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/district-of-conservation/support

Susan Laird, a health communication specialist with the CDC, discusses the need to use more inclusive communication when working with individuals or groups; Sheila Nelson, Program Manager for Adolescent Health and Injury Prevention with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, details a plan to reduce suicide and overdose by letting young people know they matter; a new ASTHO brief outlines an effort with the CDC that will help people living with disabilities during emergencies; and ASTHO offers a summary of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act approved by the U.S. Senate late last week. CDC Webpage: Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Communication ASTHO Brief: Defining Disability for Syndromic Surveillance ASTHO Legislative Alert: Senate Approves Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the new federal gun safety legislation signed into law on Saturday, includes increased funding for school security and mental health programs. Several school districts in our state have revisited their safety and security measures recently, in the wake of the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. This hour, we hear from Bridgeport Superintendent Michael Testani, who recently proposed an increase in school resource officers. Also known as SROs, they are sworn, armed police officers. The Connecticut Post reports the request meets "strong opposition." The number of SROs had been reduced in Bridgeport in recent years "due to budget constraints and concerns about their having a negative impact in particular on students of color." The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and school security expert Kenneth Trump discuss what's involved in a more comprehensive approach, including mental health resources, as well as where federal dollars from new gun safety legislation might be best spent. Plus, we discuss the landmark Supreme Court decision regarding the right to carry a firearm, as well as the new federal gun safety law, with the Duke Center for Firearms Law. GUESTS: Jacob D. Charles: Executive Director, Duke Center for Firearms Law; Lecturing Fellow, Duke University School of Law Fran Rabinowitz: Executive Director, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Michael Testani: Superintendent, Bridgeport Public Schools Kenneth Trump: President, National School Safety and Security Services Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Saturday episode of THE POLITICRAT daily podcast: Omar Moore chronicles 72 hours on the road to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (https://bit.ly/3nn9yWR) becoming law, culminating in President Biden signing the bill into law earlier today at The White House. Features audio and a famous lesson from yesteryear. June 25, 2022. Planned Parenthood: https://plannedparenthood.org Register to vote NOW: https://vote.org The ENOUGH/END GUN VIOLENCE t-shirts on sale here: https://bit.ly/3zsVDFU Donate to the Man Up Organization: https://manupinc.org FREE: SUBSCRIBE NOW TO THE BRAND NEW POLITICRAT DAILY PODCAST NEWSLETTER!! Extra content, audio, analysis, exclusive essays for subscribers only, plus special offers and discounts on merchandise at The Politicrat Daily Podcast online store. Something new and informative EVERY DAY!! Subscribe FREE at https://politicrat.substack.com Buy podcast merchandise (all designed by Omar Moore) and lots more at The Politicrat Daily Podcast Store: https://the-politicrat.myshopify.com The Politicrat YouTube page: bit.ly/3bfWk6V The Politicrat Facebook page: bit.ly/3bU1O7c The Politicrat blog: https://politicrat.politics.blog Join Omar on Fanbase NOW! Download the Fanbase social media app today. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to this to this podcast! Follow/tweet Omar at: https://twitter.com/thepopcornreel

Quick episode covering the Senate gun bill, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, that passed on Friday. Dan breaks down his main concerns with the bill and lays out what is true, and what isn't, about the bill. There has been a lot of emotional reactions to this legislation, but very little objective breakdown of the substance. Here is the truth.

This episode is broken up in two segments and each explores two major issues in the news and are breaking news: 1. Supreme Court Overturns Roe Vs. Wade & 2. The U.S. Senate passes Safer Communities Act. In Segment one we ask-Is the right to abortion an inalienable right of every American? Is it a right that is shared by all Americans? Is this right rooted in tradition, history and culture? The answer is what helped to shape today's decision of the Supreme Court to overturn Roe Vs. Wade. We all have a right to life and we must also protect the right to life not just for self but the right of others to live. But when that right to life clashes with the right to choose then we must ask what is the highest ethic? Is it not the right to life. But is abortion of a fetus tantamount to killing a person? Well, it all depends on your value as a conservative or a liberal and this is the sticking point. But if truth be told, the fetus is part of the continuation of life itself. So then one may argue that the fetus' life must be protected as in doing so one is protecting life itself and it's continued existence. Segment two: News Alert: Senate Passes Bipartisan Safer Community Act: And the senate passed a Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to begin tackling gun violence which expands background checks and close gun loopholes. But will this actually curb the gun violence plaguing communities like Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Uvalde Texas, Buffalo NY, etc? We are yet to find out but what we know is that guns don't kill people, people kill people and with the rise of extremism, poverty, declining median incomes and the challenge of parenting and socialization where the young are being primarily socialized by media that devalues the individual. So then then solution must be multifaceted, and does this bill provide a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to curbing gun violence? Further with the recent ruling of the Supreme Court that strikes down NY gun law there is now the question of what can this act do to come up with any gun policy that does not violate or is interpreted to violate a person's right to carry a firearm. The 6-3 ruling, with the conservative justices in the majority and liberal justices in dissent, struck down New York state's limits on carrying concealed handguns outside the home. The court found that the law, enacted in 1913, violated a person's right to "keep and bear arms" under the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment. We will take these up when we invite Ms. Outland an expert on women's rights and a civil and rights advocate and activist. The Neoliberal Round is created by Rev. Renaldo McKenzie, author of Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty And Resistance. Renaldo is a doctoral candidate at Georgetown University and graduated from The University of Pennsylvania. You can donate to this show to keep it going and so as to provide our content free so that all can access irrespective of their economic position: https://anchor.fm/theneoliberal/support. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theneoliberal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theneoliberal/support

In this episode Carl argues that “Red-Flag” gun laws are the new Red. The GOP Senators that worked with the far left to undermine 2A rights in the Bipartisan “Safer Communities Act” have done nothing to curb public mass shootings, but will likely put law abiding gun owning Americans, particularly U.S. veterans, in the crosshairs of rogue or biased law enforcement officials and mental health professionals.Additionally, he explains how Joe Biden's proposal for a gas tax “holiday” will ultimately cause prices to increase, and why republicans serve their constituents best by pointing out the failures of the Biden Administration.  More: www.Carljacksonshow.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradio Twitter:https://twitter.com/carljacksonshow Parler: https://parler.com/carljacksonshow http://www.TheCarlJacksonPodcast.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Carl argues that “Red-Flag” gun laws are the new Red. The GOP Senators that worked with the far left to undermine 2A rights in the Bipartisan “Safer Communities Act” have done nothing to curb public mass shootings, but will likely put law abiding gun owning Americans, particularly U.S. veterans, in the crosshairs of rogue or biased law enforcement officials and mental health professionals.Additionally, he explains how Joe Biden's proposal for a gas tax “holiday” will ultimately cause prices to increase, and why republicans serve their constituents best by pointing out the failures of the Biden Administration.  More: www.Carljacksonshow.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradio Twitter:https://twitter.com/carljacksonshow Parler: https://parler.com/carljacksonshow http://www.TheCarlJacksonPodcast.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 -  Good Thursday morning! Here's what Nick Reed covers this hour: President Biden was accused of demonizing working-class service station owners when he demanded they reduce the price they are charging for gas. After Senators released the text of their new gun bill — the "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" — on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) rushed to hold the first procedural vote on the legislation within an hour of the text going public and before many senators had a chance to digest the full 80-page bill.  Tuesday night's vote prevailed 64 to 34, but the speed with which Schumer moved to a vote drew the ire of those who prefer to study legislation before voting on it, including Senator Josh Hawley who voted "no." A new survey shows that most independent and Republican voters believe that the government would ultimately abuse “red flag” laws.

Audio of the 80 page document - no commentary

Daily Gun Show 1,328