Podcast appearances and mentions of Laura Kelly

While we're on the last week of our summer break, we're bringing you one of our most popular episodes from the back catalogue.For over four decades, contraception was not just taboo in Ireland—it was illegal. From 1935 to 1979, selling contraceptives and even accessing information about family planning was strictly banned by the Irish government. These laws reshaped daily life, leaving couples unable to plan their families and forcing many to navigate relationships under the shadow of fear and uncertainty.In this episode, I talk to Dr. Laura Kelly from the University of Strathclyde, a leading authority on the history of contraception in Ireland. Laura reveals the origins of these bans, the motivations behind them, and the lasting consequences for Irish society.Next week, I return with the fascinating history exploring why Ireland institutionalised over 1% of its population in psychiatric hospitals and mental asylums.Find out more about Laura's research and publications here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The trap comes with thinking that this life is not enough — that we are too small, limited, or powerless to make a difference. But Christ Himself is our hope. This expansive, invigorating, unending hope is enough to fill any life."Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=252815--Enjoy up to 50% off on Inspirational Cards & DayBrighteners this month at DaySpring.com! Explore a thoughtfully curated collection of faith-filled cards and DayBrighteners. Don't miss this chance to save but hurry, these markdowns only last through June 30th!The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, is in the midst of her second and final term. As she considers how to use her remaining political capital, she reflects on the accomplishments and pitfalls of the 2025 legislative session, which was dominated by Republican supermajorities.

"We don't need to have all the answers to stay faithful to Jesus. We don't have to understand exactly what God is doing. We don't need to have power, resources, or the world's attention. We only have to stay as close as we can to Jesus."Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=252123--Explore DaySpring's curated collection of inspirational gifts — marked down to only $5 and $10. From beautiful Bible covers to inspiring devotionals and jewelry, there's something for everyone on your list. Don't miss your chance to save — these markdowns end on 4/30!The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

The Kansas Legislature had a noticeably short session this year. With Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly in what lawmakers dubbed her "veto era," how did Republicans override her decisions?

The Kansas legislature wrapped up a two-day veto session Friday, combing through a pile of bills rejected by Gov. Laura Kelly and forcing a fair number of those into law. Meanwhile, lawmakers finished up an array of other business for the year. Senior reporters Tim Carpenter and Morgan Chilson help us make sense of this whirlwind of activity.

Kansas lawmakers last week passed a budget that would put the state roughly $460 million in debt by 2028. Up To Date spoke to Gov. Laura Kelly about the new spending plan, the GOP supermajority in the Legislature and more.

If you're a runner with a stress fracture you're probably trying to figure out everything you can do right now this going to speed up healing of the injured bone, so you can get back to running as soon as possible.   If you have been thinking about bone broth or nutritional supplements like vitamin D and calcium you already know how important it is to get the nutritional building blocks into your system so your osteoblast cells can't start repairing and rebuilding the crack in the bone.   Did you know there's actually a cookbook written specifically to address the nutritional requirements four building healthy bones? Well, there is…it is called The Healthy Bones Plant-Based Nutrition Plan and Cookbook and in today's episode I am getting to got to sit down with Dr. Laura Kelly who wrote that cookbook.

The fear of spiking is something that crosses every woman's mind. Whether it's clutching onto their drinks tightly or even taking their drink with them to the bathroom on a night out. As the number of spiking incidents continues to rise, fresh calls are being made to put pressure on the government to make spiking a specific criminal offence in Ireland, as it currently falls under poisoning laws. Laura Kelly reports for us.

"May we remember that to be human is to be scarred. Jesus knew this, too. But we can help each other bear our suffering. Because no part of us — body or soul — is hidden from our God who made and heals and loves us."Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=251470--The spring issue of DaySpring's Everyday Faith magazine is here! Pick up a copy today on DaySpring.com or at your local Sam's Club, Costco, CVS, Walmart, or wherever you buy magazines. We hope that this issue helps you know and share God's love in fresh, true, and inspiring ways! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

   Watching KU get worked over by BYU was completely shocking to the system as it appeared the players just didn't care.  It was awful.  "Embarrassed" is the word Bill Self used and said of his traveling party, "we all need to get away from each other."   This may not be the Titanic but KU's ship sure has crashed into an iceberg in the NIL era of college hoops.    President Trump and Elon Musk sit down for a joint interview that was just incredible to watch.  We'll tell you what they said and why it matters.   Who are the pilots of the Delta flight that crashed?  Here's a prediction, Canadian officials will now start pushing the weather as a problem before they tell us who the pilots are.  Don't believe it.    Kansas Governor Laura Kelly gets embarrassed with a veto override as Kansas kids will now be safe from unnecessary genital mutilation and puberty blockers.    Mizzou has a huge test against Bama Wednesday night.  MJ Melendez has a new swing at spring training.  A high school in Maine defies Trump's transgender sports executive order and finger lickin' good is now a Texas thing.  

Send us a textWhat if 80% of your success relied solely on your mindset? Join us for an insightful conversation with Laura Kelly, who shares her wisdom on how aligning your values with happiness and setting challenging goals can pave the high road to success. Drawing inspiration from her transformative experience with Tony Robbins, Laura reveals the power of personal values and how understanding the rules we attach to them can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life. Get ready to explore the psychology behind success and how a mindset shift can be the key to unlocking your potential.In this episode, we dive into the nuances of personal connections and fulfillment. Discover how redefining your emotional needs beyond physical intimacy can enhance your sense of love and connection. We venture into the realm of gratitude and the practice of priming, highlighting how these tools can shift your focus toward positivity and improve your overall quality of life. Laura and I discuss how setting realistic, self-attainable rules can be transformative, and how a positive mental state can lead to better physical health and stronger relationships.As we wrap up, we tackle the often-overlooked concept of the "primary question" and its role in shaping our lives. By reframing these subconscious inquiries, we open up new avenues for personal growth and contribution. Learn how to start each day with gratitude and empowering questions that align with your values, setting the stage for a harmonious and productive future. Laura's journey provides practical insights into embracing ease, letting go of control, and finding tranquility through mindset shifts. Tune in to discover how you can ask the right questions to steer your life toward growth, self-acceptance, and a fulfilling 2025.https://www.growwithclover.com/ Support the show https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/

"When you are discouraged, God is the lifter of your head. When you are grieving, God is the lifter of your head. When you are weary and worn and wandering far from faith, God is still the lifter of your head. Most importantly, none of us have to lift our heads by our own strength. God alone raises us up."Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=250835--Explore DaySpring's selection of Bibles, Bible Studies, Calendars, and more, and start 2025 off with an Unshakeable Peace. Shop Spiritual Resources at dayspring.com today!The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

As President Trump outlined his “America first” foreign policy vision in his inaugural address, other key players on the foreign policy chess board in Washington are also moving into place, from Secretary of State Marco Rubio taking over the State Department to new leaders in Congress. Laura Kelly, the foreign policy reporter for The Hill, joins Thanos Davelis to discuss the view from Washington, DC and Capitol Hill as President Trump looks to begin implementing his foreign policy vision, and explore what to expect from these other players, including Congress.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Scores of career State Dept. diplomats resign before Trump's inaugurationRubio unanimously confirmed as secretary of State, becoming Trump's first Cabinet officialTrump signs executive order pausing foreign assistance for 3 monthsTrump's pick for U.N. ambassador is Elise Stefanik. Here's what to knowEurope must seek ‘mutually beneficial solutions' post-Trump, Mitsotakis saysAs defence ties strengthen, US assesses Cyprus base

Nick Haines, Brian Ellison, Kris Ketz, Eric Wesson and Dave Helling discuss the inauguration speech of Missouri's new governor Mike Kehoe and his stance on immigration, Gov. Laura Kelly's inauguration speech, the future for Mike Parson after 30 years in elected office, the rising frustration over business break-ins, historic firsts in Johnson and Jackson Counties and sports mania in KC.

We'll have two remarkable union leaders. Laura Kelly (no it isn't the governor of Kansas) from UFCW Local 655 where she's assistant to the president. She says, “the union changed […] The post “The Union Changed My Life” UFCW’s Laura Kelly and Union Leader Series: New KC Federation of Teachers President David Price appeared first on KKFI.

About the Guest:Laura Kelly is a dedicated leader in the nonprofit housing sector, currently serving as an integral part of Holston Habitat for Humanity. With a rich professional history, including eight years at the Appalachia Service Project, Laura brings deep expertise in housing development and policy advocacy. Her work focuses on creating affordable housing solutions and fostering community development. She is actively involved in civic life, contributing to Johnson City's Planning Commission, where she helps shape the city's strategic growth plans.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the podcast, Colin Johnson sits down with Laura Kelly to delve into the inspiring world of Habitat for Humanity and her impactful role within the organization. As they navigate through the nuances of housing challenges and opportunities, Laura shares her journey and passion for serving the community. Listeners gain insight into the strategic efforts of Holston Habitat for Humanity to address housing needs in the Tri-Cities area, unveiling upcoming projects like the new residential neighborhood development.The conversation also covers Laura's background, her career progression from ASP to Habitat, and her active role in the Johnson City Planning Commission. Discussing these roles, Laura highlights the community's involvement in urban development and the importance of proactive planning for sustainable growth. With a unique blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, the episode sheds light on the power of collaborative efforts in addressing systemic housing issues, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how nonprofits can lead socioeconomic change.Key Takeaways:Affordable Housing Advocacy: Laura Kelly emphasizes the critical role of Habitat for Humanity in providing zero-interest mortgages to working-class families, enabling their journey to homeownership.Community-Centric Development: The episode highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in developing new housing areas, such as the upcoming residential neighborhood in Johnson City.Personal and Professional Growth: Laura shares her experiences and the influential mentors who have shaped her career in the nonprofit housing industry.Proactive Urban Planning: As a member of the Planning Commission, Laura discusses the Horizon 2045 plan aimed at managing Johnson City's strategic growth and preserving cultural integrity.Importance of Volunteering: The discussion underscores the personal and communal benefits of volunteering, showcasing how individual contributions can lead to meaningful societal impacts.Notable Quotes:"Our mission is to put God's love into action by building homes, communities, and hope.""Volunteering is so personally satisfying…you think, 'I gave a kid a bedroom and that's so tangible.'""We have strong churches in this area truly walking the walk and making a difference.""I'm really interested in planning and policy…we have a chance to shape our region's future.""Everybody deserves a shot at having a safe place to live."Resources:Holston Habitat for HumanityLaura Kelly's Projects and Initiatives at Holston Habitat for HumanityJohnson City Planning Commission and Horizon 2045 Growth Management PlanListeners are encouraged to explore these resources for more detailed information on topics discussed in the episode. Tune in to the full episode to experience these rich discussions and stay tuned for more insightful episodes from the podcast series.

In Episode 127, hosts Alyce and Laura don't know* what their friends, family or each other do in their corporate jobs. Nor should they. It's none of their business. The Bear's Jeremy Allen White is allegedly joining the Star Wars universe (Variety via The Kristian Harloff Show)Go, Skelly Crew, go! Critics and audiences are really enjoying the new Star Wars series (via Forbes) Collectors, rejoice! There are new toys, I mean, collectible action figures, coming soon! (via SWNN)We feel you, Gizmodo, we're also obsessed with Neel and his Millennial Side Part™Fans are having mixed reaction to the news that Dave Filoni will be the sole writer of Ahsoka season 2 (Comicbook.com via this YouTube interview)A tangent on The Penguin and Southern Louisiana tchotchkes (ever seen that word spelled out before?)With the cold weather and holidays comes more expensive Star Wars apparel for your bougie Vader-loving ass A dramatic reading of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew opening crawlIn Recap on Tap, it's all about the Skelly Crü, skeletonization and Space Grass! Alyce and Laura discuss highlights from episodes 1 and 2 and get into a more thorough recap/review of episode 3 #LetSM33wearapiratehatAre we the only freaks that actually enjoy Order 66 content? Helpful links referenced in this episode:Alyce and Laura joined Sal Perales on the Rogue Rebels podcast for a Spoiler Review and recap of The High Republic: Tears of the Nameless. Find it wherever you get podcasts now (Apple, Spotify)! Speaking of The High Republic, check out Laura's spoiler-free review of the new audio drama, Tempest Breaker on the Force Toast website Kevin Smets, John Rocha and Laura Kelly are reviewing Star Wars: Skeleton Crew on The Jedi Way! Find reviews of Eps 1 and 2 here and the Episode 3 review here!  Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

The C21 Center was excited to host this year's Advent workshop on December 3rd via Zoom! This virtual workshop was led with author, speaker, founder of Mothering Spirit, and friend of C21, Laura Kelly Fanucci. Laura introduced participants to the prayer practice of lectio divina using Advent Scripture of Mary's Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38). The workshop was inspired by the themes of “slowing down in Advent” and “preparing by listening to God,” in which participants learned about and practice lectio divina as a new or renewed prayer practice to use during Advent and take into the New Year. Find each resource mentioned in the workshop below: Lectio Divina Workshop Guide: https://issuu.com/church21c/docs/listening_to_god_in_advent_workshop_guide_-_lectio Saint John's Bible for visio divina: https://saintjohnsbible.org/See/Explore The Ritual App with Kathleen Cahalan's daily lectio: https://www.ritual.io/ Example of a Catholic journaling Bible: https://a.co/d/dgd5p8k Free small program with Group Lectio Divina: Called to Life from the Collegeville Institute: https://collegevilleinstitute.org/vocation-projects/resources-for-congregations/called-to-life/ Praying lectio with kids (From Mothering Spirit): https://motheringspirit.com/2015/10/how-to-pray-lectio-divina-with-kids/ Date of event: December 3, 2024 Learn more about the C21 Center and our resources: Website: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/centers/church21.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c21center/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C21Center/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/C21Center LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104167883 Email: church21@bc.edu 

"All we have to do is open up our lives in small ways to receive the Christ Child again. To say yes like Mary. To let our plans be turned upside down like Joseph. To welcome even the strangest of nudges in prayer, like the call to do less — to stop rushing, slow down, and seek the voice of the God we wait to welcome again.If you care to join me on the couch this Advent, feel free to shove aside whatever mess you find and make yourself comfortable. Slowly, quietly, surely, God will meet us right where we are, all over again."Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=250004--Whether you're looking for the perfect gift to place under the tree or a little something special for yourself, DaySpring's Cyber Week Sales will not disappoint. From inspirational books and practical planners to faith-filled decor and mugs with meaningful messages and more... there's something for everyone on your list. Shop dayspring.com and make the most of Cyber Week savings - and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase!! Hurry, sales end Monday, December 10.The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly shares what she'll focus on accomplishing over her last two years in office as she faces an even stronger GOP legislative supermajority. Plus political headlines from across the metro.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, still has two years left in her term. She'll be heading to Topeka with another Republican legislative supermajority to work with. Despite calls from some, Kelly says she's not considering a U.S. Senate run in 2026.

"While we long to leap into action when our loved one is hurting, what people need most often is our presence. We want to bring casseroles and cards. We want to cook for them, clean their house, and care for their kids. We want to buy them funny socks, thoughtful books, comfy blankets, or beautiful flowers.But the truth is that when your life is falling apart, what matters most is to know that you aren't alone. To have friends who will stay with you even when they don't know what to say."Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=249270--In just 21 days, you can begin living a life of passion, purpose, and fulfillment with the 21-Day Unlock: Discovering Your God-Given Purposes digital course by accomplished writer and entrepreneur Melissa Horvath. Say goodbye to feeling lost and hello to a life with a renewed sense of purpose! Sign up at dayspring.com – and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase!The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

Gov. Laura Kelly predicts voters in the Nov. 5 election will enable Democrats to claim at least two more seats in the Kansas House and three more seats in the Kansas Senate to eliminate the two-thirds supermajority held by Republicans at the Statehouse.

In Episode 124, hosts Alyce and Laura revel* in the rizz (yeah, we know cool slang) of Spooky Season! - Alyce is watching everything and Laura won't watch anything new- Coming to an apocalyptic future soon, probably: cryo-frozen celebrity zombies  - How money could be better spent: new recurring segment, perhaps? - It wasn't for us, but if The Acolyte was for you and you want your voice heard in the call for a second season, here are some helpful links: petition, letter template- Jodie Turner-Smith calls Disney on its sh-t in Glamour UK- The Hollywood Reporter asks if Disney is bad at Star Wars and, regardless of the answer, the article is at least a comprehensive recap of how we got here- On that note, apparently toxic fandom is a thing in other fandoms too (not just Star Wars). - The Art of The High Republic Vol. II finalizes its cover… oh, and it's release has been delayed- Mando Maybe-Spoilers? Allegedly some plot details of The Mandalorian and Grogu have leaked and all of them SUCK. Skip 40:05-45:05 to avoid this section.- Recap on Tap: after a delay or two, all 4 issues of The High Republic Adventures: Saber For Hire are finally out! We didn't realize how much we've missed having Ty Yorrick in our lives. Join us as we discuss the comic mini-series issue by issue [skip 45:55-1:15:20 to avoid spoilers]Helpful links referenced in this episode:- Kevin Smets, John Rocha and Laura Kelly discuss the epidemic of toxicity in fandom and possibility of more live-action Obi-Wan on the October 9th episode of The Jedi Way Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

Democrats in Kansas hope that 2024 is the year they finally break the Republican supermajority in the Kansas Legislature, which has been able to override Gov. Laura Kelly's veto on several key issues.

There is a critical need to reform the international financial architecture (IFA) – the framework of institutions, policies, rules and practices that govern the global financial system. In the episode, IIED's Laura Kelly and Mohsen Gul set the scene by explaining why the IFA needs to be fit for purpose and work for everyone, including the least developed countries (LDCs), and why discussions around IFA reforms must include the voices of lower-income countries, LDCs and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). IIED's chief economist Paul Steele then outlines three priorities for reform of the IFA. We also hear from IIED's Ritu Bharadwaj who discusses the Global SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service, co-designed by IIED to alleviate crippling levels of debt and build economic resilience, and IIED partner Isatou Camara, who calls for faster and more accessible funding to reach the most vulnerable countries.

What if you could transform your life's challenges into stepping stones for success? This episode of the Successful Life Podcast promises to unveil the secrets to doing just that with the help of our extraordinary guest, Laura Kelly. Laura's journey from Ireland to the United States is packed with lessons on relationships, personal growth, and maintaining a winning mindset. As she shares her powerful growth acronym, you'll gain actionable insights that are sure to resonate both personally and professionally. Her recent social media post, addressing the reality of mental health struggles, serves as a poignant reminder of the courage it takes to be vulnerable and the strength found in doing so.We delve into crucial discussions on recognizing and managing personal challenges like bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and anxiety. Laura and I explore the importance of self-awareness and how it leads to effective treatment and a more fulfilling life. You'll learn valuable strategies for improving your "say-do" ratio and prioritizing self-care, setting the stage for overcoming hardships. Hear firsthand about the excitement and trepidation of attending life-changing self-improvement events and the transformative power they hold.From navigating the fine line between not drinking and true sobriety to embracing spirituality and prayer for inner wisdom, this episode covers it all. We wrap up with a deep dive into the concept of living in the "gain" rather than the "gap," inspired by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan's book, "The Gap and the Gain." Laura and I share personal anecdotes and practical advice that underscore the importance of gratitude and delegating tasks to the right people. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that promises to guide you toward a more successful and fulfilling life.https://www.growwithclover.com Support the show https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1https://bit.ly/4bFz4yc https://www.housecallpro.com/successullifehttps://www.facebook.com/corey.berrier https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/

"We need to love our neighbor and our enemy everywhere. When I get lost online and have to find my bearings again, I try to remember what has helped me in the past.   1. Pray before you post.  2. Take a deep breath to ground yourself in the Holy Spirit.  3. Forgive others and ask for forgiveness.  4. Look to wise leaders.  5. Keep Jesus's welcome and wisdom before your eyes.  We can never know what is going on behind someone's screen. Behind Internet bravado or cyberbullying stands a broken, hurting human — every single time. And while we never have to accept abuse or injustice, we can learn to become wiser in the ways we live and move and have our being online. We can follow Paul's instructions and encouragement, to live a Christian life no matter where we are."Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=248587--It's always a great day when a little Hope & Encouragement comes your way. . . especially during National Day of Encouragement, coming up next week! To celebrate, DaySpring is giving away a free card & a fun surprise with every order, while supplies last. Place your order today at dayspring.com - and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your order! The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

This week on Face the Nation, we sit down for an in-depth discussion with Republican vice presidential candidate, Ohio Senator JD Vance… With 86 days until Election Day, we speak to Kansas Democrat Laura Kelly about her party's chances of success in the Heartland… And we take a closer look at the state of the economy with Bank of America CEO, Brian Moynihan… Finally, we talk with retired General Frank McKenzie on what a potential retaliation from Iran and its proxies would mean for an already volatile situation in the Middle East.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tim Walz Is In As VPIn terms of prediction he was someone folks liked plenty but came on strong later in the processOwns no stock: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/07/walz-stocks-real-estate-harris-election.htmlRise no accident: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/07/us/politics/tim-walz-kamala-harris-2024.htmlMilitary record issue?https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/08/07/tim-walz-military-record/Trump said Walz did well in 2020 and now trying to attack him on riots after George Floyd murder: https://abcnews.go.com/US/despite-new-criticism-trump-told-walz-2020-happy/story?id=112616502Dem floor leader, Rep. Crystal Quade takes on Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe in Missouri gov racehttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/crystal-quade-captures-democratic-nomination-for-missouri-governor/Marion Co. Newspaper Raid Will Result In chargeshttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/05/special-prosecutors-plan-to-file-criminal-charge-against-police-chief-who-led-marion-raid/Kansas Dem Gov. Laura Kelly replaces Tim Walz as head of  Dem Gov. Association: https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/07/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-assumes-leadership-of-democratic-governors-association/ @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) 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/

Tim Walz Is In As VPIn terms of prediction he was someone folks liked plenty but came on strong later in the processOwns no stock: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/07/walz-stocks-real-estate-harris-election.htmlRise no accident: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/07/us/politics/tim-walz-kamala-harris-2024.htmlMilitary record issue?https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/08/07/tim-walz-military-record/Trump said Walz did well in 2020 and now trying to attack him on riots after George Floyd murder: https://abcnews.go.com/US/despite-new-criticism-trump-told-walz-2020-happy/story?id=112616502Dem floor leader, Rep. Crystal Quade takes on Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe in Missouri gov racehttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/crystal-quade-captures-democratic-nomination-for-missouri-governor/Marion Co. Newspaper Raid Will Result In chargeshttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/05/special-prosecutors-plan-to-file-criminal-charge-against-police-chief-who-led-marion-raid/Kansas Dem Gov. Laura Kelly replaces Tim Walz as head of  Dem Gov. Association: https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/07/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-assumes-leadership-of-democratic-governors-association/ @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) 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/

Mom and author Laura Kelly Fanucci shares how her twin pregnancy was a surprise, as was their diagnosis of twin-to-twin transfusion. She shares how surgery was initially thought to aid in their development, but when it didn't. Laura tenderly explains how her family walked through grief and found joy and purpose again, amidst deep suffering.  

"Chaos is only — and always — the start of the story. Morning sickness, messy first drafts, and even the Monday school rush have taught me that beginnings can be difficult. But we can't lose heart when we encounter chaos. God might be drawing near in ways we can't see, hovering close to our murky waters. Every masterpiece starts with a sketch, and even chaos can be the first step to something beautiful coming next."Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=240323--It may be July, but we're dreaming of Christmas. Why? Because we believe that the spirit of Christmas is something we can celebrate all year round as we "Spread Cheer All Year!" Get a sneak peek of the delightful new items for the upcoming holiday season and shop the Christmas Preview Collection today at dayspring.com. Use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your purchase!The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

The Heartland POD, Friday June 21, 2024Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kanas City Chiefs and RoyalsRather than preside over clown show convention, IL GOP chair resignsIllinois families cheer $300 state Child Tax CreditDems confident, Republicans morose in ongoing IVF battleThis week in ‘unforced errors' Trump calls Milwaukee a ‘horrible city' causing his pollster to be… also morose. We're glad to have you with us. If you're new to our shows make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating wherever you listen. You can also find Heartland POD content on Youtube and on social media @ THE heartland pod, and learn more at https://theheartlandcollective.comLots to do, so let's go! Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kansas City Chiefs, RoyalsBY: ALLISON KITE - JUNE 18, 2024 3:26 PM   Brady Singer of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium in April. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images).TOPEKA — The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to move from Missouri and build new stadiums across the state line under legislation passed Tuesday by Kansas lawmakers.The House voted 84-38 and the Senate voted 27-8 to approve legislation that would expand a state incentive program in an attempt to lure one or both teams from Kansas City. The bill now heads to Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, who said in a statement following the Senate vote that the effort to bring the teams to Kansas “shows we're all-in on keeping our beloved teams in the Kansas City metro.”“Kansas now has the opportunity to become a professional sports powerhouse with the Chiefs and Royals potentially joining Sporting KC as major league attractions, all with robust, revenue-generating entertainment districts surrounding them providing new jobs, new visitors and new revenues that boost the Kansas economy,” Kelly said.Neither team has promised to move to Kansas, though both actively lobbied for the legislation's passage. The Chiefs said in a statement that the team appreciated Kansas leaders reaching out for input on the legislation.“We look forward to exploring the options this legislation may provide,” the statement said. The Royals said the team was grateful to the legislature for its vote. “The Kansas City Royals look forward to additional conversations as we evaluate where we will play baseball in the future,” the team said. “We will always prioritize the best interests of our fans, associates and taxpayers in this process.”State Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, said during debate in the House that Missouri had a history of losing professional sports teams and implored fellow House members to pass the legislation.“I ask you today, do you really want to put that type of an economic generation in the hands of the state of Missouri?” Tarwater said just before the vote.Rep. Sean Tarwater speaks on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives in favor of expanding economic incentives in an attempt to bring the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals to Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)Passage of the bill represents a monumental step in Kansas lawmakers' attempts to court the teams. Both teams have signaled a willingness to move from their current stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.While neither team has announced a proposed site for a Kansas stadium, legislators speculated it could land in Wyandotte County near the Sporting KC soccer stadium, NASCAR track and outlet shops.“We have the history of building amazing projects that have brought in retail commerce, restaurants, hotels and have improved an area that was largely just a field and turned it into a tax-generating machine for our state,” said Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican.The legislation, he said, would put Kansas in a “very good position to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals in the Kansas City metro area.”The bill, which was not voted on by any legislative committee, would expand the state's Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond program, which is meant to help finance tourism and entertainment districts to help pay for a professional football or baseball stadium of at least $1 billion.A developer building a stadium under the program would be eligible to finance up to 70% of the project cost by issuing bonds and repaying them with the increased sales tax collections from the stadium site. The expansion would have initially allowed up to 75% of project costs but was tweaked before introduction. Debt on a stadium constructed under the expansion wouldn't have to be repaid for 30 years instead of the normal 20.The project could also receive a boost from liquor taxes generated in the STAR Bond district and revenues from a fund Kansas created when it legalized sports betting.During House debate, Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Hutchinson Republican, argued subsidized stadiums never generate the economic activity that they promise. He was alarmed by what he called “minimal transparency” in the deal-making process laid out in the legislation.The bill says any agreement between the state and a team would be confidential until after it has been executed.Waggoner called the legislation “bad public policy.”“This is not your mother's STAR Bonds,” Waggoner said. “This is a jacked up super-sized version of STAR Bonds.”Patrick Mahomes throws pass against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022. Kansas lawmakers could offer the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals millions of dollars in tax incentives to move from Missouri to Kansas. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images).The bill limits the eligibility to National Football League or Major League Baseball teams currently near Kansas. The financing mechanism could be used for both stadiums and training facilities.Both teams have pressed lawmakers in recent weeks to pass the bill with representatives from the Royals hosting dinner for Democratic lawmakers at a steakhouse Monday night and the Chiefs throwing a lunchtime block party Tuesday steps from the Capitol.Earlier this month, a nonprofit called Scoop and Score Inc. launched to advocate for a Kansas stadium deal. The organization, which does not have to disclose its donors, hired 30 lobbyists to advocate for the STAR Bond expansion legislation. In a statement, former Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a lobbyist for Scoop and Score and the Chiefs, said the Legislature “stepped up in a big way, paving the path to make sure the Chiefs stay right where they belong — in Kansas City with their loyal fans.”“The votes show overwhelming bipartisan support because Kansas lawmakers know what the Chiefs mean to us and how big of an economic opportunity this is for Kansas,” Ryckman said.Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignationAfter 3 ½ years as ILGOP chair, Don Tracy cites intraparty fighting as reason for quittingBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comHalfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party.Tracy, who'd held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in a two-page letter that cited intraparty “power struggles.” He also said he is concerned about the direction the party is taking under the current membership of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee – a 17-person body that steers the ILGOP, with one member elected from each congressional district.“In better days, Illinois Republicans came together after tough intra party elections,” Tracy wrote. “Now however, we have Republicans who would rather fight other Republicans than engage in the harder work of defeating incumbent Democrats by convincing swing voters to vote Republican.”Tracy was narrowly elected Illinois Republican Party chair in the wake of the 2020 election and Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol by those who sought to stop certification of the election for its winner, President Joe Biden, over former President Donald Trump. Even as Republicans publicly reckoned with the events of Jan. 6, hardline conservatives on the state central committee were pushing for a more ardent supporter of Trump and his politics than the previous chair, who was hand-picked by former Gov. Bruce Rauner.Instead, the party got Tracy, another Rauner ally who served as chair of the Illinois Gaming Board during the one-term governor's administration. Tracy had unsuccessfully run for lieutenant governor in 2010, and in 2002, he lost a bid for a state Senate seat – but as a Democrat.Tracy's electoral history, as well as his experience as an attorney and co-owner of his family's food distribution business, fit the mold of previous ILGOP chairs in a state where fiscally conservative and socially moderate suburban Republicans for decades were a political powerhouse.But as Republican politics have changed both nationally and in Illinois, Tracy's run as party chair proved tumultuous.Additionally, Tracy wrote that he was “concerned about the current infatuation” of some state central committee members “with certain individuals they call ‘grass roots' leaders.”One such self-proclaimed grassroots Republican, former state Sen. Darren Bailey, celebrated Tracy's resignation on social media Wednesday, calling it a “cleansing” of the state GOP.“Fake republicans got us into this mess,” wrote Bailey, who earlier this year lost a primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022. “Real Republicans standing firm will get us out!!!”Read more: Dems seek unity as new, former chair take no questions from media after party voteDemocrats panned the state GOP as “defined by a litany of electoral disasters, constant infighting, meager fundraising, and a strict adherence to a losing set of anti-choice, anti-worker, pro-Trump policies.”“While we don't expect new leadership to change any of that, we do wish the best of luck to the inevitable MAGA extremist who will succeed Don Tracy as Chair,” the party said.Tracy's letter indicated he would resign upon the election of a successor, “preferably no later than” July 19 – the day after the RNC is scheduled to conclude. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?(Capitol News Illinois illustration by Andrew Adams)Thursday, June 13, 2024$50M tax credit program will provide up to roughly $300 for low-income familiesBy ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.comIn the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children. The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although it has exceptions, that credit is generally available to married couples earning up to about $60,000 and single people earning up to about $50,000, depending on the number of children they have. For taxes on 2024 income, the tax credit will cap at just over $300 for tax filers with three or more children who meet certain income requirements. Taxpayers with two children face a cap of about $270 and taxpayers with one child face a cap of about $170. The child tax credit equates to 20 percent of the state's EITC, which allows Illinois taxpayers a credit equal to 20 percent of the federal EITC. Starting in tax year 2025, the state's child tax credit will double to 40 percent of the state EITC, meaning that it will max out at a bit over $600 for families with three children. Because the federal tax credit that determines its size is tied to inflation, the actual size of future years' child tax credits is yet to be determined. In its first year, the program is expected to cost the state $50 million, with a cost of about $100 million in subsequent years. The idea of a permanent child tax credit in Illinois has been floated for several years, with various proposals being put forward by legislators in the General Assembly as well as advocacy groups and think tanks. Gov. JB Pritzker pitched a child tax credit in his proposed budget earlier this year that was smaller than the version that passed in the final budget. It would have applied to children under three years old and cost about $12 million. Proponents of the idea say that in addition to helping low-income families, programs like this help local economies. “Every dollar we invest in the child tax credit is immediately spent locally,” Erion Malasi, the policy director for Economic Security for Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois. Researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a labor movement-affiliated think tank, found in a January report that child tax credits have a higher economic impact than cuts to corporate income taxes or to capital gains taxes. That report also cited several research teams that found the temporary expansion to the federal child tax credit between 2021 and 2023 reduced child poverty in the U.S. by between 25 and 36 percent. That credit provided an additional $1,000 per child on top of an existing $2,000 credit, with increases for younger children. State Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, sponsored legislation that would have created a $300 million child tax credit program that was more expansive than the version that passed. Aquino told Capitol News Illinois he will be watching the rollout of the child tax credit to see if there is room for an “expansion” in future budget years or if there is a route for the credit to be automatically applied for qualifying taxpayers. The Illinois Department of Revenue is working on guidance for next year's filing season and will provide information about how to claim the child tax credit on its website. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Kansas' Davids lauds court decision on abortion pill; Marshall critiques Democrats' IVF billBY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 13, 2024 4:56 PM   U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, applauded a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to turn aside a lawsuit seeking to direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to significantly limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of an attempt to undermine the federal Food and Drug Administration's authorization of a widely available abortion medication wouldn't be the final act by opponents of reproductive rights.On Thursday, the Supreme Court said the plaintiffs, comprised of anti-abortion physicians and organizations, didn't have standing to pursue the lawsuit against the FDA aimed at curtailing access to the drug mifepristone. It's possible other plaintiffs capable of showing they were harmed by availability of the pill could challenge FDA approval of the drug. It is used in approximately half of all abortions in the United States.“I will always stand with Kansans who overwhelmingly rejected extremist attempts to limit reproductive health care access,” said Davids, the 3rd District Democrat. “Yet, for the second year in a row, a vital and safe reproductive health care medication was under attack, threatening to strip Kansans' ability to freely make health care decisions that are best for their families and futures.”Davids said the Supreme Court opinion was “a victory for our freedoms,” but the legal fight regarding abortion access was far from over. She vowed to continue opposing attempts to “interfere in our most private health care decisions.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, signed an amicus brief urging federal courts to rule the FDA overstepped its authority years ago in regard to use of mifepristone. U.S. Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, signed a brief that argued the Supreme Court should reverse the FDA.These Kansas lawmakers said the FDA's action to deregulate “chemical abortion drugs” subverted Congress' public policy interests and patient welfare.Mifepristone, which is authorized for up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, was part of two-drug regimen that included misoprostol as the second pharmaceutical.Meanwhile, both U.S. senators from Kansas, Republicans Jerry Moran and Marshall, voted Thursday to block legislation offered by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois that would affirm the right of women attempting to become pregnant to seek fertility treatments that included in vitro fertilization or IVF.The Senate vote on that measure was 48-47, short of the 60 votes required to advance the measure.On Wednesday, Marshall said the Duckworth bill contained “poison pills” that violated the religious freedom of physicians and would unnecessarily broaden access to reproductive technology. He praised a piece of IVF legislation sponsored by Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.Marshall, a physician who delivered babies for 30 years in Kansas said, “The country needs to know that Republicans believe in IVF. I happen to believe IVF is a gift from God.”Sean: Unfortunately for Senator Marshall, he doesn't speak for all Republicans, many of whom are far out of the mainstream on whether they believe families should be able to access IVF.And today in unforced errors…Trump tells House Republicans Milwaukee is a ‘horrible city'BY: HENRY REDMAN - JUNE 13, 2024 10:51 AM   Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Wednesday, May 1, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)In a closed door meeting with Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald Trump reportedly called Milwaukee, the location of this summer's Republican National Convention, a “horrible city.” Trump's comments were reported by Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman. “Milwaukee, where we are having our convention, is a horrible city,” Trump is reported to have said on Thursday. The former president visited Wisconsin in May, holding a rally in Waukesha. During that visit, he talked about the RNC coming to Milwaukee, making fun of Democrats — who planned to hold the 2020 Democratic National Convention in the city but canceled it due to the COVID-19 pandemic — for not showing up to the city. Wisconsin's House Republicans responded to the report with varying stories about what happened. Rep. Glenn Grothman told reporters Trump was talking about “election integrity” in large urban centers, Rep. Derrick Van Orden said the report was a lie and that Trump was talking about the city's crime rate and Rep. Bryan Steil denied that Trump made the comment at all.In response to the comment, Democrats said if Trump doesn't like Milwaukee, he doesn't need to come. “If Donald Trump hates Milwaukee so much, we have one message for him: don't come, we won't miss you — your campaign is barely here in the first place,” Democratic National Committee spokesperson Addy Toevs said in a statement. “In November, Wisconsinites will show Trump how the dislike is mutual and will reject him again once and for all.”Other Democrats touted Milwaukee's beer, food and sports teams while connecting the comments to regular Republican attacks against Wisconsin's largest and most diverse city.“Donald Trump attacking the great city of Milwaukee as a ‘horrible city' exactly one month before he shuffles out on stage at the Fiserv reflects the backward, twisted man Donald Trump has always been,” Wisconsin Democratic Party Vice Chair Felesia Martin said. “With entertainment, recreation and a quality of life that is unparalleled — to say nothing of a great basketball team — I am blessed to call Milwaukee home. We're used to Republican politicians like Donald Trump showing nothing but contempt for Milwaukee and the folks who live here: they know our power, and they're afraid of the city we are building here, together. Once again, Trump has demonstrated why he should not be elected to the highest office in the land. He does not possess the discipline, respect, thoughtfulness, nor the maturity necessary to lead our country.”Trump is expected to visit southeastern Wisconsin again next week, for a planned rally in Racine on Tuesday. Because he knows if he wants to be president again, he has to win there. Wild. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) 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, Friday June 21, 2024Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kanas City Chiefs and RoyalsRather than preside over clown show convention, IL GOP chair resignsIllinois families cheer $300 state Child Tax CreditDems confident, Republicans morose in ongoing IVF battleThis week in ‘unforced errors' Trump calls Milwaukee a ‘horrible city' causing his pollster to be… also morose. We're glad to have you with us. If you're new to our shows make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating wherever you listen. You can also find Heartland POD content on Youtube and on social media @ THE heartland pod, and learn more at https://theheartlandcollective.comLots to do, so let's go! Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kansas City Chiefs, RoyalsBY: ALLISON KITE - JUNE 18, 2024 3:26 PM   Brady Singer of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium in April. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images).TOPEKA — The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to move from Missouri and build new stadiums across the state line under legislation passed Tuesday by Kansas lawmakers.The House voted 84-38 and the Senate voted 27-8 to approve legislation that would expand a state incentive program in an attempt to lure one or both teams from Kansas City. The bill now heads to Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, who said in a statement following the Senate vote that the effort to bring the teams to Kansas “shows we're all-in on keeping our beloved teams in the Kansas City metro.”“Kansas now has the opportunity to become a professional sports powerhouse with the Chiefs and Royals potentially joining Sporting KC as major league attractions, all with robust, revenue-generating entertainment districts surrounding them providing new jobs, new visitors and new revenues that boost the Kansas economy,” Kelly said.Neither team has promised to move to Kansas, though both actively lobbied for the legislation's passage. The Chiefs said in a statement that the team appreciated Kansas leaders reaching out for input on the legislation.“We look forward to exploring the options this legislation may provide,” the statement said. The Royals said the team was grateful to the legislature for its vote. “The Kansas City Royals look forward to additional conversations as we evaluate where we will play baseball in the future,” the team said. “We will always prioritize the best interests of our fans, associates and taxpayers in this process.”State Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, said during debate in the House that Missouri had a history of losing professional sports teams and implored fellow House members to pass the legislation.“I ask you today, do you really want to put that type of an economic generation in the hands of the state of Missouri?” Tarwater said just before the vote.Rep. Sean Tarwater speaks on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives in favor of expanding economic incentives in an attempt to bring the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals to Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)Passage of the bill represents a monumental step in Kansas lawmakers' attempts to court the teams. Both teams have signaled a willingness to move from their current stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.While neither team has announced a proposed site for a Kansas stadium, legislators speculated it could land in Wyandotte County near the Sporting KC soccer stadium, NASCAR track and outlet shops.“We have the history of building amazing projects that have brought in retail commerce, restaurants, hotels and have improved an area that was largely just a field and turned it into a tax-generating machine for our state,” said Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican.The legislation, he said, would put Kansas in a “very good position to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals in the Kansas City metro area.”The bill, which was not voted on by any legislative committee, would expand the state's Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond program, which is meant to help finance tourism and entertainment districts to help pay for a professional football or baseball stadium of at least $1 billion.A developer building a stadium under the program would be eligible to finance up to 70% of the project cost by issuing bonds and repaying them with the increased sales tax collections from the stadium site. The expansion would have initially allowed up to 75% of project costs but was tweaked before introduction. Debt on a stadium constructed under the expansion wouldn't have to be repaid for 30 years instead of the normal 20.The project could also receive a boost from liquor taxes generated in the STAR Bond district and revenues from a fund Kansas created when it legalized sports betting.During House debate, Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Hutchinson Republican, argued subsidized stadiums never generate the economic activity that they promise. He was alarmed by what he called “minimal transparency” in the deal-making process laid out in the legislation.The bill says any agreement between the state and a team would be confidential until after it has been executed.Waggoner called the legislation “bad public policy.”“This is not your mother's STAR Bonds,” Waggoner said. “This is a jacked up super-sized version of STAR Bonds.”Patrick Mahomes throws pass against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022. Kansas lawmakers could offer the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals millions of dollars in tax incentives to move from Missouri to Kansas. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images).The bill limits the eligibility to National Football League or Major League Baseball teams currently near Kansas. The financing mechanism could be used for both stadiums and training facilities.Both teams have pressed lawmakers in recent weeks to pass the bill with representatives from the Royals hosting dinner for Democratic lawmakers at a steakhouse Monday night and the Chiefs throwing a lunchtime block party Tuesday steps from the Capitol.Earlier this month, a nonprofit called Scoop and Score Inc. launched to advocate for a Kansas stadium deal. The organization, which does not have to disclose its donors, hired 30 lobbyists to advocate for the STAR Bond expansion legislation. In a statement, former Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a lobbyist for Scoop and Score and the Chiefs, said the Legislature “stepped up in a big way, paving the path to make sure the Chiefs stay right where they belong — in Kansas City with their loyal fans.”“The votes show overwhelming bipartisan support because Kansas lawmakers know what the Chiefs mean to us and how big of an economic opportunity this is for Kansas,” Ryckman said.Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignationAfter 3 ½ years as ILGOP chair, Don Tracy cites intraparty fighting as reason for quittingBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comHalfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party.Tracy, who'd held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in a two-page letter that cited intraparty “power struggles.” He also said he is concerned about the direction the party is taking under the current membership of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee – a 17-person body that steers the ILGOP, with one member elected from each congressional district.“In better days, Illinois Republicans came together after tough intra party elections,” Tracy wrote. “Now however, we have Republicans who would rather fight other Republicans than engage in the harder work of defeating incumbent Democrats by convincing swing voters to vote Republican.”Tracy was narrowly elected Illinois Republican Party chair in the wake of the 2020 election and Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol by those who sought to stop certification of the election for its winner, President Joe Biden, over former President Donald Trump. Even as Republicans publicly reckoned with the events of Jan. 6, hardline conservatives on the state central committee were pushing for a more ardent supporter of Trump and his politics than the previous chair, who was hand-picked by former Gov. Bruce Rauner.Instead, the party got Tracy, another Rauner ally who served as chair of the Illinois Gaming Board during the one-term governor's administration. Tracy had unsuccessfully run for lieutenant governor in 2010, and in 2002, he lost a bid for a state Senate seat – but as a Democrat.Tracy's electoral history, as well as his experience as an attorney and co-owner of his family's food distribution business, fit the mold of previous ILGOP chairs in a state where fiscally conservative and socially moderate suburban Republicans for decades were a political powerhouse.But as Republican politics have changed both nationally and in Illinois, Tracy's run as party chair proved tumultuous.Additionally, Tracy wrote that he was “concerned about the current infatuation” of some state central committee members “with certain individuals they call ‘grass roots' leaders.”One such self-proclaimed grassroots Republican, former state Sen. Darren Bailey, celebrated Tracy's resignation on social media Wednesday, calling it a “cleansing” of the state GOP.“Fake republicans got us into this mess,” wrote Bailey, who earlier this year lost a primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022. “Real Republicans standing firm will get us out!!!”Read more: Dems seek unity as new, former chair take no questions from media after party voteDemocrats panned the state GOP as “defined by a litany of electoral disasters, constant infighting, meager fundraising, and a strict adherence to a losing set of anti-choice, anti-worker, pro-Trump policies.”“While we don't expect new leadership to change any of that, we do wish the best of luck to the inevitable MAGA extremist who will succeed Don Tracy as Chair,” the party said.Tracy's letter indicated he would resign upon the election of a successor, “preferably no later than” July 19 – the day after the RNC is scheduled to conclude. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?(Capitol News Illinois illustration by Andrew Adams)Thursday, June 13, 2024$50M tax credit program will provide up to roughly $300 for low-income familiesBy ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.comIn the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children. The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although it has exceptions, that credit is generally available to married couples earning up to about $60,000 and single people earning up to about $50,000, depending on the number of children they have. For taxes on 2024 income, the tax credit will cap at just over $300 for tax filers with three or more children who meet certain income requirements. Taxpayers with two children face a cap of about $270 and taxpayers with one child face a cap of about $170. The child tax credit equates to 20 percent of the state's EITC, which allows Illinois taxpayers a credit equal to 20 percent of the federal EITC. Starting in tax year 2025, the state's child tax credit will double to 40 percent of the state EITC, meaning that it will max out at a bit over $600 for families with three children. Because the federal tax credit that determines its size is tied to inflation, the actual size of future years' child tax credits is yet to be determined. In its first year, the program is expected to cost the state $50 million, with a cost of about $100 million in subsequent years. The idea of a permanent child tax credit in Illinois has been floated for several years, with various proposals being put forward by legislators in the General Assembly as well as advocacy groups and think tanks. Gov. JB Pritzker pitched a child tax credit in his proposed budget earlier this year that was smaller than the version that passed in the final budget. It would have applied to children under three years old and cost about $12 million. Proponents of the idea say that in addition to helping low-income families, programs like this help local economies. “Every dollar we invest in the child tax credit is immediately spent locally,” Erion Malasi, the policy director for Economic Security for Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois. Researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a labor movement-affiliated think tank, found in a January report that child tax credits have a higher economic impact than cuts to corporate income taxes or to capital gains taxes. That report also cited several research teams that found the temporary expansion to the federal child tax credit between 2021 and 2023 reduced child poverty in the U.S. by between 25 and 36 percent. That credit provided an additional $1,000 per child on top of an existing $2,000 credit, with increases for younger children. State Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, sponsored legislation that would have created a $300 million child tax credit program that was more expansive than the version that passed. Aquino told Capitol News Illinois he will be watching the rollout of the child tax credit to see if there is room for an “expansion” in future budget years or if there is a route for the credit to be automatically applied for qualifying taxpayers. The Illinois Department of Revenue is working on guidance for next year's filing season and will provide information about how to claim the child tax credit on its website. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Kansas' Davids lauds court decision on abortion pill; Marshall critiques Democrats' IVF billBY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 13, 2024 4:56 PM   U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, applauded a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to turn aside a lawsuit seeking to direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to significantly limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of an attempt to undermine the federal Food and Drug Administration's authorization of a widely available abortion medication wouldn't be the final act by opponents of reproductive rights.On Thursday, the Supreme Court said the plaintiffs, comprised of anti-abortion physicians and organizations, didn't have standing to pursue the lawsuit against the FDA aimed at curtailing access to the drug mifepristone. It's possible other plaintiffs capable of showing they were harmed by availability of the pill could challenge FDA approval of the drug. It is used in approximately half of all abortions in the United States.“I will always stand with Kansans who overwhelmingly rejected extremist attempts to limit reproductive health care access,” said Davids, the 3rd District Democrat. “Yet, for the second year in a row, a vital and safe reproductive health care medication was under attack, threatening to strip Kansans' ability to freely make health care decisions that are best for their families and futures.”Davids said the Supreme Court opinion was “a victory for our freedoms,” but the legal fight regarding abortion access was far from over. She vowed to continue opposing attempts to “interfere in our most private health care decisions.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, signed an amicus brief urging federal courts to rule the FDA overstepped its authority years ago in regard to use of mifepristone. U.S. Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, signed a brief that argued the Supreme Court should reverse the FDA.These Kansas lawmakers said the FDA's action to deregulate “chemical abortion drugs” subverted Congress' public policy interests and patient welfare.Mifepristone, which is authorized for up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, was part of two-drug regimen that included misoprostol as the second pharmaceutical.Meanwhile, both U.S. senators from Kansas, Republicans Jerry Moran and Marshall, voted Thursday to block legislation offered by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois that would affirm the right of women attempting to become pregnant to seek fertility treatments that included in vitro fertilization or IVF.The Senate vote on that measure was 48-47, short of the 60 votes required to advance the measure.On Wednesday, Marshall said the Duckworth bill contained “poison pills” that violated the religious freedom of physicians and would unnecessarily broaden access to reproductive technology. He praised a piece of IVF legislation sponsored by Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.Marshall, a physician who delivered babies for 30 years in Kansas said, “The country needs to know that Republicans believe in IVF. I happen to believe IVF is a gift from God.”Sean: Unfortunately for Senator Marshall, he doesn't speak for all Republicans, many of whom are far out of the mainstream on whether they believe families should be able to access IVF.And today in unforced errors…Trump tells House Republicans Milwaukee is a ‘horrible city'BY: HENRY REDMAN - JUNE 13, 2024 10:51 AM   Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Wednesday, May 1, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)In a closed door meeting with Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald Trump reportedly called Milwaukee, the location of this summer's Republican National Convention, a “horrible city.” Trump's comments were reported by Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman. “Milwaukee, where we are having our convention, is a horrible city,” Trump is reported to have said on Thursday. The former president visited Wisconsin in May, holding a rally in Waukesha. During that visit, he talked about the RNC coming to Milwaukee, making fun of Democrats — who planned to hold the 2020 Democratic National Convention in the city but canceled it due to the COVID-19 pandemic — for not showing up to the city. Wisconsin's House Republicans responded to the report with varying stories about what happened. Rep. Glenn Grothman told reporters Trump was talking about “election integrity” in large urban centers, Rep. Derrick Van Orden said the report was a lie and that Trump was talking about the city's crime rate and Rep. Bryan Steil denied that Trump made the comment at all.In response to the comment, Democrats said if Trump doesn't like Milwaukee, he doesn't need to come. “If Donald Trump hates Milwaukee so much, we have one message for him: don't come, we won't miss you — your campaign is barely here in the first place,” Democratic National Committee spokesperson Addy Toevs said in a statement. “In November, Wisconsinites will show Trump how the dislike is mutual and will reject him again once and for all.”Other Democrats touted Milwaukee's beer, food and sports teams while connecting the comments to regular Republican attacks against Wisconsin's largest and most diverse city.“Donald Trump attacking the great city of Milwaukee as a ‘horrible city' exactly one month before he shuffles out on stage at the Fiserv reflects the backward, twisted man Donald Trump has always been,” Wisconsin Democratic Party Vice Chair Felesia Martin said. “With entertainment, recreation and a quality of life that is unparalleled — to say nothing of a great basketball team — I am blessed to call Milwaukee home. We're used to Republican politicians like Donald Trump showing nothing but contempt for Milwaukee and the folks who live here: they know our power, and they're afraid of the city we are building here, together. Once again, Trump has demonstrated why he should not be elected to the highest office in the land. He does not possess the discipline, respect, thoughtfulness, nor the maturity necessary to lead our country.”Trump is expected to visit southeastern Wisconsin again next week, for a planned rally in Racine on Tuesday. Because he knows if he wants to be president again, he has to win there. Wild. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) 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/

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Tax relief for Kansans will be in short order during Tuesday's special legislative session. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and top Republican lawmakers reached an agreement late last week, opening the door to iron out an incentive package to draw the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals to the Sunflower State.

Dan Hawkins joins Pete Mundo to discuss the agreement the Kansas Legislature and Laura Kelly have come to in regards to a tax deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Acolyte Episode 3 “Destiny” Spoiler Review! We are joined by Laura Kelly, co-host of the Force Toast Podcast and The Jedi Way! We talk all about The Acolyte Episode 3, including our favorite moments, speculation on what's to come, things that we found odd, and even the show's production. We also rate the episodes on a scale of 0 to 10 “Kelnaccas”, reveal the next number in the SITH CODE mystery giveaway contest! Plus your comments and much more! Thank you for listening to AcoNight: The Acolyte Star Wars Aftershow by The Resistance Broadcast!

In Episode 118, hosts Alyce and Laura share* fermentation tips, break down recent Star Wars news and discuss their differing opinions on The Acolyte!A cooking lesson with Laura or: why you should always have your ears plugged around glass jars Why an a gram when you could nag a ram?Who's writing season 2 of Andor (via WGA)The Acolyte pulled in some impressive numbers (via Variety)Lee Jung-Jae wasn't really sure why Leslye Headland offered him the role of Master Sol, but the man put in the WORK to make sure he got it right (via Hollywood Reporter)Learn all about Kelnacca in the comic one-shot coming this fall (via Gizmodo)Boba Fett faces off against his greatest foe yet: Barbie. High Republic fans, rejoice! There's new concept art for Phase 3 of THR for Temptation of the Force: Avar Kriss, Bell Zettifar, Burryaga, Cair San Tekka, Yoda and Elzar Mann! Recap on Tap: join us as Alyce leads the recap of The Acolyte's 2-episode premiere, Lost/Found and Revenge/Justice, and shares everything that Autocorrect got wrongLaura doesn't like The Acolyte crawl Give Master Vernestra a Force Floatie. She's old, she's over it and she just wants to be able to float around the temple like Yoda.Helpful links referenced in this episode:Laura's spoiler-free review of Star Wars: Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton is on twitter or Instagram!John Rocha, Kevin Smets and Laura Kelly review episodes 1 and 2 of The Acolyte on The Jedi Way!Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

Kansas lawmakers will soon return for a special session to try to reach a tax-cutting agreement with Gov. Laura Kelly. Plus: Solar power is the fastest growing source of electricity in the U.S., but some new solar installations are taking land once used to grow food. Researchers are looking for ways to do both.

In a new memoir, Overland Park resident Chelan David recounts visiting all 50 states in the U.S. with his daughters, a journey of bonding and self-discovery. Plus: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly says if lawmakers can't come up with a tax-cut plan the state can afford, she'll keep calling more special sessions.

"We can trust that grace is at work to calm what we cannot control. Emmanuel, the God-in-the-boat, knows every storm, every downpour, every barreling wave that threatens to topple us. He has never left our side.  His presence is peace. His trust is deep. His whole life is given for us."Leave a comment for Laura: https://incourage.me/?p=239238--The summer issue of DaySpring's Everyday Faith magazine is now available! Pick up a copy today on DaySpring.com or at your local Barnes & Noble, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, or wherever you buy magazines. We hope this issue helps you know and share God's love in fresh, true, and inspiring ways!  The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast! Visit our website for more episodes and insights! www.servicebusinessmastery.com   In this episode, we're thrilled to introduce #Laura Kelly, the CEO of #Clover, and #Josh Kelly, Managing Member at #Clover. Josh and Laura are the dynamic duo behind Clover, leading with innovation and passion in the service industry. Their story is one of determination, dedication, and driving excellence in every aspect of their business. In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn: The Importance of Communication and Memory Differences Between Genders Roles and Responsibilities in Business Partnerships The Role of Maintaining Individual Identity within A Marriage. The Importance of Prioritizing Roles and Responsibilities The Importance of Chasing Purpose over Money. If you enjoy the episode, please don't hesitate to leave us a review (5 stars preferably

Political News from America's Heartland - Friday, May 17, 2024 - KS Gov Laura Kelly signs $75 MM boost to special ed fundingMissouri Senate Democrats 50 Hour Filibuster | New “youth core” program focuses on mental health | Minnesota Gov. announces boost for child care fundingKS Gov Laura Kelly signs $75 MM boost to special ed fundinghttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/16/kansas-governor-signs-school-funding-bill-with-75-million-boost-for-special-education/BY: SHERMAN SMITH - MAY 16, 2024 11:38 AMTOPEKA — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed legislation this week that allocates $6.6 billion to K-12 public schools, including $75 million in new money for special education, and vetoed language designed to funnel safety grant cash to a specific software company.The Democratic governor and Republican legislators separately claimed credit for continuing to fully fund schools, as required by the state's constitution and mandated by the Kansas Supreme Court. House Bill 387 passed the House 115-2 and the Senate 35-2 on April 26, shortly before the Legislature adjourned for the year.The legislation includes $4.9 billion in state spending for the public school system.Gov Kelly's message to lawmakers in signing the bill referenced the state's historical failures to provide adequate and equitable resources to public schools.In 2018, when Kelly was still a state senator, the Legislature adopted a five-year plan to fully fund schools by the 2022-23 school year. As governor, she worked with lawmakers in 2019 to correct a math problem and add an ongoing inflation adjustment to win approval from the Kansas Supreme Court. The court retained oversight of the case to ensure the Legislature didn't pull the rug out from under schools as it had repeatedly in the past, then let go of the case earlier this year.Gov. Kelly said, “When I became governor, my first order of business was to end the cycle of school finance litigation caused by years of underfunding. Reckless leadership and mismanagement of the state's finances made it impossible for the state to adequately fund our schools. Since then, we've seen how investment in our education system pays significant dividends for our entire state. Students now have more opportunities than ever to explore their educational and professional interests. Our commitment to fully funding public education better supports teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators.”Lawmakers agreed to address a longstanding shortfall in special education funding by adding $75 million to the budget. But they stopped short of meeting recommendations from a special task force, which said lawmakers should add $82.7 million annually for four years to comply with a law requiring the state to cover 92% of extra costs for serving students in special education.“This funding will provide critical support to districts that have been shouldering the burden of the state's decade-long failure to meet its statutory obligation and ultimately its promise to the next generation of Kansans,” Kelly said.At one point this year, the Legislature considered rewriting state law to permanently underfund special education.Kelly said the new money would allow districts to “properly invest in special education educators” rather than redirect funding that otherwise would be used on teacher salaries and other instruction programs.“While this funding is a critical first step, it is just a first step. We must continue to increase special education funding in future years.”Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican who chairs the Senate Education Committee, said lawmakers this year focused on crafting a bill that better addresses the needs of students, teachers, and staff members.She said, “Our commitment to distributing increased special education funding in a more equitable way to Kansas school districts was accomplished by collaborating directly with the Department of Education leadership team. This is an important change for children that receive these special services.”The governor vetoed language that would have required schools to use the $5 million available through the School Safety and Security Grant program on firearm detection software made by ZeroEyes. The company hired lobbyists in multiple states to try to corner the market on security contracts by inserting restrictions in legislation to undermine the ability of rival vendors to bid.Kelly said the restrictions amounted to a no-bid contract and would restrict schools from using the money on other types of safety needs. She has the authority to use a line-item veto on the policy because it was embedded in a budget bill.Schools should be able to invest in other school safety efforts, Kelly said, such as updating communications systems, hiring more security staff, investing in physical infrastructure, and buying automated external defibrillators.“We must continue to work together to ensure our students have a safe, conducive environment for their learning. To do that, we should not hamstring districts by limiting this funding opportunity to services provided by one company. Missouri Senate Democrats 50-Hour Filibusterhttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/15/50-hour-filibuster-forces-more-negotiations-on-gop-backed-initiative-petition-changes/ 50-hour filibuster forces more negotiations on GOP-backed initiative petition changes BY: ANNA SPOERRE, RUDI KELLER AND JASON HANCOCK - MAY 15, 2024 6:48 PM A 50-hour Democratic filibuster forced the Senate's divided GOP majority to finally yield Wednesday evening, stalling a vote on a bill seeking to make it more difficult to amend Missouri's constitution. Democrats have blocked all action in the Senate since Monday afternoon, demanding that the legislation be stripped of “ballot candy” that would bar non-citizens from voting and ban foreign entities from contributing to or sponsoring constitutional amendments, both of which are already illegal.  The Senate passed the bill without ballot candy in February. The House added it back last month.Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, an Independence Democrat, on Tuesday said the situation presented an existential crisis for the Senate, as Republicans openly considered a rarely-used maneuver to kill the filibuster and force a vote on the bill.  “Are the bullies going to win?” Rizzo asked. “Or is the rest of the Senate finally going to stand up for itself and say ‘no more.'”  He got an answer just before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, when state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican and the bill's sponsor, surprised many of her colleagues by asking that the Senate send the bill back to the House for more negotiations on whether to include “ballot candy.”  Republicans simply didn't have the votes to kill the filibuster, she said, and Democrats showed no signs of relenting before session ends at 6 p.m. Friday.  The sudden change in tactics was not well taken by members of the Freedom Caucus, who argued sending the bill back to the House with only two days left before adjournment puts its chances at risk.  Tim Jones, a former Missouri House speaker and current director of the state's Freedom Caucus, wrote on social media Thursday evening that Coleman “effectively killed her bill today.”If the bill passes, Missourians would have the opportunity to vote later this year on whether or not to require constitutional amendments be approved by both a majority of votes statewide and a majority of votes in five of the state's eight congressional districts.  Right now, amendments pass with a simple majority.A possible vote on abortion in November is a catalyst behind the battle over the bill, as a campaign to legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability is on the path to the statewide ballot.  Republicans have said that without raising the threshold for changing the state's constitution, a constitutional right to abortion will likely become the law of the land in Missouri.  State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican and a member of the Freedom Caucus, tipped his hat to the Democrats' “wherewithal” before scorning some of his Republican colleagues.  “Unfortunately, this Republican Party has no backbone to fight for what is right for life,” he shouted from the Senate floor. “ … They will have the blood of the innocent on their heads. Shame on this party.”Coleman's move also came as a surprise to state Rep. Alex Riley, a Republican from Springfield who sponsored the initiative petition bill in the House.  “We're going to have to have some conversations tonight to figure out what exactly it is they have in mind,” he said.New “youth core” program focuses on mental healthhttps://www.axios.com/2024/05/15/youth-mental-health-corpsNew program creates "youth corps" for mental healthHundreds of young adults will be trained to help their peers access mental health care and other supports in a first-of-its-kind service program aimed at addressing the youth mental health crisis.Backers of the new Youth Mental Health Corps, which is funded by a mix of private and public dollars, also hope to create a new talent pipeline to address shortages of mental health workers.How it works: Young adults ages 18 and up will spend about a year working at a school or nonprofit to help connect other young people to mental health support.Corps members will conduct check-ins with students, run trainings for caregivers, conduct community outreach and more.They'll receive training, a stipend, earn state-specific mental health worker credentials, and credit toward higher education degrees in behavioral health. Participants will receive training in therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, behavioral health systems and other skills. They'll receive a minimum of $20 per hour.Administrators expect hundreds of young people to join the program in its first year, and thousands to benefit from it.Colorado Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, whose state will be one of the first to implement the program this fall said, "Kids can relate more to experiences and challenges faced by other teenagers. It fosters trust and comfort in seeking mental health support."In addition to Colorado, programs will start this fall in Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey and Texas. Programs in California, Iowa, Maryland, New York, Utah and Virginia are slated to start next year.The Schultz Family Foundation, created by Starbucks founder Howard Schultz and Sheri Kersch Schultz, and Pinterest, expect to invest $10 million in the program over three years.Other funding will come from public sources, including state and national AmeriCorps grants.Schultz said it expects additional philanthropic and private sector donations in the futureMinnesota Gov. Tim Walz announces $6MM boost in child care fundinghttps://minnesotareformer.com/2024/05/15/governor-announces-6-million-in-grants-to-create-more-than-2200-new-child-care-slots/MN Governor Tim Walz announces $6 million in grants to create more than 2,200 new childcare slotsBY: MADISON MCVAN - MAY 15, 2024 6:02 PMTwenty-one Minnesota organizations will receive funding to open or expand childcare centers this year, Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday, with more than half of the grants going to providers outside the Twin Cities.  Lawmakers boosted funding for the Department of Employment and Economic Development's child care grant program last year.  Gov Walz said Wednesday that child care is an example of a “market failure” during a visit to the St. David's Center for Child & Family Development in Minnetonka, which received a $270,000 grant to create more classrooms and educational spaces.  Nationwide, the childcare industry is in crisis. Minnesota is no exception, facing a shortage of childcare providers and high costs for families. Minnesota has some of the highest childcare costs in the country, which could be one explanation for a lower birth rate in recent years.The Legislature last year voted to continue a COVID-era program that raised the pay for childcare workers, averting a funding cliff.A coalition of childcare advocates this session pushed for a subsidy program that would reduce the cost of child care for families making less than 150% of the median income. If fully funded at around $500 million per year, families with low income would have their childcare bills covered by the state, while qualifying families making more than the median income would pay around 7% of their household income on child care, a target set by the federal government. Advocates are hoping to move that bill successfully, next year. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) 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/

Political News from America's Heartland - Friday, May 17, 2024 - KS Gov Laura Kelly signs $75 MM boost to special ed fundingMissouri Senate Democrats 50 Hour Filibuster | New “youth core” program focuses on mental health | Minnesota Gov. announces boost for child care fundingKS Gov Laura Kelly signs $75 MM boost to special ed fundinghttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/16/kansas-governor-signs-school-funding-bill-with-75-million-boost-for-special-education/BY: SHERMAN SMITH - MAY 16, 2024 11:38 AMTOPEKA — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed legislation this week that allocates $6.6 billion to K-12 public schools, including $75 million in new money for special education, and vetoed language designed to funnel safety grant cash to a specific software company.The Democratic governor and Republican legislators separately claimed credit for continuing to fully fund schools, as required by the state's constitution and mandated by the Kansas Supreme Court. House Bill 387 passed the House 115-2 and the Senate 35-2 on April 26, shortly before the Legislature adjourned for the year.The legislation includes $4.9 billion in state spending for the public school system.Gov Kelly's message to lawmakers in signing the bill referenced the state's historical failures to provide adequate and equitable resources to public schools.In 2018, when Kelly was still a state senator, the Legislature adopted a five-year plan to fully fund schools by the 2022-23 school year. As governor, she worked with lawmakers in 2019 to correct a math problem and add an ongoing inflation adjustment to win approval from the Kansas Supreme Court. The court retained oversight of the case to ensure the Legislature didn't pull the rug out from under schools as it had repeatedly in the past, then let go of the case earlier this year.Gov. Kelly said, “When I became governor, my first order of business was to end the cycle of school finance litigation caused by years of underfunding. Reckless leadership and mismanagement of the state's finances made it impossible for the state to adequately fund our schools. Since then, we've seen how investment in our education system pays significant dividends for our entire state. Students now have more opportunities than ever to explore their educational and professional interests. Our commitment to fully funding public education better supports teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators.”Lawmakers agreed to address a longstanding shortfall in special education funding by adding $75 million to the budget. But they stopped short of meeting recommendations from a special task force, which said lawmakers should add $82.7 million annually for four years to comply with a law requiring the state to cover 92% of extra costs for serving students in special education.“This funding will provide critical support to districts that have been shouldering the burden of the state's decade-long failure to meet its statutory obligation and ultimately its promise to the next generation of Kansans,” Kelly said.At one point this year, the Legislature considered rewriting state law to permanently underfund special education.Kelly said the new money would allow districts to “properly invest in special education educators” rather than redirect funding that otherwise would be used on teacher salaries and other instruction programs.“While this funding is a critical first step, it is just a first step. We must continue to increase special education funding in future years.”Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican who chairs the Senate Education Committee, said lawmakers this year focused on crafting a bill that better addresses the needs of students, teachers, and staff members.She said, “Our commitment to distributing increased special education funding in a more equitable way to Kansas school districts was accomplished by collaborating directly with the Department of Education leadership team. This is an important change for children that receive these special services.”The governor vetoed language that would have required schools to use the $5 million available through the School Safety and Security Grant program on firearm detection software made by ZeroEyes. The company hired lobbyists in multiple states to try to corner the market on security contracts by inserting restrictions in legislation to undermine the ability of rival vendors to bid.Kelly said the restrictions amounted to a no-bid contract and would restrict schools from using the money on other types of safety needs. She has the authority to use a line-item veto on the policy because it was embedded in a budget bill.Schools should be able to invest in other school safety efforts, Kelly said, such as updating communications systems, hiring more security staff, investing in physical infrastructure, and buying automated external defibrillators.“We must continue to work together to ensure our students have a safe, conducive environment for their learning. To do that, we should not hamstring districts by limiting this funding opportunity to services provided by one company. Missouri Senate Democrats 50-Hour Filibusterhttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/15/50-hour-filibuster-forces-more-negotiations-on-gop-backed-initiative-petition-changes/ 50-hour filibuster forces more negotiations on GOP-backed initiative petition changes BY: ANNA SPOERRE, RUDI KELLER AND JASON HANCOCK - MAY 15, 2024 6:48 PM A 50-hour Democratic filibuster forced the Senate's divided GOP majority to finally yield Wednesday evening, stalling a vote on a bill seeking to make it more difficult to amend Missouri's constitution. Democrats have blocked all action in the Senate since Monday afternoon, demanding that the legislation be stripped of “ballot candy” that would bar non-citizens from voting and ban foreign entities from contributing to or sponsoring constitutional amendments, both of which are already illegal.  The Senate passed the bill without ballot candy in February. The House added it back last month.Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, an Independence Democrat, on Tuesday said the situation presented an existential crisis for the Senate, as Republicans openly considered a rarely-used maneuver to kill the filibuster and force a vote on the bill.  “Are the bullies going to win?” Rizzo asked. “Or is the rest of the Senate finally going to stand up for itself and say ‘no more.'”  He got an answer just before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, when state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican and the bill's sponsor, surprised many of her colleagues by asking that the Senate send the bill back to the House for more negotiations on whether to include “ballot candy.”  Republicans simply didn't have the votes to kill the filibuster, she said, and Democrats showed no signs of relenting before session ends at 6 p.m. Friday.  The sudden change in tactics was not well taken by members of the Freedom Caucus, who argued sending the bill back to the House with only two days left before adjournment puts its chances at risk.  Tim Jones, a former Missouri House speaker and current director of the state's Freedom Caucus, wrote on social media Thursday evening that Coleman “effectively killed her bill today.”If the bill passes, Missourians would have the opportunity to vote later this year on whether or not to require constitutional amendments be approved by both a majority of votes statewide and a majority of votes in five of the state's eight congressional districts.  Right now, amendments pass with a simple majority.A possible vote on abortion in November is a catalyst behind the battle over the bill, as a campaign to legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability is on the path to the statewide ballot.  Republicans have said that without raising the threshold for changing the state's constitution, a constitutional right to abortion will likely become the law of the land in Missouri.  State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican and a member of the Freedom Caucus, tipped his hat to the Democrats' “wherewithal” before scorning some of his Republican colleagues.  “Unfortunately, this Republican Party has no backbone to fight for what is right for life,” he shouted from the Senate floor. “ … They will have the blood of the innocent on their heads. Shame on this party.”Coleman's move also came as a surprise to state Rep. Alex Riley, a Republican from Springfield who sponsored the initiative petition bill in the House.  “We're going to have to have some conversations tonight to figure out what exactly it is they have in mind,” he said.New “youth core” program focuses on mental healthhttps://www.axios.com/2024/05/15/youth-mental-health-corpsNew program creates "youth corps" for mental healthHundreds of young adults will be trained to help their peers access mental health care and other supports in a first-of-its-kind service program aimed at addressing the youth mental health crisis.Backers of the new Youth Mental Health Corps, which is funded by a mix of private and public dollars, also hope to create a new talent pipeline to address shortages of mental health workers.How it works: Young adults ages 18 and up will spend about a year working at a school or nonprofit to help connect other young people to mental health support.Corps members will conduct check-ins with students, run trainings for caregivers, conduct community outreach and more.They'll receive training, a stipend, earn state-specific mental health worker credentials, and credit toward higher education degrees in behavioral health. Participants will receive training in therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, behavioral health systems and other skills. They'll receive a minimum of $20 per hour.Administrators expect hundreds of young people to join the program in its first year, and thousands to benefit from it.Colorado Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, whose state will be one of the first to implement the program this fall said, "Kids can relate more to experiences and challenges faced by other teenagers. It fosters trust and comfort in seeking mental health support."In addition to Colorado, programs will start this fall in Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey and Texas. Programs in California, Iowa, Maryland, New York, Utah and Virginia are slated to start next year.The Schultz Family Foundation, created by Starbucks founder Howard Schultz and Sheri Kersch Schultz, and Pinterest, expect to invest $10 million in the program over three years.Other funding will come from public sources, including state and national AmeriCorps grants.Schultz said it expects additional philanthropic and private sector donations in the futureMinnesota Gov. Tim Walz announces $6MM boost in child care fundinghttps://minnesotareformer.com/2024/05/15/governor-announces-6-million-in-grants-to-create-more-than-2200-new-child-care-slots/MN Governor Tim Walz announces $6 million in grants to create more than 2,200 new childcare slotsBY: MADISON MCVAN - MAY 15, 2024 6:02 PMTwenty-one Minnesota organizations will receive funding to open or expand childcare centers this year, Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday, with more than half of the grants going to providers outside the Twin Cities.  Lawmakers boosted funding for the Department of Employment and Economic Development's child care grant program last year.  Gov Walz said Wednesday that child care is an example of a “market failure” during a visit to the St. David's Center for Child & Family Development in Minnetonka, which received a $270,000 grant to create more classrooms and educational spaces.  Nationwide, the childcare industry is in crisis. Minnesota is no exception, facing a shortage of childcare providers and high costs for families. Minnesota has some of the highest childcare costs in the country, which could be one explanation for a lower birth rate in recent years.The Legislature last year voted to continue a COVID-era program that raised the pay for childcare workers, averting a funding cliff.A coalition of childcare advocates this session pushed for a subsidy program that would reduce the cost of child care for families making less than 150% of the median income. If fully funded at around $500 million per year, families with low income would have their childcare bills covered by the state, while qualifying families making more than the median income would pay around 7% of their household income on child care, a target set by the federal government. Advocates are hoping to move that bill successfully, next year. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) 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, Friday May 3, 2024: Flyover Friday On this episode of The Heartland POD for Friday, May 3, 2024 - a Flyover Friday includingMissouri abortion petition hits the mark on signatures - not the next challenges beginKansas Legislature allows Governor Kelly's veto to standhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/04/29/kansas-house-fails-to-override-veto-on-bill-that-would-ban-gender-affirming-care-for-kids/ Missouri state senator accused of blocking appointments in favor of himselfMissouri governor says Democrat senator blocked appointments after seeking one for himselfCourt overrules ban on trans care in West Virginia and North CarolinaVictory! Fourth Circuit Rules North Carolina and West Virginia Can't Deny Transgender People Coverage for Medical Care - Lambda LegalColorado house passes migrant welcome billColorado bill to establish migrant welcome grant program passes HouseMissouri freedom caucus fails, againFreedom Caucus ends filibuster in Missouri Senate without action on its demandsMike Johnson may be getting ousted… or saved by Democrats? Huh?Marjorie Taylor Greene to force vote next week on ousting U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson • Missouri IndependentU.S. House Democrats vow to back Speaker Johnson if Republicans try to oust him • Iowa Capital Dispatch @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) 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/

Laura Kelly Admits Chiefs to Kansas is Unlikely | Mundo Clip 4-19-24See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.