Podcasts about Legislature

In this newscast: The Juneau School Board approved its budget for next year on Tuesday. The district will be able to maintain services but there are still funding uncertainties; A former Juneau school board member submitted what current board members called "disparaging comments" to be engraved on fundraising bricks for a new school playground in Lemon Creek; Alaska Congressman Nick Begich urged the state Legislature to be bold with policies to encourage resource development on Tuesday; A high-profile budget bill that would unlock hundreds of millions in government construction projects across Alaska took a step forward in the state Legislature yesterday

Three former students, now adults, from Oconto Falls High School are accusing the school district of overlooking sexual abuse by staff members over more than a decade. Wisconsin's Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments in a case pitting Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul against the Republican-controlled state Legislature. And, some legislators want to allow the sale of a state-owned wildlife area.

Representative Sarah Vance held a public town hall meeting for constituents Saturday at the KPC campus; and Alaska Congressman Nick Begich Tuesday urged the state Legislature to be bold with policies to encourage resource development, just as a previous generation did to build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline

Alaska Congressman Nick Begich Tuesday urged the state Legislature to be bold with policies to encourage resource development, just as a previous generation did to build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline; and Alaska students could have a new graduation requirement in the not-too-distant-future.

In this week's episode, we're joined by Mark Davis, host of The Mark Davis Show in Dallas-Fort Worth, to discuss whether Donald Trump will endorse pick a side in the John Cornyn-Ken Paxton runoff and what impact that would have.

Another outbreak of avian flu hits two commercial poultry farms in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, state lawmakers consider a bill to deregulate what's known as cryptocurrency "staking." And, how one Madison family navigated the presidential order that ended gender-affirming care for minors at the state's largest pediatric hospitals.

A report says China's top legislature has served and supported reform and development through high-quality legislation in the past year. The fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress held its second plenary meeting on Monday.

As we head into International Women's Day, a shocking homicide case in southern Utah has our attention. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger discuss what we know so far. Plus, the final day at the Legislature and some picks of the week to restore your faith.  Resources and references: Help us make a list of the 1,000 things we love about Salt Lake. How to Actually Make Utah Better for Women [City Cast Salt Lake] 4 Ideas To Fund Instead of More Jails Beds [City Cast Salt Lake]  Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It's the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  ICO Brickyard Boxing Canyon View Credit Union

The last West Jefferson County Community Task Force monthly Community Meeting on February 17, 2026 featured Donovan Taylor, JD on HB 377, the Utility Disconnection Protection Law and the collaborative effort to get it passed in order to protect our vulnerable neighbors during extreme weather. The companion bill in the Senate is SB 88. Donovan Taylor is a West Louisville native and graduate of Central high school. He's enthusiast of local history and culture who has led walking tours of all nine West Louisville neighborhoods. He's an activist with over 20 years of experience in community and business development, as well as a legal professional with a Law degree from the University of Kentucky. Learn more about HB 377 at https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hb377.html Learn more about SB 88 at https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/sb88.html This bill also got some great coverage in the Kentucky Lantern: "Kentucky lawmakers renew push to establish statewide residential utility disconnection protections. Republican lawmaker says disconnection protections are a part of housing affordability" https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/02/02/kentucky-lawmakers-renew-push-to-establish-statewide-residential-utility-disconnection-protections Learn more about the West Jefferson County Community Task Force, find excellent resources, get involved, and learn about their next monthly meeting topic and guests at https://www.facebook.com/WJCCTF. They meet every month of the year on third Tuesdays at 5:30pm online. Watch a full recording of the meeting at https://cardmaillouisville-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jlhart01_louisville_edu/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fjlhart01%5Flouisville%5Fedu%2FDocuments%2FAttachments%2FWJCCTF%2D20260217%5F185525%2DMeeting%20Recording%2Emp4&nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJTdHJlYW1XZWJBcHAiLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJTaGFyZURpYWxvZy1MaW5rIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXcifX0&ga=1&referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview%2E34bfd59e%2D99c0%2D4133%2D8999%2D65ce2c8ca2b4

Community news for March 2026! After headlines, we feature interviews with two HPF partners advocating for their communities during this legislative session: First, Cameron Miyamoto (co-president of PFLAG Oʻahu) shares about PFLAG Oʻahu's participation in the 2nd annual Queer Day at the Capitol on February 17 and about HB 1875, a bill to protect access to gender-affirming care. To learn more about PFLAG Oʻahu, check out our full-length interview with the two co-presidents here. Second, we hear an update from Anne Frederick, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA), and their focus on two legislative areas: getting money out of politics and protecting communities from pesticide drift. To see the data on pesticide use and learn more about the Safe Farms, Safe Food coalition, visit safefarmssafefood.com. To learn more about HAPA, check out our full-length interview with them here. Links from headlines: To see when our partners are hosting workdays and how to RSVP, visit hawaiipeoplesfund.org/calendar. The survey on traumatic brain injury uplifted by Kamāwaelualani can be found here. Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi episodes: 98. ʻĪmaikalani Winchester (Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Honolulu): "Hāpai i ke kuleana" 97. Pualiʻi Rossi (I Ola Wailuanui): "He aha ka makemake o ka ʻāina ʻo Wailuanui?" Tags: Hawaiʻi, Hawai'i, Hawaii

We'll continue to check in with local legislators ahead of the session. State Senator Kirk Talbot has a bill aimed at increasing the number of fortified roofs and decreasing insurance premiums. We'll get the details.

Patrick Mullaney, a Legislator who ran on the Republican ticket, representing District 4, covering Nassau County's South Shore communities of Oceanside, Island Park, Long Beach, Lido Beach, and Point Lookout.  They speak about his career with the FDNY, the assessment issues surrounding taxes in Nassau County, and how to find equal ground despite differences between people.

David Grimes wears many hats. By day, he's a middle school science teacher in Westerville. He's also a leader in his local union and has spent the last two years as a community leader serving on Westerville's city council. In 2026, he added Westerville Mayor to that list. In this episode, he takes a look back at some of what he has accomplished in city government already, a look ahead at what he hopes to do as mayor, and a look around at his fellow educators who could be great in public office, including another Westerville teacher and WEA leader who joined Grimes in the city council chambers this year.TIME MACHINE | Click here to hear then-city council candidate David Grimes on the OEA podcast when he was first running for office in 2023.SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: David Grimes, Westerville Education Association SecretaryA 7th grade science teacher in Westerville City Schools, David Grimes also serves as Westerville Mayor, a position to which he was appointed in January, 2026. He has served as a Westerville City Council member since 2024. Grimes serves as Council Representative to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Uptown Westerville, Inc. Board. He is also actively involved with Sustainable Westerville, WeRISE Westerville, the Westerville Queer Collective, the Arts Council of Westerville, Westerville Garden Club, Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries, the Westerville Historical Society, and the Westerville Education Association, for which he serves as Secretary. Grimes is also a former Ohio's New Educators Member Ambassador and former president of Otterbein Middle Level Association. Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on January 19, 2026.

After a brief discussion of Trump and Netanyahu's war with Iran, we turn to defeating authoritarianism by fighting for policies that help people with their most pressing priorities, like good paying jobs, well funded public schools, healthcare and childcare. We discuss the introduction of new legislation for a BadgerCare Public Option, which represents the most comprehensive healthcare affordability proposal introduced in Wisconsin this session. The legislation would open Wisconsin's trusted BadgerCare program to anyone who lacks adequate employer-sponsored coverage. Citizen Action announces a statewide virtual town hall with all the Democratic Governor candidates, Tuesday, April 14th 6pm. We bring attention to Legislative Republicans taking a chunk out of Department of Public Instruction's (DPI's) already approved funding over debunked allegations that they paid for a junket in the Dells. What kind of budget deal allows the Republicans to unilaterally veto agreed funding levels after ignoring the results of their own investigation? We lament the expiration of the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Program due to GOP opposition following a large land purchase to extend the Ice Age Trail in Devils Lake area. And, as the Legislature may do nothing to regulate data centers – as Big Tech and utilities want – local people fight back, as a Judge allows a Port Washington referendum to continue. Finally, what is the division between Governor Evers and Legislative Democrats on gerrymandering? Will Vos reach another damaging deal with Evers before they both head off into the sunset?

Federal law changes provided new breaks for income derived from overtime and tips. Other business tax cuts were approved last year, too.Now Minnesota lawmakers are debating how many of those ideas to incorporate into the state tax code. It would come at a hefty cost. Proposals to contain rising property taxes are also under review in the Legislature.MPR News host Brian Bakst and a pair of lawmakers talk taxes. Later, we're off to Washington where Minnesota continues to be the focal point for multiple reasons. The continuing fight to contain public program fraud had the attention of a U.S. House committee, which summoned Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to testify. Two congressional committees put now-removed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on the hot seat over problems in the Minnesota immigration enforcement campaign.Guests:Republican Sen. Bill Weber, of LuverneDFL Rep. Aisha Gomez, of Minneapolis Dana Ferguson is a political correspondent for MPR NewsPeter Cox is a politics reporter for MPR News Caroline Cummings is a politics reporter for WCCO-TVUse the audio player above to listen to the full conversation or subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, March 5, include: federal judge grants attorney fees to immigrant who successfully sued government for wrongful detention, Sen. Pete Ricketts backs President Trump's strikes in Iran as Congress considers war powers measures, candidates in 2nd District House race split over U.S. actions in Iran, proposed cigarette tax hike fails to advance in the Legislature, Attorney General Mike Hilgers files lawsuit against Roblox.

Is the “Texas Miracle” still alive — and what does it take to keep Texas competitive in 2026 and beyond? In this episode of Texas Talks, Megan Mauro, Interim President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), joins Brad Swail to break down the state of the Texas economy. As the state chamber of commerce representing businesses of every size and industry, TAB sits at the center of Texas' pro-growth policy debates. Mauro explains how Texas maintains its reputation as a top business destination — from no personal or corporate income tax to regulatory consistency and recent property tax relief for small businesses. She discusses HB 9's business personal property tax exemption increase, why consistency across Texas' 254 counties matters, and how the Legislature is approaching affordability and housing challenges. The conversation also dives into: Why Texas is the 7th largest economy in the world Attracting corporate headquarters while protecting small businesses The importance of USMCA for Texas trade Workforce alignment between industry and education Childcare as a workforce issue Why data centers and AI are both economic and national security priorities Texas' “all of the above and below” energy strategy Mauro makes the case that a thriving business climate isn't just about corporations — it's about livelihoods, job creation, and ensuring Texas families can continue building the American dream. As the 90th Texas Legislature approaches, this episode explores what policies will shape the next chapter of the Texas economy.   00:00 — Introduction and Megan Mauro's background 01:12 — What the Texas Association of Business does 03:13 — Light regulation and pro-business principles 04:35 — The Texas Miracle and economic growth 06:29 — Why industry diversity matters in Texas 10:01 — Data centers, AI, and national security 14:53 — Tech policy and regulatory consistency 18:47 — Balancing legacy industries with innovation 21:01 — Property tax reform and small business relief 27:10 — Affordability and housing challenges 29:21 — Energy policy and grid reliability 30:59 — Advocacy in Washington and USMCA 34:45 — Workforce development and childcare solutions 38:37 — TAB Foundation and education initiatives   Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

The 2026 Texas primary elections mark a pivotal moment in a state where many races are effectively decided long before Election Day. There are more than 18 statewide elected officials up for election, along with Texas' members of Congress, state legislators, district-based judges and local elected officials.The morning after March 3rd's election, TribCast co-host and Tribune law and politics reporter Eleanor Klibanoff spoke with a panel of political reporters about what the election results mean for the state going forward.

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward. Guest: Paul Queary - Editor and Publisher at The Washington Observer Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Legislature passed the new Florida Farm Bill, with new restrictions on development in over 100 small towns. Plus, consumer protections, additional agricultural resources, and strengthening partnerships to preserve Florida farmland. Agriculture Comm. Wilton Simpson on the farm bill, and updating recovery from rare freezes.

EDINBURG, Texas - State Sen. Juan Hinojosa has urged Valley irrigation districts to work on plans to line their canals. And he welcomed new funding from NADBank, saying it augments the money the Legislature has committed through the Texas Water Development Board.“We (the Legislature) set aside a billion dollars for grants, not for loans, just straight out grants. And the staff of the Water Development Board recommended that $100 million of their billion dollars be set aside for just the Rio Grande Valley irrigation districts. And the reason for that is that they want the canals to be lined,” Hinojosa said.“About 85% of the water that's used here in the Rio Grande Valley goes through canals and irrigation districts. And of that 85%, we lose probably half of it to seepage and evaporation.”Lining the Valley's canals will save hundreds of millions of dollars, Hinojosa said.“We need to move forward and try and find ways to improve our canal system so that we can conserve water, save water, and not waste it through seepage and evaporation.”Hinojosa continued: “Our biggest challenge is that many of these water districts and irrigation districts on their own cannot afford to pay back some of the loans or some of the interest. And they need to consolidate, or they need to unite, or form some kind of coalition so that they can increase their resources and ability to be able to qualify for some of these grants that are very much needed here in the Valley.”Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

Katie Gima and Jess Zalph join Ashley Erickson to discuss ACS's Constitution in the Classroom program, including a look at newly released curriculum entitled "Separation of Church and State and the U.S. Constitution" and how to bring this important piece of civic education to a classroom near you.Join the Progressive Legal Movement Today: ACSLaw.orgHost: Ashley Erickson, Senior Director of Network AdvancementGuest: Katie Gima, Senior Director of Legal Programs & Networking, Americans United for Separation of Church and StateGuest: Jess Zalph, Constitutional Litigation Fellow, Americans United for Separation of Church and StateLink: Constitution in the ClassroomLink: Elementary School Lesson PlanLink: Middle School Lesson PlanLink: High School Lesson PlanVisit the Podcast Website: Broken Law Podcast Email the Show: Podcast@ACSLaw.org Follow ACS on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | LinkedIn | YouTube -----------------Broken Law: About the law, who it serves, and who it doesn't.----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of American Constitution Society 2025.

Cassandra Welchlin, executive director of the Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable, says Mississippi still ranks at or near the worst in pay inequality for women compared to white men. That gap is even worse for Black women in the workforce. Mississippi's male-dominated Legislature has been loathe to address the disparity in any meaningful way.

The Kentucky House just passed a massive two-year budget totaling over $151 BILLION in appropriations — that's a 21%+ spending jump from the previous cycle!Yet some lawmakers are spinning it as a "freeze" or even a "cut" when you factor in inflation. How can a 21% increase be called stagnant? I provide a breakdown of the funding sources in the video but for quick reference:General Funds: Core state tax revenue (income, sales, etc.) — the main pot lawmakers directly control for priorities like education, health, and public safety.Restricted Funds: Money collected by agencies (fees, tuition, licenses). Still state money but is still controlled by the Legislature.Bond Funds: Borrowed money from issuing bonds, typically for big capital projects (roads, buildings) paid back over time.Federal Funds: Grants and aid from Washington.In this budget, the big totals come from stacking all these sources (General ~$31B executive branch focus, but overall appropriations balloon with restricted/federal/bond).I dive deep into the full numbers, call out the spin, and share a few things I actually like about this proposal (yes, there are some wins).

We are in the last days of the Legislative Session here in Utah, and lawmakers have been busy pitching and killing bills! Holly walks through where we are in the process, what proposals didn't make it and what to keep a close eye on as the session comes to a close.

Conflict in the Middle East: The Legal and Economic Concerns of Iran's Strikes Primary Signals: The First Tests of the 2026 Fight for Congress What Qualifies Someone as a Drug User? SCOTUS Weighs Marijuana and Gun Rights Stories of Family Connections at RootsTech The Ripple Effects of an Aging America Doing It Right? The Reality of Legal Immigration in Utah

Today from SDPB - campaign dollars and disclosure bills in the Legislature, cell phones in schools and tariffs.

Here's your local news for Monday, March 2, 2026:We get the scoop on a new lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's school funding system,Consider the political benefits of backing universal child care,Discuss the data center boom with a power plant operator who's running for the county board,Find out how a Wisconsin-based regional airline is collaborating with ICE,Mark the anniversary of a women-led strike in 1860,Review two new movies,And much more.

With the new session a couple weeks in - we learn that Ann Rest wants cursive handwriting implemented back in schools - so we let you, the listeners weigh in on this - what could or would you change about Minnesota - parking, liquor sales, and more - the answers vary!

University of South Florida Middle East specialist Arman Mahmoudian weighs in on the bombings in Iran and retaliatory strikes.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

State employees and retirees are bemoaning possible spikes in their state-supported health plans, a judge rules Kentucky's lawsuit against TikTok can proceed, a child psychologist discusses how social media addiction can impact a child's development, and learn about the novel way avid readers are enjoying community.

State Rep. Pamela Carter (R-LD4) starts off the show with Seth to share her inspiring story of public service and passion for making a difference in Arizona. From her background as a fourth-generation Arizonan to her experience as a faith-based TV show host, Representative Carter's journey to the state legislature is a testament to her dedication to her community. She discusses her key legislation, including Cade's Law, which addresses teen suicide, and her efforts to protect vulnerable adults from exploitation. With her commitment to faith, family, and public safety, Representative Carter is a true champion for Arizona's Legislative District 4. Get involved in her re-election campaign today at https://pamelacarter.com/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Gianforte says one of his top priorities before leaving office is to pass a flat income tax rate. The state's healthy budget has supported tax cuts in recent legislative sessions, but revenue growth is slowing.

A construction worker was rescued more than four hours after being pinned by a piece of concrete at a construction site in the city’s west end on Friday; 27-year-old sentenced to nearly five years in prison after being found guilty of killing a York Regional Police officer in a head-on crash in 2022; Siobhan Morris looks at where things stand in the Legislature as Doug Ford marks one year since being re-elected as Ontario's premier.

It's Friday, and the Legislature is still in session, which means it's time for another podcast. Topics this week include: GRA Leader Nathanial Darnell was fined and referred for prosecution. State Rep. Ruwa Romman ends run for Guv, will run for State Senate. The race to replace Congressman Loudermilk heats up. Rep. Lynn Smith will not seek reelection. Democrats object to dispensing with the reading of the journal. Wait, what? Hawks to host "Magic City Monday." The Dirty South is alive and well. Put Murph in the Hall!

THE WESTERN SLOPE WOULD LIKE A WORD We've talked a lot about the urban-rural divide in Colorado so today I've got the new Executive Director of Club 20, a longtime group which advocates for the Western Slope, on the show. Wade Haerle joins me at 1 to talk about the things they are trying to get the Legislature to pay attention to. Find out more by clicking here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assemblymember Chris Ward (D–San Diego) held a press conference Tuesday at the State Capitol to announce the introduction of AB 1542, new legislation to strengthen protections for sensitive personal data; continued efforts to advance AB 322, a two-year bill to ban the sale of geolocation data; and renewed momentum for AB 1337, a two-year bill currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee to modernize public-sector privacy protections. The press conference brought together consumer advocates, civil rights organizations, and privacy experts to underscore the urgency of protecting Californians' personal information from misuse, exploitation, and sale without consent. “Californians should not have to worry that their sensitive personal information is being sold to the highest bidder,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward. “From precise location data to deeply personal information, these bills work together to stop the sale of geolocation data, strengthen protections for sensitive information, and ensure government agencies are held to modern privacy standards. California led the nation on privacy once before, and we must continue to lead as technology evolves.” Justin Brookman, Director of Tech Policy at Consumer Reports, warned that data-driven pricing and monetization practices are outpacing existing protections. “People should not have to worry that their sensitive personal information is going to be sold to the highest bidder,” Brookman said. “The California Consumer Privacy Act was groundbreaking, but it needs to be updated to address the realities of the modern data ecosystem. Companies should use personal information like geolocation to deliver the services we ask for—not to secretly monetize it through data brokers.” Advocates emphasized the heightened risks these practices pose to vulnerable communities. “When businesses sell and trade sensitive personal information like precise location or immigration status, they open the door to surveillance, targeting, and exploitation. Those harms fall the hardest on the most vulnerable in our community, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking," said Lan Le, Policy Advocate at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL). “These data privacy bills send a clear message: dignity and safety are rights, not commodities.” Supporters also highlighted the need to modernize how public agencies handle personal data. “In an era of increasing digital surveillance and data collection, it's crucial that our privacy laws evolve,” said Rindala “Rin” Alajaji, Associate Director of State Affairs at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. “AB 1337 is a much-needed update to ensure local governments are held accountable for how they handle personal data.” Tracy Rosenberg, Executive Director of Oakland Privacy, underscored how the measures work together. “The bill duo of AB 1337 and AB 322 attacks our current dystopia in two vital ways,” Rosenberg said. “They modernize privacy protections, add transparency and limits around precise location data, and curb invasive practices that expose Californians to government and industry overreach.” John Bennett, Initiative Director at CITED, emphasized the broader democratic stakes. “Privacy and freedom of movement are cornerstones of a healthy democracy,” Bennett said. “It's time to strengthen our data privacy laws and fulfill the promise of California's constitutional right to privacy—so people can move, assemble, and participate in civic life without fear of surveillance.” Ward's legislative package builds on California's landmark privacy framework to protect sensitive personal data, prohibit the sale of geolocation information, and ensure privacy rights keep pace with modern technology.

As Ohio continues to spend more than $1 billion each year of public taxpayer money on unaccountable private school voucher schemes, more than 325 Ohio school districts are standing together in the Vouchers Hurt Ohio lawsuit to force the state to stop cutting those checks. In June 2025, a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge sided with the coalition on three counts, declaring vouchers unconstitutional in the state. But, the case now has to continue moving through the appeals process before there can be injunctive relief. Chardon Education Association member Dan Heintz is on the Vouchers Hurt Ohio steering committee, and in this episode, he walks us through the legal arguments that are being made, the next steps, and what educators across the state should be saying to their district leaders about joining the lawsuit.A LOOK AT THE TIMELINE:January, 2022 - The Vouchers Hurt Ohio coalition files the lawsuit in the Franklin County Common Pleas court challenging the constitutionality of the state's private school voucher program. Click here to read the press release, which includes a link to a copy of the complaint.June, 2025 - Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page rules Ohio's voucher scheme unconstitutional on three of five counts. Click here to read OEA's statement on the ruling. January, 2026 - Both sides file reply briefs in the 10th District Court of Appeals as the state's appeal of Judge Page's ruling moves forward through the courts. Click here to check out some of the news coverage about the filing. Click here to read the Vouchers Hurt Ohio reply brief for yourself. Summer, 2026 - Oral arguments are expected in the 10th District Court of Appeals.???? - The 10th District Court of Appeals will issue its ruling and the case will likely move forward to the Ohio Supreme Court.WHAT THEY'RE SAYING IN COURT | Click here to read more on the five counts at the center of the Vouchers Hurt Ohio lawsuit.JOIN THE LAWSUIT | Click here for a list of school districts currently participating in the lawsuit. Click here and here for info and resources to advocate for your school district to join the lawsuit, too. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Dan Heintz, Chardon Education Association memberDan Heintz is a public school grad, dad, teacher and advocate. He teaches at Chardon High School, serves on the Board of Education for the Cleveland Heights - University Heights school district, and is a member of the Steering Committee for the Vouchers Hurt Ohio lawsuit.  Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on January 13, 2026.

We discuss the retirement of Speaker Robin Vos after a decade of ruthless control of the Legislature. Vos was the most powerful and successful state politician since Scott Walker, and one of the most infuential Assembly Speakers ever. The 2026 election is upon us and Citizen Action is announcing our endorsement of Judge Chris Taylor for state Supreme Court. This week the new $20 Wage Bill was introduced in the Legislature with a big media event at the Capitol. We review the new MU Law Poll. We take a deeper dive into what the poll tells us about the race for governor, and where voters stand on data centers, health care, and the cost of living. We welcome Wisconsin Public Education Network (WPEN) leader Heather DuBois Bourenane to discuss Public Schools Week and a new lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state's chronic underfunding of public schools. The lawsuit was filed by teachers, parents, students, and WPEN by Law Forward. We encourage our listeners to attend a Capitol Rotunda rally this Friday (Feb. 27th) at noon.

There's been a strong focus on an issue of ongoing concern in the state: Fraud, and what to do about it. Lots of fraud-fighting ideas are floating around the Capitol. Several have bipartisan support, but that doesn't mean their travels through the Legislature will be smooth. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with a pair of lawmakers with a similar goal but competing visions for a proposed investigatory unit. Later in the hour, MPR News' senior economics contributor Chris Farrell breaks down the state's new budget and economic forecast.  Guests: DFL state Rep. Matt Norris, of Blaine.  Republican state Rep. Patti Anderson, of Dellwood.  Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace.

Parents in a new lawsuit say a lack of school funding by the state is a violation of the law. A Green Bay housing nonprofit faces an investigation into its CEO's spending. And, a GOP bill proposes to bring the death penalty back to Wisconsin.

On this West Virginia Morning, we learn about radioactive materials and other contaminants in solid fracking waste, and the state Legislature is still working its way through next fiscal year's budget, but Gov. Patrick Morrisey wants the body to follow his lead. The post Fracking Waste And Sorting Out The State Budget, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

In this episode, we break down the biggest stories coming out of Arizona right now. The Legislature is debating a proposal that would require school districts to spend at least 60% of their budgets on teacher salaries and classroom instruction — a move supporters say boosts transparency and pay, while critics warn could squeeze vital support services. Lawmakers are also advancing a gas tax holiday aimed at lowering summer fuel prices, tougher penalties for teen sextortion, and a measure that could put new girls' sports eligibility rules before voters.   PLUS OLYMPICS UPDATE WITH OLIVIA ORAVITS: Olivia Oravits breaks down the final medal standings from the 2026 Winter Games in Milan–Cortina — where **Team USA finished second overall with **12 golds and 33 total medals, marking one of the strongest winter performances in U.S. history. She'll also recap the historic U.S. sweep of both men's and women's Olympic hockey gold medals — the first time America has claimed both titles at a single Games.  Olivia weighs in on the social and political buzz around President Donald Trump's comments and invitations after the men's hockey victory — including reactions from players and the women's team's choice to decline a White House invitation amid mixed messaging following their own gold-medal game.

The Texas Tribune is grateful for the support of our sponsors. Presenting sponsor for this TribCast Live event is Builders. Major sponsors for the program are Texas Matters and Raise Your Hand Texas. Please note that while sponsorship provides critical support for the Tribune, sponsors play no role in programming or the line of questioning for Tribune events.The 2026 Texas primary elections mark a pivotal moment in a state where many races are effectively decided long before Election Day. There are more than 18 statewide elected officials up for election, along with Texas' members of Congress, state legislators, district-based judges and local elected officials.Leading up to March 3rd's primary election, join TribCast hosts Matthew Watkins and Eleanor Klibanoff, along with a panel of experts, for a discussion of where the state's most consequential races stand and what their outcomes could mean for Texas.

Sens. Kamesha Mumford of Jackson and Justin Pope of Pope (yes, Pope) share their insight and experiences as freshmen lawmakers, at the halfway point of their first legislative session. The two say they've quickly realized legislating centers around relationships made at the Capitol and how one works with others.

Each year, Kansas Sorghum welcomes fresh perspective through its Collegiate Fellowship Program, and 2026 is no exception. This month's episode of the Sorghum State Podcast introduces 2026 Collegiate Food and Ag Policy Fellow Carson Rudd and Communications Fellow Mindy Wells, two Kansas State University students investing their time and talents into advancing Kansas sorghum. They share where they are from, what they are studying and how their campus involvement connects back to agriculture.Rudd also outlines key developments from the 2026 legislative session, including movement on the grain theft bill, higher ethanol blend incentives, and water and conservation investments. With the Legislature past the Turnaround deadline, the focus narrows as priority issues for sorghum growers continue moving through the process.Wells highlights outreach efforts on behalf of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, from conducting harvest interviews across the state to expanding digital communications and supporting events such as Sorghum Connection and the Women Grow the Farm conference.Together, alongside the Kansas Sorghum team, the fellows are helping tell the sorghum story in ways that connect producers, consumers and the next generation. Listen in for the full conversation.

As the legislative session kicks off this month, a group of Minneapolis parents are determined to drive change around gun violence in Minnesota.Their children attend Annunciation Catholic School and were present during the mass shooting on August 27th. Two children were killed and 28 others injured.As their community takes steps to heal, the parents also want to ensure that nothing like it ever happens again.Meanwhile, lawmakers are set to introduce a slate of legislation aimed at gun violence prevention, school safety and mental health resources. DFL State Rep. Emma Greenman will introduce an assault weapon ban on Tuesday. Rep. Greenman joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the legislation.

On Friday, the Utah Supreme Court declined to reinstate the 2021 congressional map ahead of the election. Justices said the Legislature failed to appeal the August and November decisions in time. Today, news broke that a federal court denied a request to block Utah's newly drawn map. Does this basically ensure the use of the newly drawn map for 2026? Greg and Holly discuss the latest and why these matters matter to voters.

In one fashion or another, all state legislatures exercise oversight of state agencies and programs. They do this in a variety of ways using standing committees, rules review, auditing offices, sunset provisions, and more. On this episode of the podcast, we dive into the topic of oversight with three guests who all have different vantage points to observe the process. They include Kade Minchey, auditor general with the Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor General; Holly Trice, registrar of regulations in Virginia and on the staff of the Virginia Joint Commission on Administrative Rules; and Will Clark, who works with NCSL's Center for Legislative Strengthening. Will Clark started our discussion with an explanation of some of the basics of oversight, the approaches used, and the tools available to legislators.Kade Minchey explained how his office in Utah uses performance audits to help agencies improve and how the legislative committee responsible for audits uses the information. Holly Trice talked about the rules review process in Virginia, how the legislature and executive branch work together, and how they afford all legislators and the public a chance to weigh in. ResourcesThe Best Practice Handbook: Root Cause Analysis and Driving Results, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralThe Best Practice Handbook: A Practical Guide to Excellence for Utah Government, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralA Performance Audit of Utah State Correctional Facility: An Examination of Staffing, Culture, Safety, and Security, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralA Performance Audit of Utah's Behavioral Health System: A Case for Governance, Strategic Planning, and Accountability, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralA Performance Audit of Utah's Election System and Controls, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralA Performance Audit of Utah's Water Management: Ensuring Data Integrity, Program Best Practices, and Comprehensive Water Planning, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralSeparation of Powers: An Overview, NCSLSeparation of Powers: Legislative Oversight, NCSLVirginia Register of RegulationsVirginia Regulatory Town Hall 

The longest-serving Speaker in the history of the Wisconsin Assembly says he's retiring from the Legislature. Robin Vos, the powerful Republican from Rochester, announced his plans during an emotional speech from the Assembly floor.