Podcasts about pa budget

Work by state lawmakers to complete a new budget is on track to blow through Monday's start of the new fiscal year. The state Senate Education Committee is advancing a plan targeting cell phones in schools. If enacted, it would fund a pilot program requiring students' phones to be locked up. State House Republicans are trying to advance at least one part of a package of legislation concerning antisemitism in schools. It would require schools to post any curriculum they have regarding the Holocaust. The Hemmings Motor News Great Race gets vintage and antique cars out of garages and museums and back on the road. Hundreds of spectators lined downtown Lewisburg to watch as the annual race passed through Union County. Hunting on Sundays in Pennsylvania would be greatly expanded under a proposal that received approval from the state House. A 9-year-old Amish girl is dead after a horse pulled her down a road in in Lancaster County. Each week, as part of our commitment to transparency in our journalism, Scott Blanchard, WITF's director of journalism, takes us behind the scenes to pull back the curtain on editorial decisions, discussions or approaches.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hershey Bears are Calder Cup Champions -- again. After weeks of debate and posturing, the state legislature is back to work on the budget ahead of its June 30th deadline. Governor Josh Shapiro wants skill games - cash-paying electronic game terminals resembling casino machines - to be a part of budget negotiations. The National Transportation Safety Board is set to vote today on the findings of its investigation into the Norfolk Southern train derailment along the Ohio-Pennsylvania border last year.  A Missouri-based group has filed a federal lawsuit over Pennsylvania's voting system. A former employee of an IT vendor may have accessed the personal information of more than one million Geisinger patients. A 26-year-old Pennsylvania woman is dead after being swept over a waterfall on the east side of Glacier National Park in Montana. Little Round Top is once again ready for visitors at the Gettysburg National Military Park..      Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heat waves like the one we're in right now mean people will use more electricity for things like air conditioning. PJM, the electrical grid operator for the northeast region including Pennsylvania, is handling demand so far with the temperatures in the 90s day after day. With just more than one week until the budget deadline, the state Senate Majority Leader is addressing concerns about negotiations around the annual spending plan. Aerospace manufacturer Boeing is downsizing its workforce in Pennsylvania.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid has undergone a recent overhaul to make things easier. But its rollout has caused stumbling blocks for both high school students and colleges. Penn State trustees are hearing about the impact. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed paperwork to get on the ballot for the November election in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania's highest court will decide whether the cash-paying electronic game terminals that are commonplace in convenience stores, bars and elsewhere are unlicensed gambling machines. Hershey's Joe Snively broke a third-period tie on a power-play scramble as the defending AHL champion Hershey Bears held off the Coachella Valley Firebirds 3-2 in Game 4 of the Calder Cup Final. The series is tied at two games apiece.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the Friday News Roundup! Today's topics include: how Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal's campaign used artificial intelligence to spruce up her reelection website with fake news articles, and highlights from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's second annual budget proposal. City Cast Philly executive producer Laura Benshoff is joined by William Bender, reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer and Stephen Caruso, capitol reporter with Spotlight PA. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism:  The Philly sheriff's good news headlines? AI generated them. Did Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal's campaign make up dozens of false news stories? Shapiro pitches legal cannabis, regulated skill games in budget that bumps education spending by $2.2B Find out more about Philly's updated application to request traffic calming measures in your neighborhood here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We're also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NATE BENEFIELD OF THE COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION JOINS DAWN TO EXPAND ON THE COMMONWEALTH BUDGET REPORT... WHAT DOES NATE TAKE FROM THE RESULTS AROUND THE PA BUDGET? WHAT TO THINK OF EDUCATION SPENDING... FACTS AROUND SCHOOL CHOICE - REFER TO BOTH PDF REPORTS ATTACHED HERE AND PRINTED....  Nathan (Nate) Benefield is the Senior Vice President at the Commonwealth Foundation.An Ohio native, Nate holds an undergraduate degree in political science and economics and a master's degree in public service management from DePaul University in Chicago. He also completed his doctoral studies (ABD) in political science at Loyola University, also in Chicago. Nate joined the Commonwealth Foundation in 2005. Now as senior vice president, he provides strategic leadership as well as operational oversight spanning policy analysis, government relations, marketing, and communications. Nate has researched and written extensively on public policy issues including the state budget, public sector labor reform, government spending and taxes, liquor privatization, education, and economic development. Under Nate's policy leadership, the Commonwealth Foundation's work on public sector pension law helped drive the bipartisan pension reform of 2017, heralded by the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post as an example for other states to follow. Tune in 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

Community News and Interviews for the Catskills & Northeast Pennsylvania

Anthony Hennen of The Center Square joins Dawn to breakdown his latest articles, including... Suburban leaders blast Philadelphia DA Krasner for crime wave Report: Marijuana legalization trades taxes for social problems Bitcoin mining study revived Xylazine stressing suburban Philadelphia police Methane emissions monitoring grabs legislative attention Dawn & Anthony expand on all these topics, and give you the latest local reports on multiple subjects! Anthony Hennen is a reporter for The Center Square news wire service, covering Pennsylvania, and co-host of Pennsylvania in Focus, a weekly podcast on America's Talking Network. Previously, he worked for Philadelphia Weekly and the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal. He is managing editor of Expatalachians, a journalism project focused on the Appalachian region. Tune in 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

Pennsylvania budget remains unfinished. Democrats upset that their priorities were tossed aside by Senate Republicans. Pennsylvania communities to benefit from one billion dollars in federal money to plant trees. Pittsburgh allows bowhunting in city parks to cull deer herd. Utz closes oldest factory. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Hennen of The Center Square joins Dawn to update listeners on the reality of the PA Budget, Rural PA Healthcare, and the labor shortage impacting the cost of housing and rent even more-so in our region. Tune in 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA joins Dawn to expand on the recent amending of the PA Budget, as it was at an impasse following the veto from Shapiro regarding school choice vouchers. Stephen expands on the status of the budget, and the power now in the hands of the Treasurer to help bring both parties together. Read more from Spotlight PA here. Tune in 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA joins Dawn to breakdown his thoughts on the PA house following the resignation of State Rep. Sara Innamorato. Stephen breaks down how this will move forward as the PA Budget still sits at an impass. Read more about the subject here. Tune in 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!    

PA Senator Tracy Penncuick joins Dawn to expand on her latest Op Ed piece breaking down the PA Budget impasse, and how to move forward by coming to the other side of the aisle to find real compromise to help all citizens of PA. To read more on Sen Tracy's thoughts check out her article here. Tune in 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

On today's episode of The Confluence: A dark money group has pressured state lawmakers to approve school vouchers, which has held up the budget after Gov. Josh Shapiro told Democrats he would line-item veto the program. Following the resignation of Rep. Sara Innamorato, we discuss the balance of power in the state House on our state politics roundtable.

Guy Ciarrocchi joins Dawn to expand on his most recent article "Lifeline Scholarship Opponents Fear it will Work". Dawn & Guy expand on the issues around school choice, funding, and the PA Budget following the walk back on vouchers from Shapiro earlier this month.  Tune in 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

Strap in for part 2! We're going deep on constitutional amendments and real PA trivia. Oh and are you interested in hearing Angela do an EDM mix of Vote Harder? We're considering it.

We had more hexing, trivia, budget bs, and constitutional chaos than we could reasonably fit into one episode so we had to split it up. This week look forward to us giving our fully un-edited thoughts on the infamous White House press release about SoMe AcTiViStS allegedly being out of step with the Democratic mainstream before we start diving into the budget with our guest Susan Gobreski. Fiscal Year 22-23 Budget Basics ACLU PA Amendment Tracker Follow Rep. Joanna McClinton on Twitter (@RepMcClinton/@JoannaMcClinton) to watch all the videos of her being an absolute badass for Pennsylvania. Events Senator Collett's b-day bash fundraiser - July 21, 5:30pm Tara Zrinski's b-day bash fundraiser for EmergePA - July 30, 5:30pm

Mark Lawrence and Joe McGranaghan host State Representative David Rowe (R-85th, Lewisburg) who rejects Gov. Wolf's budget, says he'll accept the redistricting proposal, will listen to the legalize marijuana advocates and does not yet support the 'Convention of States.' Then on a vibrant day of open phones focusing on illegal immigration, the US/Mexico border, sanctuary cities, remittances, child abuse vs. corporal punishment, child discipline and electric vehicles.

Welcome to this week's episode of Out d'Coup LIVE. What's on YOUR mind?  Chatting about Trump's weekend rally and call for violence; Starbucks union efforts grow; Courier Times elections analysis; "The Great Faculty Disengagement;" hope in organizing; and more.  Articles from tonight's show:  "Philly to pilot a guaranteed income experiment, giving cash to some needy residents" : https://bit.ly/3KZ5sPp “At Texas rally, Trump all but promised a racially charged civil war if he's indicted" | Will Bunch: https://bit.ly/34ipKm5 "The Great Faculty Disengagement" : https://bit.ly/3odNQWn "Two Starbucks locations in Philadelphia file petitions to unionize" : https://bit.ly/3ogCWim Books mentioned:  On Compromise: Art, Politics, and the Fate of an American Ideal, by Racel Greenwald Smith. https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781644450604 The Apocalypse and the End of History: Modern Jihad and the Crisis of Liberalism, by Suzanne Schneider. https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781839762413 LWV-PA hosts Speaker Chris Ullery, Bucks County Courier Join The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, PA Budget and Policy Center, All Voting is Local and We The People - Pennsylvania as part of our series of forums on democracy in Pennsylvania for a discussion with Chris Ullery, Government and Development Reporter, Bucks County Intelligencer and Courier Times. LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rduCrrz4oH9wu6CzNuyI6s2QpPGlYjGIF Join our Discord server: https://discord.gg/WMW98RQEYV

Friday 6/25/21 Hour 1 – Topics: Steve breaks down the PA proposed budget that includes NIL and if all the news in college sports this week has affected the average fan.

Friday 6/25/21 Hour 1 – Topics: Steve breaks down the PA proposed budget that includes NIL and if all the news in college sports this week has affected the average fan.

We have been fans of Katie Blume and GIllian Kratzer for years- their work in pa, their fabulous aura, and of course the rib-breaking laugh fest. Katie has years of experience in political, environmental and community organizing. She hails from Eastern Centre County (NOT State College) where she is also on the Milheim Borough Council. […]

Bernie Sanders officially drops out of the presidential race, leaving Joe Biden as the presumptive nominee. It’s worth noting how much the Bernie Sanders campaign has fundamentally shifted the Democratic party’s base to the left, even while power in the party still remains firmly entrenched with the neoliberal baby boomers. Writing in In These Times, Megan Day and Michael Uetricht captured the moment perfectly, “Bernie Sanders Started the Revolution, the Rest is Up to Us.” In what appears to be an attempt to woo Sanders supporters to consider voting for him, Joe Biden released plans to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60 and to forgive some student debt. I don’t know how many times we have to say it, but half-measures and tinkering around the edges just isn’t going to cut it. That was the message sent this week in a letter written to Biden by 8 progressive groups - Alliance for Youth Action, Justice Democrats, IfNotNow Movement, March for Our Lives Action Fund, NextGen America, Student Action, Sunrise Movement, and United We Dream Action: “Messaging around a ‘return to normalcy’ does not and has not earned the support and trust of voters from our generation.” The numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to be devastating, even as some hot spots around the world have begun to see a flattening of their curves. Global confirmed cases: 1,596,496; total deaths: 95,455; total recovered: 354,006; U.S. confirmed cases: 462,135; total deaths: 16,513; total recovered: 25,410; and, nearly 17 million Americans file for unemployment over the past three weeks. Black Americans are getting COVID-19 and dying from the disease at alarmingly disproportionate rates. To anyone paying attention to deep structural racism in the U.S. it’s no mystery as to why. As the New York Times reports, this trend shines a spotlight on what “public health researchers say are entrenched inequalities in resources, health, and access to care.” This week, COVID-19 became the #1 cause of death each day, outpacing heart disease and cancer. Meanwhile, the Radical Christian Right is going off the rails, turning to embrace the coronavirus as some kind of godly messenger. For example, Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge spoke to TMZ about his decision to defy the Governor’s ban of meetings larger than 50 people. Spell said, “like any revolutionary, or like any zealot, or like any pure religious person, death looks to them like a welcomed friend.”  Necessary listening: Rumble with Michael Moore discussion with Jane McEleavy.  Be warned, there is a high pollen warning across most of PA.  State Senator Robert Mensch, a Republican from Montgomery County, seems to be loving the shift of online meetings. He was caught on a hot mic saying that he liked the online sessions because he could “stare daggers at Muth,” referring to outspoken, progressive Democratic State Senator Kaie Muth, also from Montgomery County. Muth took to Twitter writing, “How was your day teleworking?  Welp, mine was full of #Daggers - misogyny beaming strong in virtual workplaces... too bad we couldn’t pass bills to actually help ppl, instead of mean-mugging on Zoom.” On Thursday, the Wolf administration announced that all Pennsylvania K-12 public and private schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. The PA hospital association is seeking a second round of financial assistance from the PA government just two weeks after Gov. Wolf signed a $50 million aid package.  Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal Office reports that the PA government may lose as much as $4 billion in tax revenues this year as a direct result of the pandemic. That could leave PA’s budget about $1.8 billion short. We’re flagging this for our shock doctrine report.  Despite Gov. Wolf’s stay-at-home orders, Pennsylvanians are getting worse at social distancing according to a new report. Data from a cell phone data company shows that after some initial successes, since March 26th, Pennsylvania’s are traveling more often and further.  On May 29, Netflix will finally release its new intergalactic comedy, “Space Force,” starring Steve Carell!   Sean got a new toy - actually TWO new toys. Free Will now has its two cider releases ready for your online order and pick up: Kurant Bees - Hard Cider with Honey 5.5% ABV Kurant Earth - Hard Cider w/ Mosaic Hops 5.5% ABV Another plug this week for DDH Love Letter from the 90s. Hazy IPA brewed with oats, Bloody Butcer cornmeal from Castle Valley Mill (Doylestown, PA), and milk sugar, then double dry hopped with Galaxy, Mosaic, and Citra. 7.2% ABV

PBPC Director Marc Stier joins the podcast to walk through his recently-released comprehensive analysis of the PA budget passed by the General Assembly at the end of June. You can read the full budget analysis, co-authored by Stier and PBPC Policy Analyst Diana Polson here: http://bit.ly/2kvyVZV

Kadida Kenner, Director of Campaigns for the PA Budget and Policy Center, talks about the May 23 statewide day of action on raising the minimum wage and where the minimum wage debate goes from here. See the page to write to your legislator about raising the minimum wage here: http://bit.ly/2HUUs8j See information about the June 4 budget day of action in Harrisburg here: http://bit.ly/2W2mTsp

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins the podcast to talk about the We The People - Pennsylvania campaign and its proactive policy agenda. Learn more about WTP here: http://bit.ly/2Con4os *The event Marc mentions was put on by We The People - Pennsylvania Action. Watch a video of the event here: http://bit.ly/2OfuzDc

The PA General Assembly just passed what is called the general appropriations bill and sent it to Governor Wolf. Jeff Garis, Outreach and Engagement Director for the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk about the state of the 2018-19 Pennsylvania budget. Read PBPC's statement on the GA bill here: http://bit.ly/2tjYGgU

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk about the GOP push for a federal tax cut bill and the implications for Pennsylvanians.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk about the Pennsylvania state budget, which is done (but not really done) and the shale tax. Take action by urging your state representative to support a vote in support of a shale tax here: http://bit.ly/2lJDKyB

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us for a Pennsylvania budget update — that’s right, it’s September and we’re still talking about a budget that was supposed to be complete on June 30. Marc walks us through the frantic last few weeks, and explains how constituents can engage their lawmakers to push them to get this budget done.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to give an update on the state budget, including the (false) claim that state spending is out of control. After listening, read this blog post for more info: http://bit.ly/2wv3qDm

Jeff Garis, Outreach and Engagement Director for the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins the podcast to talk about the (very late) PA budget, the bipartisan revenue package passed out of the Senate this week, and why he doesn’t see much desperation from Speaker Mike Turzai to finish the budget. Sign up for PA budget updates at www.PAChoice.org.

PA Budget and Policy Center Director Marc Stier joins the podcast to talk about the Pennsylvania state budget, which is now two weeks late. Marc talks about the sticking points that remain on revenue sources for a final budget, and why we might be looking at another extended impasse. Here is the action page mentioned on the podcast to tell your state representatives to support a tax on natural gas drillers: http://bit.ly/2umEVHx

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins the podcast to talk about the Senate health care bill, how it would affect Pennsylvanians, what it would mean for the millions of people in America who rely on Medicaid, and why GOP Senators aren't telling you the truth about it.

Marc Stier, Director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, talks about the spending deal reached between the state legislature and Governor Wolf and how the legislature is preparing to use more irresponsible tactics to pay for it.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk health care again. The U.S. Senate is secretly, quietly crafting their version of an ACA replacement bill, and Marc gives us the latest on those dealings and what it could mean for Pennsylvania.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk about the CBO’s scoring of Trumpcare and the recent report that Senator Pat Toomey is taking the lead on negotiations in the Senate to make the bill even worse for Americans who rely on Medicaid.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins the podcast to give us an update about state budget negotiations and what PBPC and other partners are doing in the next few months to advocate for a budget that puts people first. Get more info about budget actions across Pennsylvania here: www.PAChoice.org/BudgetAction

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk about the U.S. House passing Trumpcare and what it means for the health care debate moving forward.

Mark Price, Labor Economist for the Keystone Research Center, joins us to talk about his new report, released jointly with the PA Budget and Policy Center, about institutions of higher education promoting economic mobility for Pennsylvania students – most specifically the schools that are part of the PA State System of higher Education. Find the new report here: http://bit.ly/2onZP6y

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk about the latest version of the House Republican health care plan, a bill that we expect to see introduced as early as next Wednesday. Marc breaks down the reported changes, which actually make affordable health insurance LESS attainable for the most vulnerable Americans.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, talks about the new "Fair Share Tax Plan," which would raise $2 billion a year while cutting taxes or keeping taxes level for 85% of Pennsylvanians. The idea was introduced as legislation this week by PA Senators Vince Hughes and Art Haywood.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, talks about the Republican healthcare bill, the CBO score for the bill that came out this week, the direct impact here in Pennsylvania if the bill ends up becoming law, and what happens next.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk about the strike by faculty members of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which began this week after months of negotiations have failed to result in a new contract.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, takes a step back with us to talk about some of the missed opportunities in this year’s budget negotiation, and how they can be applied to next year’s budget.

PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center staff appearances on the Rick Smith Show (ricksmithshow.com/). In 2005, The Rick Smith Show stepped into a local radio world devoid of progressive talk. Rick took his straight shooting no nonsense Teamster outlook to the air and started mixing it up with conservatives from one of the reddest areas north of the Mason Dixon line. His show grew steadily, attracting listeners starved for a voice that spoke to working stiffs who felt the economic floor crumbling beneath them. Five years after the start of his weekend program, Rick moved to new time slots and new stations. His show now airs Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm on several stations across the state of Pennsylvania where he offers hard truth and commentary with a unique blend of clear-headed, gruff analysis and bemused observation.

PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center staff appearances on the Rick Smith Show (ricksmithshow.com/). In 2005, The Rick Smith Show stepped into a local radio world devoid of progressive talk. Rick took his straight shooting no nonsense Teamster outlook to the air and started mixing it up with conservatives from one of the reddest areas north of the Mason Dixon line. His show grew steadily, attracting listeners starved for a voice that spoke to working stiffs who felt the economic floor crumbling beneath them. Five years after the start of his weekend program, Rick moved to new time slots and new stations. His show now airs Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm on several stations across the state of Pennsylvania where he offers hard truth and commentary with a unique blend of clear-headed, gruff analysis and bemused observation.

Christine Stone, Co-Chair of the Why Courts Matter - PA coalition (a project of the PA Budget and Policy Center) joins us to talk about the historic obstruction of Supreme Court nominee Judge Merrick Garland and how advocates and activists across PA are speaking up.

Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk about the state of budget negotiations. With only days before the deadline for Governor Wolf to sign the appropriations bill, there is still no deal on revenue to pay for budget.

State Senator Scott Wagner, 28th Senatorial District, talks with Gary Sutton about the PA Budget on WSBA

PA Budget and Policy Center Director of Outreach and Engagement, Jeff Garis, joins us to talk about the upcoming Pennsylvania's Choice campaign budget day of action. With events happening across the state, the day of action will center on a large rally at the state Capitol ahead of the PA budget deadline.

PA Budget and Policy Center Director Marc Stier joins us to talk about the magical thinking employed by legislative members of the "Taxpayers' Caucus" at their press conference this week. Their new report attempts to find budget savings, but instead shows that members of the caucus might not understand how budgets work.

PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center staff appearances on the Rick Smith Show (http://ricksmithshow.com/). In 2005, The Rick Smith Show stepped into a local radio world devoid of progressive talk. Rick took his straight shooting no nonsense Teamster outlook to the air and started mixing it up with conservatives from one of the reddest areas north of the Mason Dixon line. His show grew steadily, attracting listeners starved for a voice that spoke to working stiffs who felt the economic floor crumbling beneath them. Five years after the start of his weekend program, Rick moved to new time slots and new stations. His show now airs Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm on several stations across the state of Pennsylvania where he offers hard truth and commentary with a unique blend of clear-headed, gruff analysis and bemused observation.

PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center staff appearances on the Rick Smith Show (http://ricksmithshow.com/). In 2005, The Rick Smith Show stepped into a local radio world devoid of progressive talk. Rick took his straight shooting no nonsense Teamster outlook to the air and started mixing it up with conservatives from one of the reddest areas north of the Mason Dixon line. His show grew steadily, attracting listeners starved for a voice that spoke to working stiffs who felt the economic floor crumbling beneath them. Five years after the start of his weekend program, Rick moved to new time slots and new stations. His show now airs Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm on several stations across the state of Pennsylvania where he offers hard truth and commentary with a unique blend of clear-headed, gruff analysis and bemused observation.

PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center staff appearances on the Rick Smith Show (http://ricksmithshow.com/). In 2005, The Rick Smith Show stepped into a local radio world devoid of progressive talk. Rick took his straight shooting no nonsense Teamster outlook to the air and started mixing it up with conservatives from one of the reddest areas north of the Mason Dixon line. His show grew steadily, attracting listeners starved for a voice that spoke to working stiffs who felt the economic floor crumbling beneath them. Five years after the start of his weekend program, Rick moved to new time slots and new stations. His show now airs Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm on several stations across the state of Pennsylvania where he offers hard truth and commentary with a unique blend of clear-headed, gruff analysis and bemused observation.

PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center staff appearances on the Rick Smith Show (http://ricksmithshow.com/). In 2005, The Rick Smith Show stepped into a local radio world devoid of progressive talk. Rick took his straight shooting no nonsense Teamster outlook to the air and started mixing it up with conservatives from one of the reddest areas north of the Mason Dixon line. His show grew steadily, attracting listeners starved for a voice that spoke to working stiffs who felt the economic floor crumbling beneath them. Five years after the start of his weekend program, Rick moved to new time slots and new stations. His show now airs Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm on several stations across the state of Pennsylvania where he offers hard truth and commentary with a unique blend of clear-headed, gruff analysis and bemused observation.

PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center staff appearances on the Rick Smith Show (ricksmithshow.com/). In 2005, The Rick Smith Show stepped into a local radio world devoid of progressive talk. Rick took his straight shooting no nonsense Teamster outlook to the air and started mixing it up with conservatives from one of the reddest areas north of the Mason Dixon line. His show grew steadily, attracting listeners starved for a voice that spoke to working stiffs who felt the economic floor crumbling beneath them. Five years after the start of his weekend program, Rick moved to new time slots and new stations. His show now airs Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm on several stations across the state of Pennsylvania where he offers hard truth and commentary with a unique blend of clear-headed, gruff analysis and bemused observation.

PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center staff appearances on the Rick Smith Show (http://ricksmithshow.com/). In 2005, The Rick Smith Show stepped into a local radio world devoid of progressive talk. Rick took his straight shooting no nonsense Teamster outlook to the air and started mixing it up with conservatives from one of the reddest areas north of the Mason Dixon line. His show grew steadily, attracting listeners starved for a voice that spoke to working stiffs who felt the economic floor crumbling beneath them. Five years after the start of his weekend program, Rick moved to new time slots and new stations. His show now airs Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm on several stations across the state of Pennsylvania where he offers hard truth and commentary with a unique blend of clear-headed, gruff analysis and bemused observation.

Jeff Garis, Outreach and Engagement Director for PA Budget and Policy Center, joins us to talk about the recently-launched Pennsylvania’s Choice campaign. He outlines how the campaign has organizers across the state who are engaging their communities around how budget investment in schools, service providers and other government agencies are an irreplaceable part of promoting thriving communities. You can learn more about the campaign at www.pachoice.org.

Jeff Garis, Outreach and Engagement Director at the PA Budget and Policy Center, talks to us about how advocacy groups and advocates are engaging in the public dialogue about the Pennsylvania budget.