Podcasts about Public finance

Investigative journalist Susan Comrie from amaBhungane joins Amy MacIver to unpack the tangled saga of fuel contamination and questionable procurement in South Africa’s energy sector. From PetroSA’s R150 million prepayment to Nako Energy, to concerns over fuel additives like N-methylaniline (NMA), this episode explores the shadowy world of petrol blending, offshore deals, and regulatory blind spots. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Jan de Villiers, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on the Public Service, about a growing scandal involving so-called “ghost workers” in the public sector. The Gauteng Department of Health reportedly paid R6.4 million in salaries to non-existent employees, even as real doctors go unpaid. At PRASA, up to R20 million has been lost on over 1,000 phantom staff. Investigations by the SIU and Auditor-General suggest this is not administrative error but a pattern of organised, systemic corruption draining public funds. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How difficult is it to access public financing for a mayoral campaign? KOAt 7's TJ Wilham joins Bob to unpack the requirement for public financing and which candidates are mostly to meet the standard. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham is joined by investigative journalist Susan Comrie from amaBhungane to unpack her latest reporting on the turmoil inside PetroSA, South Africa’s state-owned oil and gas company. The discussion dives into a diesel deal gone wrong — one that saw PetroSA hand over hundreds of millions of rands worth of fuel to a little-known company without contracts, guarantees, or full payment. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham is joined by Adjunct Professor Alex van den Heever, who presently holds the Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, to unpack the financial implosion at Johannesburg’s City Power. With a staggering R16.3 billion negative bank balance, under-collection of revenue, and internal reports allegedly buried by Mayor Dada Morero, the city’s ability to deliver services now hangs in the balance. Van den Heever weighs in on the legal and governance implications and whether this crisis signals broader systemic failure. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. George Kalchev holds a PhD in Economics from Southern Methodist University. He has close to 16 years of global academic experience. His teaching includes a variety of courses in Economics, from Principles to Public Finance. He has published applied research in corporate governance, corporate insurance, shareholder litigation. His most recent line of research is on marijuana legalization and road safety. He empirically studied correlation between legal marijuana sales and fatal car crashes in Michigan, Colorado and California.

What's going on with the tariff deals? How free trade really is the United States? And what have the Popes taught about socialism? Dave Hebert joins Econception to discuss these questions and more with Dominic Pino. Dave Hebert, Ph.D, is a senior research fellow at AIER. Dr. Hebert's research has been published in academic journals such as Public Choice, Constitutional Political Economy, and The Journal of Public Finance and Public Choice and popular outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Investor's Business Daily, RealClearPolicy, RealClearMarkets, The Hill, and The Daily Caller. 

In this episode, Gurps Kharaud, head of Equities Digital Markets and Vida Portfolio Solutions, chats with Olivier Cajfinger, head of Investment-Grade Credit, Public Finance, Short-Term Credit, and Alternative Sales, and Peter Grant, co-head of Credit Systematic Trading. They delve into the evolution of credit portfolio trading, examining the impact of recent market volatility on trading volumes, the strategic role of portfolio trading as a liquidity tool, and how J.P. Morgan is differentiating itself through innovative risk management and systematic trading approaches. The discussion also highlights the increasing importance of technology investments in adapting to changing client needs, as well as the trends shaping the future of credit portfolio trading.   This episode was recorded on April 23, 2025. © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved. JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. (member of FDIC), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (member of FINRA, NYSE and SIPC), J.P. Morgan Securities plc (authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the PRA) and J.P. Morgan SE (authorised by the BaFin and regulated by the BaFin, the German Central Bank and the European Central Bank) are principal subsidiaries of JPMorgan Chase & Co. The products and/or services mentioned herein may not be suitable for your particular circumstances and may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Important disclosures at: www.jpmorgan.com/disclosures.

Cities around the world are facing a host of challenges. As the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development observed recently, "places are rethinking how to stay competitive on the global stage. Technological change, the green transition and shifting global value chains are reshaping local economies." Join Eugenie Birch, Co-Director of Penn IUR, and William Glasgall, Penn IUR Fellow and Volcker Alliance Public Finance Advisor, as our panel of current and former global mayors examine what cities should do now to set their future agendas for growth and shared prosperity. Speakers include Steve Adler, former Mayor, Austin, Texas; Stephanie Miner, former Mayor, Syracuse, New York; Nasiphi Moya, Mayor of Tshwane, South Africa; and Jaime Pumarejo Heins, former Mayor of Barranquilla, Colombia. Notable Quotes: “Today, the (Barranquilla) waterfront gets 10 million people visiting a year, from all types of places, from all of the socioeconomic strata of the city. It paid for itself because when we reappraised the land around it, within seven years, we were able to recuperate the investment." - Jaime Pumarejo Heins “As a city, we must be creative about how we fund our needs. We want to ramp up revenue collection, but we don't want to do that without taking care of the root cause, which is economic growth.” - Nasiphi Moya (Syracuse, New York, is currently facing) “a $27 million deficit—and that's with a 2 percent tax increase. Normally, when this kind of thing happens, you would turn to the state or even the federal government to ask for help. But given the uncertainty that's going on with the federal government, and this idea that there's a recession, there's not going to be that kind of aid coming through.” - Stephanie Miner (The [Austin, Texas] city council is) “projecting a $13 million shortfall this year, projected to go up to $35 million in the next couple years. We have stagnant sales tax revenue and a property tax revenue constraint imposed by our legislature.” - Steve Adler Be sure to subscribe to Special Briefing to stay up to date on the world of public finance. Learn more about the Volcker Alliance at: volckeralliance.org Learn more about Penn IUR at: penniur.upenn.edu Connect with us @VolckerAlliance and @PennIUR on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn Special Briefing is published by the Volcker Alliance, as part of its Public Finance initiatives, and Penn IUR. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the panelists and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Volcker Alliance or Penn IUR.

Renowned News 24 Journalist Carol Paton joins John Maytham to unpack the political and legal tightrope walk behind South Africa’s potential VAT U-turn. After weeks of uncertainty, there’s now broad consensus among parties in the Government of National Unity that the planned 0.5% VAT hike should be scrapped. But doing so isn’t straightforward. Follow us on: CapeTalk on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: www.instagram.com/capetalkzaCapeTalk on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567CapeTalk on X: www.x.com/CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dennis Davis joins John Maytham to unpack the DA and EFF’s court challenge to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s VAT hike. Davis, a retired judge and constitutional law expert, explains why the case matters, what’s at stake in terms of parliamentary process, and how the outcome could shape future tax legislation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Davis joins Dan Corder to reflect on just how strange the news can be. From the most important to the very strange, John and Rebecca offer their view of what is happening in our world that makes it at times infuriating, at times inspirational but always fascinating. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Thomas Grogan engages with Vidhu Shekhar, Microsoft, Interim SLG Business Strategy Leader – Critical Infrastructure, Transportation & Public Finance, to explore the transformative role of technology in public infrastructure. With a focus on AI and cloud computing, the discussion delves into how Microsoft aids government and AEC firms in tackling complex challenges in infrastructural development and maintenance. The conversation touches upon lessons learned in deploying AI, data privacy considerations, and the pivotal role of technology in upcoming global events. Additionally, Vidhu shares insights on workforce development in this new AI era, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach between technology and human talent.

In this episode of Full Disclosure, hosts Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm sit down with Rick White, an independent consultant and veteran of the municipal finance world with over 20 years of experience in underwriting and remarketing tax-exempt variable rate debt. Rick pulls back the curtain on Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDNs), Tender Option Bonds, and money market eligible products and explains their structure, benefits, risks, and how they've evolved since the 2008 financial crisis. From his early days on the trading floor at First Union to managing a $30 billion variable rate portfolio at Wells Fargo, Rick provides a front-row view of how the market has shifted over the years. He walks listeners through the mechanics of liquidity facilities, remarketing agents, and the crucial role of bank letters of credit, breaking down complex financial concepts in a clear and candid way. The episode explores what happened when the auction rate market froze, how banks responded, and why investor trust in liquidity dried up seemingly overnight. The conversation wraps with a look at current rate trends, as Rick, Tyler, and Nina analyze recent charts and discuss what might come next for variable rate debt in today's market environment. Episode Charts Key Takeaways (1) Lessons from the Auction Rate Crisis: The 2008 financial crisis exposed the fragility of auction rate securities and highlighted the importance of strong liquidity support. Rick recounts how frozen markets forced issuers to pivot to VRDNs, often overnight. (2) Modern Tools, Smarter Strategy: Post-2008 reforms like EMMA brought much-needed transparency to the market. Today, issuers can (and should) monitor rates across multiple series and remarketing agents to make data-informed decisions. (3) Variable Rate Debt is Evolving: Despite its complexity, variable rate debt can offer real advantages in the right circumstances. With volatility back in the market, and daily vs. weekly reset modes now diverging by 100+ basis points, the time to re-evaluate strategies is now.

John Maytham is joined by Dr Gumani Tshimomola, Senior Researcher for the Economic Freedom Fighters, to unpack the legal and political reality behind South Africa’s upcoming VAT hike. Dr Tshimomola argues the 0.5 percent increase set for 1 May 2025 is already law and cannot be reversed by coalition promises or press statements. He explains the constitutional rules around money bills and criticises the Government of National Unity for creating public confusion. They also explore what this means for struggling households and the future of South Africa’s fiscal accountability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Herman Mashaba, President of ActionSA, joins John Maytham to discuss the party’s controversial role in helping advance South Africa’s 2025 budget process. This comes after ActionSA’s Alan Beesley introduced a recommendation backed by the ANC and IFP to find alternative revenue sources within 30 days, effectively side-lining the proposed VAT hike. While ActionSA claims it spared South Africans a cost of living blow, critics like the DA accuse it of enabling unchecked ANC spending. Mashaba unpacks the reasoning behind the move, clarifies the party’s stance on the GNU, and explains why he believes ActionSA acted in the public’s best interest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Special Briefing is focused on the future of mass transportation under the new Administration and Congress. Our expert panel discusses the upsurge in construction funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as well as solutions to hundreds of billions of dollars in budgetary shortfalls facing transit networks from coast to coast. Speakers include Leslie Richards, Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design and former General Manager & CEO of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the fifth-largest U.S. transit system; Kurt Forsgren, Managing Director and Sector Lead for Transportation, S&P Global; Randy Iwasaki, President and CEO of Iwasaki Consulting Services, Inc. and former Leader of State and Local Transportation for Amazon Web Services; Polly Trottenberg, who recently served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation under Pete Buttigieg; and David Greising, President and CEO, Better Government Association. Notable Quotes: "All new administrations when they come in, of course, set new policy priorities, but I think this is the first time an administration has tried to cancel or rescope projects in mass that have already been awarded funding through a competitive application process." - Polly Trottenberg "Septa's experienced a huge capital budget crunch as well. And obviously that comes into play with what Polly just described, with the discretionary funds and the uncertainty of what's getting paid out and will get paid out. And what's coming out through formula this year? Septa is facing over a 200 million dollars shortfall." - Leslie Richards "They're preparing for the Olympics. And Mayor Bass has said that the Olympic trips will be not by car. And so they're making a tremendous investment in transit and the airports in LA. I think we have about 85 billion dollars worth of projects ongoing in Region 9, which includes 4 States, and the the only large project that's outside of California is the heart project in Hawaii. So there's investments in California and transit." - Randy Iwasaki "The Democrats, at least on the Illinois Congressional delegation, wrote a letter to the office of management Budget a couple of weeks ago, just simply referencing the the suspension of spending on various programs already approved or anticipated. And they added it up and came up with about 1.9 billion dollars worth of programs." - David Greising "So this sort of strength in taxes and tax support by system operators and by their policymakers and legislators, you know, has been a real strength for credit quality across the sector. In fact, we raised the ratings on about 7 transit operators just in November of last year to reflect the strength and growth that we've seen in this tax support sector." - Kurt Forsgren Be sure to subscribe to Special Briefing to stay up to date on the world of public finance. Learn more about the Volcker Alliance at: volckeralliance.org Learn more about Penn IUR at: penniur.upenn.edu Connect with us @VolckerAlliance and @PennIUR on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn Special Briefing is published by the Volcker Alliance, as part of its Public Finance initiatives, and Penn IUR. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the panelists and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Volcker Alliance or Penn IUR.

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, Ivan McKee, the SNP MSP and Minister for Public Finance, discusses the Scottish Government's engagement with businesses, the role of the civil service, and the challenges of public service reform. He emphasises the importance of innovation and efficiency in the civil service, the need for the Scottish Government to take initiative rather than just mitigate Westminster policies, and the ongoing efforts to address child poverty. In this conversation, Ivan McKee discusses the performance of public services in Scotland, comparing them to England and addressing the need for improvement. He emphasises the importance of a long-term vision for Scotland's independence, highlighting the economic strengths and the necessity of effective public service delivery. The discussion also touches on the political changes within the SNP and the potential for injecting private sector innovation into public services to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Corder is joined by Michael Marchant, Head of Investigations at Open Secrets, to unpack one of South Africa’s most pressing economic debates: Should the country introduce a wealth tax on its richest individuals?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Full Disclosure, hosts Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm sit down with Mark Vitner, Chief Economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital, for an in-depth economic update. Mark unpacks key trends shaping the U.S. economy, analyzing the impact of tariffs, Federal Reserve policy, and shifting supply chains on growth and inflation. With years of experience forecasting economic conditions, Mark provides valuable insights into the current slowdown, explaining how uncertainty in trade policy and capital investment decisions is influencing business strategy. He breaks down the real effects of tariffs on consumer prices and how the Federal Reserve is managing inflation while avoiding recession. During the episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how economic conditions are evolving and what to watch for in the coming months, from potential rate cuts to shifts in housing and manufacturing. If you're looking for an analysis of where the economy is headed, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Featured Guest:  Mark Vitner is the Chief Economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital, where he provides strategic economic insights and forecasting for clients across industries. With over 30 years of experience in economic analysis, Mark specializes in assessing U.S. and regional economic conditions, financial markets, and geopolitics, with a focus on their impact on consumers, local economies, housing, and commercial real estate. Before founding Piedmont Crescent Capital, Mark spent nearly three decades at Wells Fargo as a Managing Director and Senior Economist, where he led macroeconomic research and regularly briefed corporate leaders, investors, and policymakers. His expertise also extends to roles at Wachovia, First Union National Bank, and Barnett Bank, where he developed strategic economic outlooks and provided critical analysis for financial institutions. Mark is a recognized thought leader in economic forecasting and has been a frequent speaker at industry conferences, corporate events, and policy discussions. He has also contributed to numerous publications on inflation, monetary policy, and economic development.  Top Takeaways from Episode 03: Tariffs & Trade Policy Impact – Tariffs can distort supply chains and increase costs, but their inflationary impact is often overstated. The long-term effects depend on whether they're used for revenue generation, trade leverage, or reshoring efforts. The Federal Reserve's Balancing Act – The Fed faces the difficult task of cutting rates to sustain growth while avoiding a resurgence of inflation. Mark predicts three rate cuts in 2025 but sees potential rate hikes resuming in 2026. Federal Debt & Fiscal Concerns – Interest payments on national debt have surpassed defense spending, raising long-term concerns. Future policy shifts may focus on entitlement reform, tax policy adjustments, and government efficiency to curb deficits.

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Public finance is more than just numbers – it is about vision, leadership, and building strong teams. Jack McCullough welcomes Lauren StClair, CFO of NerdWallet, to discuss how she led the company through its IPO while maintaining its core values of transparency and innovation. Lauren shares her unique journey from Stanford athlete to finance leader, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as she dives into the evolving role of the CFO, the power of technology in scaling businesses, and practical advice for future finance leaders.To book a demo with Planful, click here.

The first Special Briefing of 2025 offers a deep dive into the new President's first month and the implications of new policies. Featured speakers include former US Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA); Jeffrey Holland, Vice President, Research, Peter G. Peterson Foundation; Eric Kim, Senior Director, U.S. Public Finance at Fitch Ratings; Vikram Rai, Fixed Income Strategist, Head of Municipal Markets Strategy at Wells Fargo; Torsten Slok, Partner and Chief Economist at Apollo; and Mark Zandi, Chief Economist, Moody's Economics. Notable Quotes: “The implications from a macro perspective could become very, very important for interest rates, especially, of course, if the layoffs begin to show up in the form of a high unemployment rate.” - Torsten Slok. “State and local governments really need to take this moment to do an assessment of how the federal government, federal spending and federal tax policy, even the economic impacts, will affect their budget." - Carolyn Bourdeaux. “So why does that matter? Well, high and rising debts crowd out savings and investment, which could lower future output and income relative to what would otherwise occur." - Jeffrey Holland “Midwestern state economies could be particularly vulnerable to the imposition of blanket tariffs on imports from [Canada, Mexico, and China], and natural resource-rich states could face the most direct consequences from retaliatory tariffs by those nations. North Dakota, Louisiana, and Texas are the states with the most in exports to Canada, Mexico, and China as a percentage of their state GDP.” - Eric Kim “State and local governments realize that they have to rely on their own sources to meet their projects and financing needs." - Vikram Rai “The risks are decidedly to higher interest rates. The biggest risk is that we see a major sell-off in the bond market. The bond market feels incredibly fragile.” - Mark Zandi Be sure to subscribe to Special Briefing to stay up to date on the world of public finance. Learn more about the Volcker Alliance at: volckeralliance.org Learn more about Penn IUR at: penniur.upenn.edu Connect with us @VolckerAlliance and @PennIUR on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn Special Briefing is published by the Volcker Alliance, as part of its Public Finance initiatives, and Penn IUR. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the panelists and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Volcker Alliance or Penn IUR.

In this episode of Full Disclosure, our hosts Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm explore the unique role of bond banks with Michael Gaughan, Executive Director of the Vermont Bond Bank. Michael shares his expertise on how bond banks provide critical access to capital for small and rural communities, ensuring they can fund essential infrastructure projects without the complexities of direct market access. Michael takes us through the origins of the Vermont Bond Bank, the first of its kind in the nation, and explains how it continues to evolve, offering innovative financing solutions that help municipalities manage challenges like rising interest rates, disaster recovery, and sustainability projects. From a small town rebuilding after a devastating fire to statewide efforts to address climate resilience, listeners will gain valuable insights into how bond banks operate, the challenges of financing public projects in rural areas, and why access to equitable, long-term capital is crucial for the sustainability and growth of small communities.  Featured Guest: Michael Gaughan is the Executive Director & Secretary of the Vermont Bond Bank, where he has led efforts to support municipal financing and infrastructure development across the state since 2018. In this role, Michael oversees lending programs that enable local governments, school districts, and other public entities to secure funding for essential projects. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Vermont Educational and Health Buildings Financing Agency, further advancing access to cost-effective capital for educational and healthcare institutions. Michael represents the Bond Bank on the State of Vermont's Capital Debt Affordability Advisory Committee, providing expert insight on the state's long-term borrowing capacity. His extensive experience in public finance includes serving as a Director at the National Development Council (NDC), where he worked on community development finance initiatives nationwide, and as a public finance banker at PNC, specializing in governmental, housing, and community facilities transactions. In addition to his leadership roles, Michael is actively involved in public finance and economic development organizations. He is a board member of the Northeast State Government Finance Officers Association (NESGFOA), an advisor to the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) Committee on Economic Development and Capital Planning, and a member of the Executive Committee for the City of Burlington's Planning Commission.   Top Takeaways from Episode 02: How Bond Banks Level the Playing Field – The Vermont Bond Bank provides small and rural communities with access to affordable financing, ensuring that even towns with just a few hundred residents can fund essential infrastructure projects at the same rates as larger municipalities. A History of Innovation – Vermont was home to the first bond bank in the U.S., created to address a capital crunch in the 1970s. Since then, the model has evolved to meet modern financial challenges, offering solutions beyond traditional municipal bonds. Bridging the Gap for Disaster Recovery – Vermont's Municipal Climate Recovery Fund is a forward-thinking initiative that helps communities secure financing for rebuilding after floods and other climate-related disasters.

At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. To this day, fiscal authorities fret over soaring public debt burdens, while central bankers wring their hands at the slightest sign of rising wages. As the brief reprieve of coronavirus spending made clear, no departure from government austerity will be tolerated without a corresponding act of penance. Yet we misunderstand the scope of neoliberal public finance if we assume austerity to be its sole setting. Beyond the zero-sum game of direct claims on state budgets lies a realm of indirect government spending that escapes the naked eye. Capital gains are multiply subsidized by a tax system that reserves its greatest rewards for financial asset holders. And for all its airs of haughty asceticism, the Federal Reserve has become adept at facilitating the inflation of asset values while ruthlessly suppressing wages. Neoliberalism is as extravagant as it is austere, and this paradox needs to be grasped if we are to challenge its core modus operandi. In Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance (Zone Books, 2024) Dr. Melinda Cooper examines the major schools of thought that have shaped neoliberal common sense around public finance. Focusing, in particular, on Virginia school public choice theory and supply-side economics, she shows how these currents produced distinct but ultimately complementary responses to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. With its intellectual roots in the conservative Southern Democratic tradition, Virginia school public choice theory espoused an austere doctrine of budget balance. The supply-side movement, by contrast, advocated tax cuts without spending restraint and debt issuance without guilt, in an apparent repudiation of austerity. Yet, for all their differences, the two schools converged around the need to rein in the redistributive uses of public spending. Together, they drove a counterrevolution in public finance that deepened the divide between rich and poor and revived the fortunes of dynastic wealth. Far-reaching as the neoliberal counterrevolution has been, Dr. Cooper still identifies a counterfactual history of unrealized possibilities in the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. She concludes by inviting us to rethink the concept of revolution and raises the question: Is another politics of extravagance possible? This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. To this day, fiscal authorities fret over soaring public debt burdens, while central bankers wring their hands at the slightest sign of rising wages. As the brief reprieve of coronavirus spending made clear, no departure from government austerity will be tolerated without a corresponding act of penance. Yet we misunderstand the scope of neoliberal public finance if we assume austerity to be its sole setting. Beyond the zero-sum game of direct claims on state budgets lies a realm of indirect government spending that escapes the naked eye. Capital gains are multiply subsidized by a tax system that reserves its greatest rewards for financial asset holders. And for all its airs of haughty asceticism, the Federal Reserve has become adept at facilitating the inflation of asset values while ruthlessly suppressing wages. Neoliberalism is as extravagant as it is austere, and this paradox needs to be grasped if we are to challenge its core modus operandi. In Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance (Zone Books, 2024) Dr. Melinda Cooper examines the major schools of thought that have shaped neoliberal common sense around public finance. Focusing, in particular, on Virginia school public choice theory and supply-side economics, she shows how these currents produced distinct but ultimately complementary responses to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. With its intellectual roots in the conservative Southern Democratic tradition, Virginia school public choice theory espoused an austere doctrine of budget balance. The supply-side movement, by contrast, advocated tax cuts without spending restraint and debt issuance without guilt, in an apparent repudiation of austerity. Yet, for all their differences, the two schools converged around the need to rein in the redistributive uses of public spending. Together, they drove a counterrevolution in public finance that deepened the divide between rich and poor and revived the fortunes of dynastic wealth. Far-reaching as the neoliberal counterrevolution has been, Dr. Cooper still identifies a counterfactual history of unrealized possibilities in the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. She concludes by inviting us to rethink the concept of revolution and raises the question: Is another politics of extravagance possible? This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. To this day, fiscal authorities fret over soaring public debt burdens, while central bankers wring their hands at the slightest sign of rising wages. As the brief reprieve of coronavirus spending made clear, no departure from government austerity will be tolerated without a corresponding act of penance. Yet we misunderstand the scope of neoliberal public finance if we assume austerity to be its sole setting. Beyond the zero-sum game of direct claims on state budgets lies a realm of indirect government spending that escapes the naked eye. Capital gains are multiply subsidized by a tax system that reserves its greatest rewards for financial asset holders. And for all its airs of haughty asceticism, the Federal Reserve has become adept at facilitating the inflation of asset values while ruthlessly suppressing wages. Neoliberalism is as extravagant as it is austere, and this paradox needs to be grasped if we are to challenge its core modus operandi. In Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance (Zone Books, 2024) Dr. Melinda Cooper examines the major schools of thought that have shaped neoliberal common sense around public finance. Focusing, in particular, on Virginia school public choice theory and supply-side economics, she shows how these currents produced distinct but ultimately complementary responses to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. With its intellectual roots in the conservative Southern Democratic tradition, Virginia school public choice theory espoused an austere doctrine of budget balance. The supply-side movement, by contrast, advocated tax cuts without spending restraint and debt issuance without guilt, in an apparent repudiation of austerity. Yet, for all their differences, the two schools converged around the need to rein in the redistributive uses of public spending. Together, they drove a counterrevolution in public finance that deepened the divide between rich and poor and revived the fortunes of dynastic wealth. Far-reaching as the neoliberal counterrevolution has been, Dr. Cooper still identifies a counterfactual history of unrealized possibilities in the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. She concludes by inviting us to rethink the concept of revolution and raises the question: Is another politics of extravagance possible? This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. To this day, fiscal authorities fret over soaring public debt burdens, while central bankers wring their hands at the slightest sign of rising wages. As the brief reprieve of coronavirus spending made clear, no departure from government austerity will be tolerated without a corresponding act of penance. Yet we misunderstand the scope of neoliberal public finance if we assume austerity to be its sole setting. Beyond the zero-sum game of direct claims on state budgets lies a realm of indirect government spending that escapes the naked eye. Capital gains are multiply subsidized by a tax system that reserves its greatest rewards for financial asset holders. And for all its airs of haughty asceticism, the Federal Reserve has become adept at facilitating the inflation of asset values while ruthlessly suppressing wages. Neoliberalism is as extravagant as it is austere, and this paradox needs to be grasped if we are to challenge its core modus operandi. In Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance (Zone Books, 2024) Dr. Melinda Cooper examines the major schools of thought that have shaped neoliberal common sense around public finance. Focusing, in particular, on Virginia school public choice theory and supply-side economics, she shows how these currents produced distinct but ultimately complementary responses to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. With its intellectual roots in the conservative Southern Democratic tradition, Virginia school public choice theory espoused an austere doctrine of budget balance. The supply-side movement, by contrast, advocated tax cuts without spending restraint and debt issuance without guilt, in an apparent repudiation of austerity. Yet, for all their differences, the two schools converged around the need to rein in the redistributive uses of public spending. Together, they drove a counterrevolution in public finance that deepened the divide between rich and poor and revived the fortunes of dynastic wealth. Far-reaching as the neoliberal counterrevolution has been, Dr. Cooper still identifies a counterfactual history of unrealized possibilities in the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. She concludes by inviting us to rethink the concept of revolution and raises the question: Is another politics of extravagance possible? This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars.

At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. To this day, fiscal authorities fret over soaring public debt burdens, while central bankers wring their hands at the slightest sign of rising wages. As the brief reprieve of coronavirus spending made clear, no departure from government austerity will be tolerated without a corresponding act of penance. Yet we misunderstand the scope of neoliberal public finance if we assume austerity to be its sole setting. Beyond the zero-sum game of direct claims on state budgets lies a realm of indirect government spending that escapes the naked eye. Capital gains are multiply subsidized by a tax system that reserves its greatest rewards for financial asset holders. And for all its airs of haughty asceticism, the Federal Reserve has become adept at facilitating the inflation of asset values while ruthlessly suppressing wages. Neoliberalism is as extravagant as it is austere, and this paradox needs to be grasped if we are to challenge its core modus operandi. In Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance (Zone Books, 2024) Dr. Melinda Cooper examines the major schools of thought that have shaped neoliberal common sense around public finance. Focusing, in particular, on Virginia school public choice theory and supply-side economics, she shows how these currents produced distinct but ultimately complementary responses to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. With its intellectual roots in the conservative Southern Democratic tradition, Virginia school public choice theory espoused an austere doctrine of budget balance. The supply-side movement, by contrast, advocated tax cuts without spending restraint and debt issuance without guilt, in an apparent repudiation of austerity. Yet, for all their differences, the two schools converged around the need to rein in the redistributive uses of public spending. Together, they drove a counterrevolution in public finance that deepened the divide between rich and poor and revived the fortunes of dynastic wealth. Far-reaching as the neoliberal counterrevolution has been, Dr. Cooper still identifies a counterfactual history of unrealized possibilities in the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. She concludes by inviting us to rethink the concept of revolution and raises the question: Is another politics of extravagance possible? This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/public-policy

At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. To this day, fiscal authorities fret over soaring public debt burdens, while central bankers wring their hands at the slightest sign of rising wages. As the brief reprieve of coronavirus spending made clear, no departure from government austerity will be tolerated without a corresponding act of penance. Yet we misunderstand the scope of neoliberal public finance if we assume austerity to be its sole setting. Beyond the zero-sum game of direct claims on state budgets lies a realm of indirect government spending that escapes the naked eye. Capital gains are multiply subsidized by a tax system that reserves its greatest rewards for financial asset holders. And for all its airs of haughty asceticism, the Federal Reserve has become adept at facilitating the inflation of asset values while ruthlessly suppressing wages. Neoliberalism is as extravagant as it is austere, and this paradox needs to be grasped if we are to challenge its core modus operandi. In Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance (Zone Books, 2024) Dr. Melinda Cooper examines the major schools of thought that have shaped neoliberal common sense around public finance. Focusing, in particular, on Virginia school public choice theory and supply-side economics, she shows how these currents produced distinct but ultimately complementary responses to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. With its intellectual roots in the conservative Southern Democratic tradition, Virginia school public choice theory espoused an austere doctrine of budget balance. The supply-side movement, by contrast, advocated tax cuts without spending restraint and debt issuance without guilt, in an apparent repudiation of austerity. Yet, for all their differences, the two schools converged around the need to rein in the redistributive uses of public spending. Together, they drove a counterrevolution in public finance that deepened the divide between rich and poor and revived the fortunes of dynastic wealth. Far-reaching as the neoliberal counterrevolution has been, Dr. Cooper still identifies a counterfactual history of unrealized possibilities in the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. She concludes by inviting us to rethink the concept of revolution and raises the question: Is another politics of extravagance possible? This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. To this day, fiscal authorities fret over soaring public debt burdens, while central bankers wring their hands at the slightest sign of rising wages. As the brief reprieve of coronavirus spending made clear, no departure from government austerity will be tolerated without a corresponding act of penance. Yet we misunderstand the scope of neoliberal public finance if we assume austerity to be its sole setting. Beyond the zero-sum game of direct claims on state budgets lies a realm of indirect government spending that escapes the naked eye. Capital gains are multiply subsidized by a tax system that reserves its greatest rewards for financial asset holders. And for all its airs of haughty asceticism, the Federal Reserve has become adept at facilitating the inflation of asset values while ruthlessly suppressing wages. Neoliberalism is as extravagant as it is austere, and this paradox needs to be grasped if we are to challenge its core modus operandi. In Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance (Zone Books, 2024) Dr. Melinda Cooper examines the major schools of thought that have shaped neoliberal common sense around public finance. Focusing, in particular, on Virginia school public choice theory and supply-side economics, she shows how these currents produced distinct but ultimately complementary responses to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. With its intellectual roots in the conservative Southern Democratic tradition, Virginia school public choice theory espoused an austere doctrine of budget balance. The supply-side movement, by contrast, advocated tax cuts without spending restraint and debt issuance without guilt, in an apparent repudiation of austerity. Yet, for all their differences, the two schools converged around the need to rein in the redistributive uses of public spending. Together, they drove a counterrevolution in public finance that deepened the divide between rich and poor and revived the fortunes of dynastic wealth. Far-reaching as the neoliberal counterrevolution has been, Dr. Cooper still identifies a counterfactual history of unrealized possibilities in the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. She concludes by inviting us to rethink the concept of revolution and raises the question: Is another politics of extravagance possible? This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. To this day, fiscal authorities fret over soaring public debt burdens, while central bankers wring their hands at the slightest sign of rising wages. As the brief reprieve of coronavirus spending made clear, no departure from government austerity will be tolerated without a corresponding act of penance. Yet we misunderstand the scope of neoliberal public finance if we assume austerity to be its sole setting. Beyond the zero-sum game of direct claims on state budgets lies a realm of indirect government spending that escapes the naked eye. Capital gains are multiply subsidized by a tax system that reserves its greatest rewards for financial asset holders. And for all its airs of haughty asceticism, the Federal Reserve has become adept at facilitating the inflation of asset values while ruthlessly suppressing wages. Neoliberalism is as extravagant as it is austere, and this paradox needs to be grasped if we are to challenge its core modus operandi. In Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance (Zone Books, 2024) Dr. Melinda Cooper examines the major schools of thought that have shaped neoliberal common sense around public finance. Focusing, in particular, on Virginia school public choice theory and supply-side economics, she shows how these currents produced distinct but ultimately complementary responses to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. With its intellectual roots in the conservative Southern Democratic tradition, Virginia school public choice theory espoused an austere doctrine of budget balance. The supply-side movement, by contrast, advocated tax cuts without spending restraint and debt issuance without guilt, in an apparent repudiation of austerity. Yet, for all their differences, the two schools converged around the need to rein in the redistributive uses of public spending. Together, they drove a counterrevolution in public finance that deepened the divide between rich and poor and revived the fortunes of dynastic wealth. Far-reaching as the neoliberal counterrevolution has been, Dr. Cooper still identifies a counterfactual history of unrealized possibilities in the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. She concludes by inviting us to rethink the concept of revolution and raises the question: Is another politics of extravagance possible? This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/finance

At the close of the 1970s, government treasuries and central banks took a vow of perpetual self-restraint. To this day, fiscal authorities fret over soaring public debt burdens, while central bankers wring their hands at the slightest sign of rising wages. As the brief reprieve of coronavirus spending made clear, no departure from government austerity will be tolerated without a corresponding act of penance. Yet we misunderstand the scope of neoliberal public finance if we assume austerity to be its sole setting. Beyond the zero-sum game of direct claims on state budgets lies a realm of indirect government spending that escapes the naked eye. Capital gains are multiply subsidized by a tax system that reserves its greatest rewards for financial asset holders. And for all its airs of haughty asceticism, the Federal Reserve has become adept at facilitating the inflation of asset values while ruthlessly suppressing wages. Neoliberalism is as extravagant as it is austere, and this paradox needs to be grasped if we are to challenge its core modus operandi. In Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance (Zone Books, 2024) Dr. Melinda Cooper examines the major schools of thought that have shaped neoliberal common sense around public finance. Focusing, in particular, on Virginia school public choice theory and supply-side economics, she shows how these currents produced distinct but ultimately complementary responses to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. With its intellectual roots in the conservative Southern Democratic tradition, Virginia school public choice theory espoused an austere doctrine of budget balance. The supply-side movement, by contrast, advocated tax cuts without spending restraint and debt issuance without guilt, in an apparent repudiation of austerity. Yet, for all their differences, the two schools converged around the need to rein in the redistributive uses of public spending. Together, they drove a counterrevolution in public finance that deepened the divide between rich and poor and revived the fortunes of dynastic wealth. Far-reaching as the neoliberal counterrevolution has been, Dr. Cooper still identifies a counterfactual history of unrealized possibilities in the capitalist crisis of the 1970s. She concludes by inviting us to rethink the concept of revolution and raises the question: Is another politics of extravagance possible? This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Feb 10, 2025)

In this episode of Full Disclosure, we share an extraordinary story of resilience, leadership, and community effort in the face of disaster. Our hosts, Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm, are joined by Melissa Moore, CFO of Buncombe County, and Matt Evans, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, as they recount their experiences navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated Western North Carolina. Melissa and Matt share personal and professional accounts of the storm's impact, from the harrowing challenges of managing emergency operations without communication systems to ensuring that first responders were fed, roads were cleared, and resources were distributed. Melissa reflects on stepping into her role at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) while Matt describes the importance of documenting every expense for FEMA reimbursement and the painstaking process of modeling the financial impacts of the disaster on the county's tax base. This episode shows the remarkable spirit of the Buncombe County community, where residents and local businesses rallied with heavy equipment, supplies, and sheer determination to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.  Episode Images Featured Guests Melissa Moore is the Finance Director for Buncombe County Government, bringing over 15 years of experience in public finance and local government to her role. Since stepping into this position in September 2023, Melissa has focused on advancing financial strategies, managing government bonds, and ensuring sound budgetary processes that align with the County's goals. Prior to her current role, Melissa served as the Director of Finance for the City of Pflugerville, Texas, where she oversaw financial operations for over two years. Her extensive career includes key positions such as Assistant Director of Finance for the City of San Marcos, Texas, and Finance Program Manager at CPS Energy, one of the largest municipally-owned utilities in the nation. Matt Evans, MPA, CLGBO, is the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager at Buncombe County Government, where he oversees debt issuance, financial forecasting, and the implementation of fiscal regulations to ensure the County's financial health. With almost ten years of experience at Buncombe County, Matt has spearheaded initiatives ranging from managing multi-million-dollar grants to leading strategic financial planning and risk mitigation efforts. An expert in public finance, Matt has presented on government reporting at the national Workday Rising conference and is a certified Workday Financials power user. He holds a Master of Public Affairs from Western Carolina University, where he was recognized as Public Management Student of the Year, and is passionate about driving innovation and efficiency in local government finance.

Major policy shifts in immigration, taxes, trade, energy, health care, and pandemic-era programs passed under the Biden Administration look increasingly likely with Donald Trump capturing the White House and his fellow Republicans taking control of both houses of Congress for the first time in two years. Our panel of experts share their views on what this sea change may mean for the economy and Federal Reserve, as well as the impact on states, localities, and the $4 trillion municipal bond market, including the possible elimination of the federal tax exemption on most muni bond interest. Our panel of experts includes Torsten Slok, Partner and Chief Economist, Apollo Global Management; Annie Linskey, Wall Street Journal White House Reporter; Former US Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA); Eric Kazatsky, Head of Municipal Strategy, Bloomberg LP; and Teryn Zmuda, Chief Research Officer and Chief Economist, National Association of Counties (NACo). Notable Quotes: “The short version of what's happening is that the economy is doing really well. GDP growth for the last two and a half years has continued to surprise from the upside. The big issue in financial markets and policymaking continues to be why did Fed hikes not slow the economy down more, why was GDP growth in the third quarter 2.8, and why is GDP growth in the fourth quarter, according to the Atlanta Fed, going to be 3.3.” - Torsten Slok “The primary program that they (the White House) are working on which impacts states and localities is getting money out of the door for the CHIPS Act. It was a $39 billion program, about $30 billion of that is tied up right now in complicated negotiations between the government and companies, and so the Biden administration is working very hard right now to get those negotiations finished.” - Annie Linskey “This brings me to the DOGE effort, and you have Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy out there pounding their chests about how they are going to make all these dramatic cuts. Well, most of us who have been around the block on budgeting know that it's really easy to do this in the abstract, but it is very hard to do it when you are actually putting programs on the line.” - Carolyn Bourdeaux “When we're thinking about the effects of any administration and talking about policy changes, cost cuts could really be cost shifts. Sometimes programs are cut but you do have to think how the effect of that is carried out throughout communities.” - Teryn Zmuda “Right now, state and local payrolls are at the highest levels they've been ever. We've had a 3% growth since the great financial crisis, and 2% growth since 2019. So, as efficiencies have come into the job market, technology has been embraced even by state and local governments, and payrolls has continued to expand.” - Eric Kazatsky Be sure to subscribe to Special Briefing to stay up to date on the world of public finance. Learn more about the Volcker Alliance at: volckeralliance.org Learn more about Penn IUR at: penniur.upenn.edu Connect with us @VolckerAlliance and @PennIUR on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn Special Briefing is published by the Volcker Alliance, as part of its Public Finance initiatives, and Penn IUR. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the panelists and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Volcker Alliance or Penn IUR.

In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we sit down with Dan Wiles, Assistant Treasurer for Los Angeles County and newly appointed MSRB Board Member, as he reflects on his nearly 40-year career in public finance and prepares for retirement. Join host Tyler Traudt and guest co-host Nina Enholm as they explore Dan's remarkable journey—from growing up in a small town in Minnesota to becoming a leader in municipal finance for one of the largest counties in the U.S. Dan shares his path from law school to public finance, recounting career-defining moments, including his pivotal role in the landmark 2013 financing of the Riverside County SR-91 Corridor Improvement Project. Dan takes us through the intricacies of structuring multi-layered deals involving sales tax, toll revenue bonds, and federal TIFIA loans while navigating challenges like volatile markets and rigorous rating requirements. In this episode, you'll gain insight into the teamwork, innovation, and strategic decision-making that shaped the success of this $1.4 billion transportation project, which continues to benefit Southern California commuters today. As Dan prepares to leave LA County, he reflects on his legacy and new role on the MSRB, offering valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration, and the lasting impact of public finance. Featured Guest Daniel Wiles is the Assistant Treasurer and Tax Collector for Los Angeles County, overseeing the Finance Branch of the Treasurer and Tax Collector's Office (TTC). His responsibilities encompass Public Finance, Cash Investments, and Defined Contribution Plan Investments, where he brings nearly 40 years of extensive experience in public finance and investment management. Since his appointment to this role in 2019, Dan has played a pivotal part in managing the financial strategies and operations for one of the largest counties in the United States. Before joining the TTC, Dan served as Principal and Chief Compliance Officer at Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates, Inc., a leading municipal advisory firm, where he spent 17 years providing strategic guidance and compliance oversight. His career also includes roles as a financial and investment advisor, as well as bond and underwriters counsel, giving him a well-rounded expertise in public finance. Dan earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics, magna cum laude, and Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota, where he also served as an editor for the Minnesota Law Review. He holds MSRB licenses as a Municipal Advisor Representative (Series 50), Municipal Advisor Principal (Series 54), and Registered Investment Advisor (Series 65). Episode Resources How to Negotiate Your Earnings Credit Rate Common Cash Flow Issues for Government and Nonprofit Finance Teams Solving the Challenges of Decentralized Data in Treasury and Accounting    

Explore how the 2024 election outcomes could reshape the municipal bond market and tax policy. The Bond Buyer's reporters analyze shifts in Congressional power, potential tax reforms, and what these changes mean for the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds and infrastructure funding across the United States.

The US economy's extraordinary recovery since the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic has continued into the fall of 2025, with inflation retreating and the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates to keep jobs and investment humming along. Our expert panel discusses where the economy is growing fastest—and less fast—and what this means for state and local budgets and finances. Our panel of experts includes Rochester (Minnesota) Mayor Kim Norton, Georgia State Economist Robert Buschman, Fitch Ratings head of US State ratings Eric Kim, and PIMCO Senior Vice President Tom Schuette. Notable Quotes: “We were very pleased that money came directly to the cities and local jurisdictions, so we didn't have to go through a lot of time to get it through the state. It was very beneficial to get that money into our communities quickly, starting with ARPA and then the CARES Act funds.” - Mayor Kim Norton “Since the last quarter before the pandemic, Q4 2019, Georgia real GDP growth has run 2.4% per year, on average, slightly better than the 2.3% average for the nation. And though we had our own soft landing in the first half of 2023, we're up 3.5% since then, compared to 3% for the nation. Job growth has also outpaced the nation for most of the expansion.” - Bob Buschman “Growth coming out of the pandemic has been very robust nationally, so strong in fact that it beats expectations month after month, quarter after quarter, year after year. I think most economists were anticipating a recession for about two years before finally giving up and accepting that the economic growth was simply going to continue, even with the Federal Reserve ratcheting up interest rates above 5%.” - Eric Kim “I think in 20-plus years doing this at a rating agency and also on the buy side, I would argue that I've never seen the public sector so well-prepared for any turbulence or volatility on the revenue or expenditure side as they are right now.” - Tom Schuette Be sure to subscribe to Special Briefing to stay up to date on the world of public finance. Learn more about the Volcker Alliance at: volckeralliance.org Learn more about Penn IUR at: penniur.upenn.edu Connect with us @VolckerAlliance and @PennIUR on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn Special Briefing is published by the Volcker Alliance, as part of its Public Finance initiatives, and Penn IUR. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the panelists and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Volcker Alliance or Penn IUR.

In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we meet Kevin Bueso, Chief Financial Officer at the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from Honduras to leading finance operations at one of the country's largest transit oversight agencies. Join host Tyler Traudt as he explores Kevin's strategic initiatives to address the challenges of post-pandemic public transit, the ongoing fiscal cliff, and the role of technology in transforming operations. Kevin discusses the unique challenges the RTA faces as an oversight and funding agency for Chicago's vast transit system, and how coordination between the RTA and its sister agencies—CTA, Metra, and Pace—is essential for managing public transit services across the metropolitan area. Kevin also shares his approach to future-proofing his team, encouraging staff to continuously question their methods and think strategically about their roles. His leadership balances innovation with operational efficiency, offering valuable lessons for anyone in public finance, transportation, or leadership. Featured Guest  Kevin Bueso is the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Deputy Executive Director of Finance, Innovation, and Technology at the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois. Kevin is responsible for overseeing the financial strategies and operations of the RTA, providing crucial leadership at a pivotal moment for the region's transit system. His areas of focus include financial planning, budgeting, treasury operations, IT strategy, and capital project management.  Before joining the RTA in 2023, Kevin served as Chief Financial Officer for McHenry County, where he contributed his expertise in strategic financial management, change management, and succession planning. His extensive background in local government finance spans roles such as Finance Director for the Village of Round Lake Beach and Assistant Director of Finance for the City of Waukegan, where he gained deep experience in fiscal oversight, budget development, and internal controls. Kevin holds both a Bachelor's and an MBA in Accounting & Finance from Roosevelt University. He is actively engaged with professional associations and was instrumental in establishing the Illinois Chapter of the Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN). Fluent in Spanish and originally from Honduras, Kevin brings a unique and global perspective to his work in public finance. Episode Resources Earnings Credit Calculator for Treasury & Finance Teams Breaking Down the Math Behind Municipal Bonds A Treasurer's Guide to Understanding the Account Analysis Statement

Listen in to this episode of Special Briefing as Bill Glasgall of the Volcker Alliance, Susan Wachter of the Penn Institute for Urban Research (Penn IUR), and our panel of experts discuss the year ahead for America's states and municipalities. Fiscal 2025 will be an especially consequential one, with the Federal Reserve expected to cut interest rates for the first time in almost five years as inflation and the economy cool; the impending end of federal emergency pandemic aid; and, of course, the likely consequences of the November presidential and congressional elections. Our panel of experts includes Vikram Rai, head of municipal markets strategy, Wells Fargo; Jane Ridley, managing director and local government sector leader, S&P Global; Matthew Stitt, managing director, PFM's Management and Budget Consulting team, and former CFO, Philadelphia City Council; and Mark Zandi, chief economist, Moody's Analytics. Notable Quotes: “There's much to be optimistic about all the business formation that we've seen since the pandemic hit, and that generally means more innovation and more productivity gains. So if I were a prudent planner I would count on a 10-year treasury yield, which is the benchmark for all of the borrowing of state and local governments, but [I think we will be] somewhere around four to four and a half percent.” - Mark Zandi “S&P is projecting the same kind of expectation in terms of where the national economy is going, so that provides a stable spot for governments. And regardless of whether or not it is a strong economy or a weak one, proactive management and strong governance is really what we see across this sector too.” - Jane Ridley “A lot of local governments have had their sights on the dwindling of federal funds. They're coming up with newer baselines as we're starting to see what the recovery of downtown looks like after the pandemic, in terms of buildings and occupancy rates of commercial buildings – some of that is starting to be baked into projections going forward.” - Matt Stitt “There are worries about interest rate volatility or even a rate sell off. Because despite the fact that the cut is very large, the worry is that if inflation comes back because they cut too much too quickly, then there's a rate sell off, and that's why the market has to settle down. So these worries about a great volatility or a sell off could keep investors on the sidelines a little longer.” - Vikram Rai Be sure to subscribe to Special Briefing to stay up to date on the world of public finance. Learn more about the Volcker Alliance at: volckeralliance.org Learn more about Penn IUR at: penniur.upenn.edu Connect with us @VolckerAlliance and @PennIUR on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn Special Briefing is published by the Volcker Alliance, as part of its Public Finance initiatives, and Penn IUR. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the panelists and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Volcker Alliance or Penn IUR.

Join us for an insightful episode of Where Public Finance Works, featuring Melissa Moore, the Finance Director for Buncombe County, North Carolina. Host Tyler Traudt explores Melissa's unique transition from the private sector to public finance, sharing how her analytical background and experience in financial planning have driven meaningful change in local government. Melissa discusses her journey from Texas to North Carolina, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her strategic approach to financial planning and cash flow management. She explains how Buncombe County is handling growth and public trust challenges, and how her team focuses on maximizing taxpayer dollars through smart cash investments and long-term financial forecasting. This episode sheds light on the critical role of finance in local government, from managing bond proceeds to planning for future capital projects.    Featured Guest Melissa Moore is the Finance Director for Buncombe County Government, a role she has held since September 2023. With over 15 years of experience in public finance and local government, Melissa has developed expertise in managing government bonds, overseeing budgetary processes, and fostering financial strategies for municipalities. Before joining Buncombe County, Melissa served as the Director of Finance for the City of Pflugerville, Texas, where she led financial operations for over two years. Her career also includes positions such as Assistant Director of Finance for the City of San Marcos, Texas, and Finance Program Manager at CPS Energy, one of the largest municipally-owned utilities in the U.S. Melissa's well-rounded experience in financial planning, debt management, and government budgeting positions her as a leading voice in public finance, ensuring that government resources are allocated effectively to benefit the community.   Episode Resources Guide to Liquidity Management Strategies for Treasurers From Bond Proceeds to Rebates: The Lifecycle of a Construction Account Debt Service Calculator for Tax-Exempt Bonds

We talk to Alphaledger co-founder and CEO Manish Dutta about his firm's quest to rebuild the fixed income market's financial infrastructure, using blockchain.Speakers: Manish Dutta, co-founder and CEO, Alphaledger; Gregory Sobel, AVP-Analyst, Moody's RatingsHosts: Danielle Reed, VP – Senior Research Writer, Moody's RatingsRelated Research:Local Government – US: Blockchain offers prospects for efficiencies, financial benefits in public finance

How are U.S. policy developments driving infrastructure investment activity in the public finance market? As financing strategies evolve, trends are emerging across tax exempt and taxable issuance. Leland Price from the FICC Market Structure & Liquidity Strategy team speaks to Annie Marinaro from Public Finance Debt Capital Markets and Isaac Sine from Public Finance Investment Banking, to discuss issuer dynamics, innovation in primary and secondary markets, private credit and infrastructure investment opportunities. This episode was recorded on July 25, 2024.  The views expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect the views of JPMorgan Chase & Co, and its affiliates, together J.P. Morgan, and do not constitute research or recommendation advice or an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or financial instrument, are not issued by Research but are a solicitation under CFTC Rule 1.71. Referenced products and services in this podcast may not be suitable for you, and may not be available in all jurisdictions. J.P. Morgan may make markets and trade as principal in securities and other asset classes and financial products that may have been discussed. The FICC market structure publications, or to one, newsletters, mentioned in this podcast are available for J.P. Morgan clients. Please contact your J.P. Morgan sales representative should you wish to receive these. For additional disclaimers and regulatory disclosures, please visit www.jpmorgan.com/disclosures © 2024 JPMorgan Chase & Company. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the community of Hendersonville, NC alongside Brian Pahle, Assistant City Manager. Join host Tyler Traudt as he engages Brian in a thought-provoking discussion about his impact on public safety and fiscal management, along with his leadership in transforming the city's administrative landscape. Brian shares his ascent through the ranks from a budget intern to his current role, where he focused on overhauling the city's public safety protocols. His story includes strategic enhancements in fire services, emergency response, and infrastructure to support a safer community. This episode provides a window into how these initiatives not only improve safety but also integrate with economic and community development. Listeners will gain an inside view of the challenges and triumphs in managing a city known for high-quality service delivery and strategic financial oversight. Discover how Brian and his team's innovative approach has significantly boosted public safety measures, making Hendersonville a model of effective local governance. Featured Guest Brian Pahle serves as the Assistant City Manager of Hendersonville, North Carolina, a role he has held since August 2017. Brian began his professional journey after earning a master's degree in Public Administration from Appalachian State University. His career in Hendersonville began as a Budget & Management Analyst, progressing to Budget & Evaluation Director before assuming his current executive leadership position. In addition to his city roles, Brian has played a significant part in shaping budgetary practices across North Carolina. His leadership in the North Carolina Local Government Budget Association is marked by his tenure as President and his progression through various executive positions, reflecting his deep commitment to excellence and innovation in governmental budgeting. Brian's expertise extends into effective municipal management, budget planning, and fostering community engagement.   Episode Resources: Guide to Liquidity Management Strategies for Treasurers Strategies for Financing New Municipal Capital Projects Cash Flow Forecasting Template for Treasury Teams

Today my guest is Anirudh Burman. He is an associate research director and fellow at Carnegie Endowment India, and prior to that, he worked at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy and the Centre for Policy Research, both in New Delhi. He has his master's in law from Harvard Law School. We spoke about the dysfunctional land markets and the kinds of reforms required in land use policy, land sale and land transfers. We also talked about the various experiments with land pooling and leasing in India, how to think about eminent domain law, land titling, land title insurance and much more.  Recorded July 15th, 2024. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Connect with Ideas of India Follow us on X Follow Shruti on X Follow Anirudh on X Click here for the latest Ideas of India episodes sent straight to your inbox. Timestamps (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:46) - How does India's Land Market work? (00:15:23) - Why do we have such bad regulation? (00:23:519) - Land Transfer and Consolidation (00:40:35) - Transitioning to an efficient land regulation system (00:45:25) - Eminent Domain (01:05:35) - Land Leasing (01:11:01) - Land Pooling (01:28:37) - Outro

The episode provides an in-depth analysis of the structural challenges that led to the slowdown in private investment in India from 2011, highlighting the impact of policy uncertainty, weak rule of law, and central planning on business confidence. Ajay Shah advocates for broader policy reforms that enhance the institutional environment, making it more conducive to private sector participation in the economy.He also discusses the strategic importance of fiscal discipline in the context of India's economic challenges. He emphasizes the need for a prudent approach to deficit management, arguing that a flexible fiscal policy, which adapts to economic cycles, is more suitable for India than rigid deficit targets. The discussion also explores the role of infrastructure investments, questioning whether the current government-led infrastructure push effectively addresses the deeper issues of private sector investment and economic growth.Additionally, Shah touches upon the ongoing debate around tax policy, particularly the potential overhaul of India's direct tax code and the implications of capital gains taxation. He underscores the importance of aligning tax policy with the broader goal of promoting capital formation and economic growth in India.How can India balance fiscal discipline with the need for economic growth? What are the underlying reasons for the private sector's reluctance to invest in India? How can tax policy reforms contribute to India's economic objectives?Additional Readings In Service of the Republic: The Art and Science of Economic Policy by Vijay Kelkar and Ajay ShahForeign Investors Under Stress: Evidence from India by Ila Patnaik, Ajay Shah, and Nirvikar SinghScale Economies, Product Differentiation, and the Pattern of Trade by Paul KrugmanThe Case for Trade Barriers Against Chinese Imports by Ila Patnaik and Ajay ShahThe State of the Economy by Ajay ShahGovernment Programs Have a Limited Impact on Employment by Ajay Shah Where Has All the Infrastructure Gone? | Episode 55 | Everything is EverythingStrategic Thinking on Fiscal Policy by Ajay Shah Where Has All the Infrastructure Gone? | Episode 55 | Everything is EverythingEpisode Contributors: Ajay Shah is a senior research fellow and co-founder of XKDR Forum. He has held positions at the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the Indira Gandhi Institute for Development Research (IGIDR), the Department of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, and the National Institute for Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP). His research lies at the intersection of economics, law, and public administration.Suyash Rai is a deputy director and fellow at Carnegie India. His research focuses on the political economy of economic reforms, and the performance of public institutions in India. His current research looks at the financial sector, the fiscal system, and the infrastructure sector. Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has claimed that a £22bn shortfall in the public finances was “covered up” by the Conservative government. Larry Elliott reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the dynamic operations at JEA with Randall Barnes, the Treasurer who has been steering the financial helm since August 2022. Randall's journey from a small town in East Tennessee to managing billions in Jacksonville's public utilities is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the public finance sector. Host Tyler Traudt breaks down Randall's role, from overseeing debt management and cash forecasting to maintaining strong relationships with rating agencies. Randall shares insights into JEA's financial strategies, including the complexities of electricity generation and distribution, hedging gas prices, and ensuring operational efficiency. He speaks on the importance of simplicity in financial planning and the critical role of process improvements and staff education in achieving long-term strategic goals. Listeners will gain an understanding of how JEA operates as a community-owned utility, balancing the need to provide reliable and affordable services while supporting economic growth in Jacksonville. Randall also highlights the significant efforts made during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the local community, including innovative financial programs and robust disaster preparedness plans for hurricane season. Join us for an inside look at how Randall and his team at JEA navigate the challenges of public finance, making a meaningful impact on the community they serve. Featured Guest Randall Barnes is the Treasurer at JEA. His extensive career began with an MBA in Management Information Systems and a B.S. in Marketing from Tennessee Technological University. Randall's career includes over 16 years at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he held positions such as Senior Program Manager for Corporate Investments and Finance, and Senior Securities Analyst. In 2015, he joined the City of Jacksonville as Senior Debt Manager and later advanced to Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer. Since August 2022, Randall has served as the Treasurer at JEA in Jacksonville, Florida. He oversees an array of financial functions, including treasury operations, debt management, investments, rating agency communications, cash forecasting, and more. Episode Resources Cash Flow Forecasting Template Cash Position Worksheet The Latest on the FDTA

Kenneth Meshoe was born in Pretoria and is the fourth of seven children.  He completed his Matric Certificate in 1972.  In 1975 he graduated from the University of the North with a Secondary Teachers Diploma.  In 1976, he married Lydia and they have three children, Olga, Esther and Joshua.  In 1983, Kenneth went to Shekinah Bible Institute in Kingsport, Tennessee in the US, where he did the first year of his Theological Diploma.  He later returned to Kingsport in January 1987 to complete his 2nd year Diploma. In 1988, Kenneth and Lydia started a non-denominational, praying church in Vosloorus, Gauteng, called Hope of Glory Tabernacle that is involved in running a number of community projects in the area.  The church strongly advocates the power of prayer and actively mobilises Christians to pray for the nation of South Africa. Kenneth and Lydia are both international speakers, who travel extensively, speaking at conferences in many parts of world. In December 1993, they started a political party based on biblical principles called the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), and Kenneth became it's first President and has remained thus to date.  He also has also served as a Member of Parliament for the ACDP since 1994. In 2006, Kenneth completed a one-year programme in Economics and Public Finance with the Department of Economics at the University of South Africa. In 2008, Kenneth Meshoe completed his Advanced Diploma in Economic Policy (ADEP) with the University of the Western Cape. Notable Achievements Between 1994 and 1996, Kenneth was the only Evangelical Christian represented in the Constitutional Assembly's Management Committee. The Committee was made up of around six to eight Members of Parliament. The rest of its contingent (12 in all) were officials. The Committee was tasked with the organisation and management of the overall Constitution-making process. One of its major responsibilities was to ensure that the Constitutional Assembly worked according to an agreed schedule in order to meet its two-year target in which to complete the drafting of our new South African Constitution by 8 May 1996. This was achieved. During the Constitution-making process, the ANC had made it very clear that it wished to see South Africa declared a secular state, which aimed to separate Church and State. Kenneth Meshoe, however, championed a backlash against this, both in Theme Committee 1 (Character of the State) that dealt with this particular clause  and by raising his concerns over the implications such a status with as many Christians who would listen. As a result, in 1995, a protest march under the banner of the “Christian Voice' was organised which saw Christians in their thousands march to Parliament against the proposed secular state clause as well as other concerning clauses in the draft Constitution, including the right to life and anti-discrimination clauses on the grounds of sexual orientation, all of which undermined our Biblical values. As a result, the Constitution today states that South Africa is a Constitutional Democracy, and churches can, to this day, fellowship in state-owned school classrooms and halls, civic centres and can still pitch a tent in which to meet or hold crusades on state-owned land. In addition, faith-based political parties are able to exist and work to defend their the values and principles of their faith in all levels of government and religious leaders are able to serve as Members of Parliament. Also notable is that South Africa is the only African country to have a Christian Party serving in its Parliament. “The ACDP would like to see a Constitution that is the supreme law of the land, a Constitution that protects not only the rights of individuals but also those of unborn children. The ACDP wishes to see a Constitution that will be legitimate, enduring and that upholds biblical, family and traditional values.” Rev KRJ Meshoe, MP - Constitutional Assembly, 24 January 1995. Kenneth and the ACDP continues to be a voice for Christians at Parliament and other levels of government where attacks on our faith often creep in. One such example is that of proposals made to remove Christian Holy Days such as Easter and Christmas as official public holidays, as had been done with Ascension Day. The overwhelming majority of South Africans claim to be Christian and such a move was unthinkable. Kenneth arranged protest marches aptly branded “Hands Off Christmas and Good Friday!” His call was then reiterated in the ACDP's submission which he handed over to the then Minister of Home Affairs, Ms Naledi Pandor. Through continued awareness campaigns and protests, sufficient pressure was placed on government to ensure the matter went no further. In 2012, Kenneth organised a protest march in defence of Israel after the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, gazetted General Notice 370 or 2012 that required Israel to label its products as originating from “Occupied Palestinian Territories”. In June 2013, Kenneth established a non-profit organisation called DEISI International, with a mandate to challenge the ignorance of many about the true facts regarding the right of Israel to exist within safe and secure borders, and to dispel the lie that Israel is an apartheid state. DEISI is an acronym for Defend, Embrace, Invest, Support Israel. In 2020, after South Africans were placed under a severe, prolonged lockdowns and had many of their Constitutional freedoms undermined as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Kenneth was extremely concerned, particularly given its potential threat to our economy and job security. He was also outraged that churches were not allowed to meet in person, except under excessively strict regulations, and that mandatory vaccination was being introduced by some universities and businesses. Kenneth was at the forefront of fighting for our right to ‘choose' whether or not to be vaccinated. He did not want to see anyone being forced to do so, as “even God gives us the choice of whether or not to choose salvation,” he said. Through the ACDP, he was able to be a voice for workers who had been given an ultimatum by their employers to ‘get vaccinated or lose your job'. He encouraged them to stand their ground and not be pressurised into violating the dictates of their consciences. Some lost their jobs as a result but Kenneth remained resolute and ensured that the ACDP fought for them at the CCMA, a fight that saw a number of these unfair dismissals rightly overturned.  Kenneth led also a similar campaign at various universities that were refusing access to students who chose not to be vaccinated.   Awards On the 18th December 1994, Kenneth Meshoe was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Humane Letters, abbreviated L.H.D.), by Bethel Christian College in Riverside, California, USA, and was also appointed to serve as an Associate Member on the Board of Regents of Bethel College. In 1998, Kenneth was awarded the ‘International Leadership Award' for outstanding leadership in the church and nation by the Australian Federation of Festival of Light Community Standards Organisation at the New South Wales Parliament House. He was awarded a second Honorary Doctorate (L.H.D.) in 2007 by Logos Graduate School, Jacksonville, Florida, USA. In November 2013, the international organisation, Stand With Us, in Michigan, USA, presented Kenneth Meshoe with the ‘Star of David' award. In 2014, Kenneth was honoured with the ‘Jerusalem Award 2014' conferred on him by the World Zionist Organisation. In September 2015, Israel Today Nigeria, in conjunction with the Embassy of Israel in Abuja, gave Kenneth the “Jerusalem Ambassador” award. On this episode of The One Way Ticket Show, Reverend Meshoe (affectionately known as The Rev) shares his one way ticket to a peaceful and prosperous South Africa that is a very close friend of Israel. Given South Africa's national and provincial elections on May 29th, 2024, The Rev provides an assessment of South Africa today, and weighs in on the country's poorly performing economy, high employment and crime and regular power cuts. He shares why people are looking for answers outside of the ANC which has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. He also highlights how South Africa can learn from Israel's water management, science and technological advancements and economic development to create a successful South Africa. Moreover, he shares why it's factually incorrect to call Israel an apartheid state and how those that do, trivialise  the pain and suffering South Africans experienced during those dark years. And when asked what Nelson Mandela would make of South Africa today, The Rev responded: “A heart break which might lead to a heart attack. He would faint.”