Podcasts about Smart Start

CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King (in for Clarence Ford on Views and News) is joined by Hopolang Selebalo, head of policy and research at SmartStart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linda Lopeke has been called a data nerd, a marketing geek, a shameless disruptor, and a visionary leader. The founder of SMARTSTART, she's committed to helping others control their destiny, create independence, and build an unlimited future for themselves through entrepreneurship. What You'll Hear In This Episode: -What led Linda to start SMARTSTART back in 2000. - The challenges faced by coaches in the digital age, especially the skepticism surrounding coaching practices. -Her experience of being copied by other coaches and the importance of having unique insights and not just copying established methods. -Why she never feels the need for a vacation from her work. -Linda's tips for consistent content creation, since she's one of the most active members of The Coaching Jungle Community!

India has a lot of call centers. Who are they calling? Mostly clients in other countries. But what if the efficiency, professionalism, and empathy practiced in those centers were onshored to those closest to the Indian people, perhaps those at most at risk for depression…instead of impatient customers on the other side of the planet? Kaya Guides is a digital mental health startup and one of Ambitious Impact's newest high-impact charity ventures. In our chat, Rachel lays out how a service like Kaya Guides can provide a new chapter in mental health for *hundreds of millions*. Rachel's team is looking to replicate the kind of jaw-dropping results observed in RCTs that have convinced the Lebanese government to adopt Smart Start. Rachel has been in the social impact space for over eight years, and is now clearly thriving as a founder. I was honoured to sit with her after EAG Boston and learn not only the story of Kaya Guides, but also the vibrant human who is walking her values. How to reach Rachel or Kaya Guides: hello@kayaguides.com Best ways to Reach Elliot: Linkedin or the EA Anywhere Slack Kaya Guides https://www.kayaguides.com/ For more on Effective Altruism Global conferences: https://www.effectivealtruism.org/ea-global For more about from Rachel and my other guests, check out the EOA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@-effectingouraltruism Listen to the full audio podcast: https://pod.link/1754081644 For more on Elliot's coaching: www.elliotbillingsley.com  

Research commissioned by eir shows that children in Ireland are accessing their first mobile phones at the average age of nine, more than three years earlier than parents' preferred age of between 12 and 13 years. The study, which surveyed 522 parents across the country, also found that 42% of parents provide their children with a phone earlier than they would like, largely due to safety concerns. Despite this, over a third of parents reported being unsure of how to access the built-in parental controls to help monitor and manage their children's online activity. In response to this, eir has launched its Smart Start programme, a free in-store initiative designed to help parents set up parental controls, manage smartphone features and access alternative solutions tailored to their family's needs. Following a successful four-week pilot in December, the programme is now rolling out across 10 eir stores in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Offaly include the eir store in The Bridge Shopping Centre, Tullamore Starting from Monday 20th January, parents and guardians can attend drop-in sessions which will take place from 10:30 am -11:30 am Monday - Saturday, at participating eir stores, where trained staff will be on hand to provide support and advice. To ensure the advice is both robust and practical, eir consulted with CyberSafeKids, who endorsed the programme and provided expert input to train eir staff on best practices for helping parents safeguard their children's smartphone use. The research highlighted a discrepancy between parents' confidence in managing their children's smartphone use and the reality of children's online behaviour. While 71% of parents believe their child can self-manage online activity and 80% think their child would share negative experiences, findings from CyberSafeKids Left To Their Own Devices report, suggest a more complex reality. According to their report 77% of 8-12-year-olds say their parents cannot see what they are doing online, and 55% did not tell a parent when they encountered harmful content. This difference in perspective highlights the value of the Smart Start programme, which offers practical tools, tailored guidance, and alternative solutions to help them navigate the complexities of their children's digital lives. Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids, highlighted the importance of such initiatives: "We know parents are aware of the risks? that accompany smartphone use, but?often?lack the support they need to mitigate these effectively. We're?delighted to have contributed to the development of the Smart Start programme, ensuring parents receive practical guidance?at the point of purchase to help their children navigate the online world safely. Programmes such as this?, which empower parents?in the digital age?a?re hugely welcome." In addition to assisting parents with smartphone set-up, the programme offers smart alternatives, like child-friendly smartwatches and broadband modem control features, allowing families to stay connected while giving parents greater oversight. Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir Consumer and Small Business, commented on the initiative: "At eir, we understand the difficult balancing act parents face when it comes to giving their child a smartphone. As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to stay connected with our children, and our research reflects that same concern. But we also understand that the challenges of managing mobile devices can feel overwhelming, and parents need support in navigating these risks. That's why we've created Smart Start - to provide practical tools and personalised guidance that help families make the right choices for their unique needs." Brady added: "We know that while many helpful resources are available, parents are already managing so much in their day-to-day lives. Through Smart Start, we're committed to being there for parents every step of the way, offering practical support that makes the process easier and hel...

25 minuter vill göra dig bättre - lite i taget, men konsekvent, för att förbereda dig på en omvärld som förändras i allt snabbare takt. Idag pratar vi om förändring, goda vanor, homeostas och inte minst investeringar i sig själv och i sina finanser. Bland annat tar vi upp bolagen Kaspi och BrasKem. --- Pssst! Nästa omgång av Finanskursen börjar 26 januari 2025  Om du vill lära dig analysera och värdera aktier, gör en tidig ansökan på hemsidan Finanskursen.se innan 19 januari.  --- Tips inför 2025: Inför en enda god vana, som är superenkel att följa i början, och som med tiden försiktigt kan utvecklas. Var inte ambitiös utan gör tröskeln att utföra vanan så låg som möjligt. --- År 2015 publicerade vi det första avsnittet av 25 minuter. Det hette lite lagom provocerande "De 4 Kapitalen - så blir du framgångsrik istället för arbetslös under den stora automatiseringen [nu: AI-fieringen]" (länk till avsnittet). Vi som skapar podcasten "25 minuter" är: Karl-Mikael Syding, född 1972, f.d. hedgefondförvaltare Ludvig Sunström, född 1993, ekonom, entreprenör, författare — Tänk så här varje morgon om det inte kommer naturligt för dig: Bara idag går jag upp direkt när jag vaknat, och bara idag tar jag en promenad direkt. Imorgon behöver jag inte göra det. --- P.S. En del tar på sig för mycket i form av nyårslöften. Det funkar nästan aldrig. Vårt tips är att göra bara en enda, liten, enkel, förändring, som att vrida rodret på en supertanker så lite att det knappt märks. Men efter mycket lite tid räknat i t.ex. månader har det enorma skeppet vänt helt om. --- Nästa omgång av ⁠Finanskursen⁠ börjar 26 januari 2025. Kolla in omdömen om kursen här och gör en tidig ansökan för att garantera en plats samt att vi påminner dig inför kursstarten (köplatsen kostar såklart ingenting, och dessutom har du full returrätt även efter påbörjad kurs)

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, guest host, Kim Perez is in conversation with Ana Silva Rey – CEO, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, Anacecilia Liberato – Partnership Manager, SmartStart of Mecklenburg County, and Elisa Benitez – Newcomer Services Site Coordinator, Communities In Schools at PACE A Academy @ E.E. Waddell High School. In this episode, these three amazing women discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by newcomer families in Charlotte, especially in education. In this episode:Discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by newcomer families in Charlotte, especially in education.Learn about how different organizations are supporting immigrant and newcomer families.Insights on community resources and the work being done to support these families.Addressing barriers and how educational spaces in Charlotte are adapting to better accommodate newcomer families.Discover how schools and community organizations are preparing to meet the needs of newcomers.Support the showhttps://www.messyroots.org/

In this week's episode of WealthTalk, we interview Denise Pitot from the ActionCoach Foundation, who discusses the importance of educating the next generation to become successful business owners.They have created the Young Entrepreneur Smart Start (YESS) program, which aims to give young people the right business education and increase their chances of success. The program covers topics such as mindset, the five ways and six steps of business success, marketing, and creating a business plan. The goal is to educate 1,000 children each month and create a global network of young entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn more about educating your children for success in the business world and discover the benefits of the ‘YESS program'.Resources Mentioned In This Episode:>> Young Entrepreneur Smart Start (YESS) Program>> Denise Pitot [LinkedIn]>> Enter ActionCoach's £1M business giveawayNext Steps On Your Wealth Building Journey:>> Join the WealthBuilders Facebook Community>> Schedule a 1:1 call with one of our team>> Become a member of WealthBuildersIf you have been enjoying listening to WealthTalk - Please Leave Us A Review!

Welcome to today's episode, where we're exploring the timely topic of inclusive education. As the new school year begins, many parents and educators are thinking about how to create learning environments that truly support all children, regardless of their abilities. Whether you've already made decisions for your child's education or are still weighing your options, this episode will provide valuable insights.  Our guest, Sharon Lowery, is a pioneer in inclusive special education. She has developed a program that welcomes students of all abilities, with a focus on those who learn and think differently. Sharon's approach emphasizes the importance of meeting social-emotional needs and fostering an environment where every child can thrive.  In this conversation, Sharon shares what an inclusive academic setting looks like, how typically developing students and neurodiverse students can benefit from learning together, and why developing emotional intelligence is crucial in a child's education. We'll also address some common concerns parents have about balancing the needs of all students in an inclusive classroom. Join us as we discuss how inclusive education can create a more supportive and enriching experience for every student.   Show Notes: [2:30] - Sharon describes what a fully inclusive academic environment looks like. All children with all academic abilities are welcome. [3:23] - The program Sharon has developed does put a focus on children who learn and think differently, but all students are included. [4:46] - The program is a therapeutic program that meets the needs of all the children who participate. [6:03] - Initially, Sharon was trained in ABA practices and saw benefits, but then began working with Dr. Stanley Greenspan and the DIR/Floortime Model. [7:20] - By understanding the developmental milestones and social emotional development, we can be inclusive of students of all abilities and meet their needs. [8:14] - Sharon shares the differences between a traditional setting and an inclusive environment. [10:07] - Through this model, developing emotional intelligence is important. [12:38] - Children learn from each other. Typically developing students can model for neurodivergent students. [14:53] - We want to build an understanding of differences. As parents, we want our children to be kind and loving. [16:23] - The gifted population also really benefits from an inclusive environment. [19:01] - Sharon describes a scenario that proved the benefits of meeting social-emotional needs in an inclusive environment. [22:48] - A concern some parents have is that the attention needed for neurodiverse students will take away from the needs of the typically developing students. [26:31] - Being inclusive also means being intentional. [29:06] - Sharon describes the start of a school year and what a day might look like in the Smart Start program. [33:21] - Family tours really help ease the minds of parents of neurodiverse children. [35:24] - The small environment gives students an opportunity for a rich and focused learning experience.   About Our Guest: Sharon Lowery holds a BA in Psychology from LAUSD and an MA in Psychology from CSULA. She has advanced post-graduate certification as an Expert Trainer in DIR/Floortime and is a member of the ICDL Faculty, having been trained by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, the creator of the DIR/Floortime Model. In 1992, she founded the SmartStart Developmental Learning Center, where she has served as Executive Director ever since. Sharon is a recognized expert in Special Education, specializing in a Developmental Model, Inclusive Special Education, and Relationship-Based and Sensory-Based Education, all through 5th grade. Additionally, she is a Senior Level ABA Therapist, having been trained by Dr. Ivar Lovaas, the founder of Behavior Modification/ABA for use with ASD.   Connect with Our Guest: Email: sharon@smartstartschool.com Smart Start School Website   Links and Related Resources: Episode 192: Reimagining Education for All Students with Sylvia Barreto Benites Episode 189: The Private School Option for Kids with Learning Differences with Collette Bowers Zinn Episode 164: 5 Keys to Productive IEPs with April Rehrig   Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses with LIVE AMA Sessions   The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.  

Biden bombs, Trump pounces in first debate of 2024 | Supreme Court rejects Missouri lawsuit alleging feds bullied social media platforms | The unemployment rate in Kansas has been under 3% for 30 months | Sean Diller mourns the senseless loss of another progressive Colorado Democrat, as incumbent State Representative Elisabeth Epps was defeated in a primary this week | IL Gov JB Pritzker announces new Department of Early ChildhoodFrom Eugene Daniels at Politoco: Dems freak out over Biden's debate performancehttps://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/27/biden-debate-opening-concerns-00165595One prominent operative texted, “Time for an open convention.”President Joe Biden stands on stage during a commercial break in a presidential debate at CNN Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024. | Francis Chung/POLITICOBy EUGENE DANIELS06/27/2024 10:15 PM EDTUpdated: 06/27/2024 10:27 PM EDTPresident Joe Biden opened the debate with a raspy voice and disjointed, rambling answers, reigniting Democratic concerns about his age and ability to take on former President Donald Trump.Many of the president's answers were hard to follow. At one point, seemingly losing his train of thought, Biden said “we finally beat Medicare,” misspeaking about his own policy on earned benefits.In text messages with POLITICO, Democrats expressed confusion and concern as they watched the first minutes of the event. One former Biden White House and campaign aide called it “terrible,” adding that they have had to ask themselves over and over “What did he just say? This is crazy.”Another veteran Democratic operative texted, “Biden seems to have needed a few minutes to warm up. I wonder if the lack of an audience was the right decision. And poor guy needs a tea. Maybe a whiskey.”An attorney and Democratic activist from New Hampshire said, “Biden is toast — calling it now.”Biden's rambling answers provided Trump multiple opportunities to jump in with retorts. At one point, after an answer ostensibly on immigration, Trump said, “I don't know what he said at the end there. I don't think he knows what he said.”The president's performance was widely panned online and will likely reinforce the impression that he's lost a step. The 81-year-old president's age has long been a liability, with poll after poll showing even many Democrats concerned about his age.Biden aides and allies had hoped the on-stage split screen between the two men would help to focus voters' attention on the race. But during the debate, many Democrats have begun to doubt that strategy would actually work out in Biden's favor.A person familiar with Biden's health claimed that his performance is due to a cold. But the president's team hadn't mentioned that to reporters until Biden began to answer questions in the debate.One prominent operative texted, “Time for an open convention.”Better call the waaaambulance! Supreme Court rejects Missouri AG's petition trying to connect the government, to social media, to his own challenges and inadequacies.https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/26/scotus-rejects-suit-alleging-federal-government-bullied-social-media-into-censoring-content/SCOTUS rejects Missouri lawsuit alleging feds bullied social media into censoring contentThe lawsuit was filed in 2022 by Missouri and Louisiana, along with seven people who were either banned or throttled by social media companiesBY: JASON HANCOCK - JUNE 26, 2024 9:15 AMThe U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected arguments by Missouri and Louisiana that the federal government violated the First Amendment in its efforts to combat false, misleading and dangerous information online.In a 6-3 decision written by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the court held that neither the states nor seven individuals who were co-plaintiffs in the case were able to demonstrate any harm or substantial risk that they will suffer an injury in the future.Therefore, they do not have legal standing to bring a case against the federal government.Plaintiffs failed to prove that social media platforms acted due to government coercion, Barrett wrote, rather than their own judgment and policies. In fact, she wrote, social media platforms “began to suppress the plaintiffs' COVID–19 content before the defendants' challenged communications started.”Plaintiffs cannot “manufacture standing,” Barrett wrote, “merely by inflicting harm on themselves based on their fears of hypothetical future harm that is not certainly impending.”The ruling overturns a lower court decision that concluded officials under Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump unlawfully coerced social media companies to remove deceptive or inaccurate content out of fears it would fuel vaccine hesitancy or upend elections.Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey called the federal government's actions “the biggest violation of the First Amendment in our nation's history.”But those arguments were greeted with skepticism by the court in March, with justices from across the ideological spectrum punching holes in the lawsuit and raising concerns about the consequences for public safety and national security.In an emailed statement, Bailey made no mention of the court's decision to dismiss the case, instead declaring that his office will continue to pursue evidence of social media censorship by the federal government.“Missouri is not done,” Bailey said. “We are going back to the district court to obtain more discovery in order to root out Joe Biden's vast censorship enterprise once and for all.”The lawsuit was filed in 2022 by Missouri and Louisiana, along with seven people who either were banned from a platform or whose posts were not prominently featured on social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube and X, then known as Twitter.Among the co-plaintiffs is Jim Hoft, founder of the St. Louis-based right-wing conspiracy website Gateway Pundit. Hoft has built a career on promulgating false conspiracies on a wide range of topics, from the 2018 Parkland school shooting to former President Barack Obama's birth certificate.His company recently filed for bankruptcy as it faces defamation lawsuits in Missouri and Colorado filed by people who say they faced threats after being vilified by Gateway Pundit in false stories.Hoft claims claims that Twitter, in December 2020, censored content about the Hunter Biden laptop story at the urging of the federal government. But Barrett wrote that Twitter acted according to its own rules against posting or sharing “privately produced/distributed intimate media of someone without their express consent.”There is no evidence, Barrett wrote, that Twitter adopted its policy in response to pressure from the federal government.3. Kansas unemployment has been under 3% for almost 3 years runninghttps://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-unemployment-rate-climbs-for-second-consecutive-month-to-2-9-in-may/Kansas unemployment rate 2.9%BY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 24, 2024 3:30 PMTOPEKA — The unemployment rate in Kansas was 2.9% in May, for an unprecedented 30 consecutive months with unemployment under 3%. The state's unemployment rate has remained under 3% since October 2021, after reaching double-digits in the twilight of Trump's presidency in 2020.In the past 12 months, Kansas' total nonfarm employment climbed by 24,000 jobs. The Department of Labor says that was due to a surge of 18,700 private sector positions and the addition of 5,300 government jobs.The average nominal hourly earnings in Kansas for private sector workers has increased 3.4% over the past 12 months to $30.09.4.  Go along to get along type wins Colorado blue seat primaryhttps://coloradonewsline.com/2024/06/25/camacho-leads-epps-in-closely-watched-colorado-statehouse-race/Camacho beats Epps in closely watched Colorado statehouse raceBY: SARA WILSON - JUNE 25, 2024 10:07 PM   Challenger Sean Camacho defeated Rep. Elisabeth Epps in the Democratic primary for state House District 6, according to early results from the Colorado secretary of state.Camacho was ahead with 63% of the vote, according to the results as of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, and Associated Press-subscribed outlets reported that the AP called the race for Camacho.Camacho was the establishment-backed candidate. Epps was the more progressive, yet controversial, first-term lawmaker. The race was seen as a bellwether among many state Capitol observers.Epps, who heads the Colorado Freedom Fund, won her first term in office in 2022 after another tough primary challenge from Katie March. During her two years in office, she championed progressive legislation including a ban on most semi-automatic firearms and a bill to allow overdose authorization centers. She also publicly criticized House leadership over their handling of floor speech and open meetings practices. She was reprimanded by House leadership after she joined pro-Palestinian protestors in the chamber gallery during a special session last fall.Epps was backed by labor and grassroots groups including the AFL-CIO and SEIU Local 105.Camacho had endorsements from the Democratic establishment of Colorado, including Gov. Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senate President Steve Fenberg.Camacho vastly outraised and outspent Epps, according to campaign finance records. He also benefited from outside spending. Various committees spent over $120,000 for communications opposing Epps and over $250,000 supporting him. That included a series of negative mailers targeting Epps.5. IL Gov JB Pritzker signs bill creating new Depaartment of Early Childhoodhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzker-signs-bill-creating-new-department-of-early-childhoodPritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early ChildhoodGov. JB Pritzker holds up Senate Bill 1 after signing it into law, flanked by Reps. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, and Will Davis, D-Homewood (left) and lead Senate sponsor Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood (right). Pritzker said the agency is expected to be up and running in 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)Tuesday, June 25, 2024New agency to bring multiple programs under one roofBy PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday creating a new cabinet-level state agency dedicated to early childhood education and development.The new Department of Early Childhood, which will become operational in July 2026, will take over programs currently housed across three state agencies, including funding for preschool programs, child care centers and the licensing of day care centers.Speaking at a bill signing ceremony at a preschool in Chicago, Pritzker said the streamlined agency  should make it easier for new parents to access critical services for their children.“It's hard enough juggling all the responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of parents,” he said. “And on top of that, they shouldn't have to navigate a complex bureaucracy to get the care that they and their children deserve.”  A chalkboard welcome sign for Gov. JB Pritzker inside Eyes On The Future Child Development Center in Chicago's far north side neighborhood of Rogers Park. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1 there, which will create the framework for a new state agency geared towards early childhood development. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)  Pritzker first unveiled his plan for a consolidated agency last fall, just as lawmakers were beginning their annual fall veto session, when he issued an executive order establishing an Office of Early Childhood within the governor's office. Read more: Pritzker proposes creation of new standalone early childhood agencyThat order directed the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois State Board of Education to begin working on a transition plan to move the administration of their early childhood programs into a new agency.The formal bid to establish the new agency was part of Pritzker's budget proposal to the General Assembly in February, along with a second year of increased funding for those programs under Pritzker's Smart Start initiative.Under the plan, the new agency will take over the Early Childhood Block Grant program from the State Board of Education, which funds the Preschool for All and Prevention Initiative programs; the Child Care Assistance Program, Home Visiting programs, and Early Intervention Services currently housed in the Department of Human Services; and licensing of day care facilities, which is currently managed by the Department of Children and Family Services.The legislation authorizing the new agency, Senate Bill 1, passed unanimously in the Senate in April, and last month passed with bipartisan support in the House, 93-18.“The foundation of a child's success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, the lead Senate sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children's diverse needs.”  Gov. JB Pritzker poses for photos with early childhood advocates following a signing event for Senate Bill 1, which creates the Department of Early Childhood. Pritzker said the agency will immediately “make life simpler, better, and fairer for tens of thousands of Illinois families.” (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)Much of the debate over the bill in the legislature focused on the cost of launching a new state agency. Lawmakers appropriated $14 million in the upcoming fiscal year for initial startup costs, which include such things as hiring executive staff and opening new office space.But administration officials were reluctant to provide estimates of how much the new agency would cost annually once it's fully operational, and whether those administrative costs would outweigh what the state is spending currently.Responding to questions from reporters Tuesday, Pritzker again declined to offer specific cost estimates but suggested consolidating the programs into a single agency could result in efficiencies and cost savings. But he did chide “people who want to complain” about how new state agencies will “cost...taxpayers.”  “I really don't think it will,” Pritzker said. “I think there's real efficiency and taking programs that are desperately located in different departments and bringing them all together.”Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Biden bombs, Trump pounces in first debate of 2024 | Supreme Court rejects Missouri lawsuit alleging feds bullied social media platforms | The unemployment rate in Kansas has been under 3% for 30 months | Sean Diller mourns the senseless loss of another progressive Colorado Democrat, as incumbent State Representative Elisabeth Epps was defeated in a primary this week | IL Gov JB Pritzker announces new Department of Early ChildhoodFrom Eugene Daniels at Politoco: Dems freak out over Biden's debate performancehttps://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/27/biden-debate-opening-concerns-00165595One prominent operative texted, “Time for an open convention.”President Joe Biden stands on stage during a commercial break in a presidential debate at CNN Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024. | Francis Chung/POLITICOBy EUGENE DANIELS06/27/2024 10:15 PM EDTUpdated: 06/27/2024 10:27 PM EDTPresident Joe Biden opened the debate with a raspy voice and disjointed, rambling answers, reigniting Democratic concerns about his age and ability to take on former President Donald Trump.Many of the president's answers were hard to follow. At one point, seemingly losing his train of thought, Biden said “we finally beat Medicare,” misspeaking about his own policy on earned benefits.In text messages with POLITICO, Democrats expressed confusion and concern as they watched the first minutes of the event. One former Biden White House and campaign aide called it “terrible,” adding that they have had to ask themselves over and over “What did he just say? This is crazy.”Another veteran Democratic operative texted, “Biden seems to have needed a few minutes to warm up. I wonder if the lack of an audience was the right decision. And poor guy needs a tea. Maybe a whiskey.”An attorney and Democratic activist from New Hampshire said, “Biden is toast — calling it now.”Biden's rambling answers provided Trump multiple opportunities to jump in with retorts. At one point, after an answer ostensibly on immigration, Trump said, “I don't know what he said at the end there. I don't think he knows what he said.”The president's performance was widely panned online and will likely reinforce the impression that he's lost a step. The 81-year-old president's age has long been a liability, with poll after poll showing even many Democrats concerned about his age.Biden aides and allies had hoped the on-stage split screen between the two men would help to focus voters' attention on the race. But during the debate, many Democrats have begun to doubt that strategy would actually work out in Biden's favor.A person familiar with Biden's health claimed that his performance is due to a cold. But the president's team hadn't mentioned that to reporters until Biden began to answer questions in the debate.One prominent operative texted, “Time for an open convention.”Better call the waaaambulance! Supreme Court rejects Missouri AG's petition trying to connect the government, to social media, to his own challenges and inadequacies.https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/26/scotus-rejects-suit-alleging-federal-government-bullied-social-media-into-censoring-content/SCOTUS rejects Missouri lawsuit alleging feds bullied social media into censoring contentThe lawsuit was filed in 2022 by Missouri and Louisiana, along with seven people who were either banned or throttled by social media companiesBY: JASON HANCOCK - JUNE 26, 2024 9:15 AMThe U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected arguments by Missouri and Louisiana that the federal government violated the First Amendment in its efforts to combat false, misleading and dangerous information online.In a 6-3 decision written by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the court held that neither the states nor seven individuals who were co-plaintiffs in the case were able to demonstrate any harm or substantial risk that they will suffer an injury in the future.Therefore, they do not have legal standing to bring a case against the federal government.Plaintiffs failed to prove that social media platforms acted due to government coercion, Barrett wrote, rather than their own judgment and policies. In fact, she wrote, social media platforms “began to suppress the plaintiffs' COVID–19 content before the defendants' challenged communications started.”Plaintiffs cannot “manufacture standing,” Barrett wrote, “merely by inflicting harm on themselves based on their fears of hypothetical future harm that is not certainly impending.”The ruling overturns a lower court decision that concluded officials under Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump unlawfully coerced social media companies to remove deceptive or inaccurate content out of fears it would fuel vaccine hesitancy or upend elections.Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey called the federal government's actions “the biggest violation of the First Amendment in our nation's history.”But those arguments were greeted with skepticism by the court in March, with justices from across the ideological spectrum punching holes in the lawsuit and raising concerns about the consequences for public safety and national security.In an emailed statement, Bailey made no mention of the court's decision to dismiss the case, instead declaring that his office will continue to pursue evidence of social media censorship by the federal government.“Missouri is not done,” Bailey said. “We are going back to the district court to obtain more discovery in order to root out Joe Biden's vast censorship enterprise once and for all.”The lawsuit was filed in 2022 by Missouri and Louisiana, along with seven people who either were banned from a platform or whose posts were not prominently featured on social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube and X, then known as Twitter.Among the co-plaintiffs is Jim Hoft, founder of the St. Louis-based right-wing conspiracy website Gateway Pundit. Hoft has built a career on promulgating false conspiracies on a wide range of topics, from the 2018 Parkland school shooting to former President Barack Obama's birth certificate.His company recently filed for bankruptcy as it faces defamation lawsuits in Missouri and Colorado filed by people who say they faced threats after being vilified by Gateway Pundit in false stories.Hoft claims claims that Twitter, in December 2020, censored content about the Hunter Biden laptop story at the urging of the federal government. But Barrett wrote that Twitter acted according to its own rules against posting or sharing “privately produced/distributed intimate media of someone without their express consent.”There is no evidence, Barrett wrote, that Twitter adopted its policy in response to pressure from the federal government.3. Kansas unemployment has been under 3% for almost 3 years runninghttps://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-unemployment-rate-climbs-for-second-consecutive-month-to-2-9-in-may/Kansas unemployment rate 2.9%BY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 24, 2024 3:30 PMTOPEKA — The unemployment rate in Kansas was 2.9% in May, for an unprecedented 30 consecutive months with unemployment under 3%. The state's unemployment rate has remained under 3% since October 2021, after reaching double-digits in the twilight of Trump's presidency in 2020.In the past 12 months, Kansas' total nonfarm employment climbed by 24,000 jobs. The Department of Labor says that was due to a surge of 18,700 private sector positions and the addition of 5,300 government jobs.The average nominal hourly earnings in Kansas for private sector workers has increased 3.4% over the past 12 months to $30.09.4.  Go along to get along type wins Colorado blue seat primaryhttps://coloradonewsline.com/2024/06/25/camacho-leads-epps-in-closely-watched-colorado-statehouse-race/Camacho beats Epps in closely watched Colorado statehouse raceBY: SARA WILSON - JUNE 25, 2024 10:07 PM   Challenger Sean Camacho defeated Rep. Elisabeth Epps in the Democratic primary for state House District 6, according to early results from the Colorado secretary of state.Camacho was ahead with 63% of the vote, according to the results as of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, and Associated Press-subscribed outlets reported that the AP called the race for Camacho.Camacho was the establishment-backed candidate. Epps was the more progressive, yet controversial, first-term lawmaker. The race was seen as a bellwether among many state Capitol observers.Epps, who heads the Colorado Freedom Fund, won her first term in office in 2022 after another tough primary challenge from Katie March. During her two years in office, she championed progressive legislation including a ban on most semi-automatic firearms and a bill to allow overdose authorization centers. She also publicly criticized House leadership over their handling of floor speech and open meetings practices. She was reprimanded by House leadership after she joined pro-Palestinian protestors in the chamber gallery during a special session last fall.Epps was backed by labor and grassroots groups including the AFL-CIO and SEIU Local 105.Camacho had endorsements from the Democratic establishment of Colorado, including Gov. Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senate President Steve Fenberg.Camacho vastly outraised and outspent Epps, according to campaign finance records. He also benefited from outside spending. Various committees spent over $120,000 for communications opposing Epps and over $250,000 supporting him. That included a series of negative mailers targeting Epps.5. IL Gov JB Pritzker signs bill creating new Depaartment of Early Childhoodhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzker-signs-bill-creating-new-department-of-early-childhoodPritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early ChildhoodGov. JB Pritzker holds up Senate Bill 1 after signing it into law, flanked by Reps. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, and Will Davis, D-Homewood (left) and lead Senate sponsor Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood (right). Pritzker said the agency is expected to be up and running in 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)Tuesday, June 25, 2024New agency to bring multiple programs under one roofBy PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday creating a new cabinet-level state agency dedicated to early childhood education and development.The new Department of Early Childhood, which will become operational in July 2026, will take over programs currently housed across three state agencies, including funding for preschool programs, child care centers and the licensing of day care centers.Speaking at a bill signing ceremony at a preschool in Chicago, Pritzker said the streamlined agency  should make it easier for new parents to access critical services for their children.“It's hard enough juggling all the responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of parents,” he said. “And on top of that, they shouldn't have to navigate a complex bureaucracy to get the care that they and their children deserve.”  A chalkboard welcome sign for Gov. JB Pritzker inside Eyes On The Future Child Development Center in Chicago's far north side neighborhood of Rogers Park. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1 there, which will create the framework for a new state agency geared towards early childhood development. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)  Pritzker first unveiled his plan for a consolidated agency last fall, just as lawmakers were beginning their annual fall veto session, when he issued an executive order establishing an Office of Early Childhood within the governor's office. Read more: Pritzker proposes creation of new standalone early childhood agencyThat order directed the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois State Board of Education to begin working on a transition plan to move the administration of their early childhood programs into a new agency.The formal bid to establish the new agency was part of Pritzker's budget proposal to the General Assembly in February, along with a second year of increased funding for those programs under Pritzker's Smart Start initiative.Under the plan, the new agency will take over the Early Childhood Block Grant program from the State Board of Education, which funds the Preschool for All and Prevention Initiative programs; the Child Care Assistance Program, Home Visiting programs, and Early Intervention Services currently housed in the Department of Human Services; and licensing of day care facilities, which is currently managed by the Department of Children and Family Services.The legislation authorizing the new agency, Senate Bill 1, passed unanimously in the Senate in April, and last month passed with bipartisan support in the House, 93-18.“The foundation of a child's success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, the lead Senate sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children's diverse needs.”  Gov. JB Pritzker poses for photos with early childhood advocates following a signing event for Senate Bill 1, which creates the Department of Early Childhood. Pritzker said the agency will immediately “make life simpler, better, and fairer for tens of thousands of Illinois families.” (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)Much of the debate over the bill in the legislature focused on the cost of launching a new state agency. Lawmakers appropriated $14 million in the upcoming fiscal year for initial startup costs, which include such things as hiring executive staff and opening new office space.But administration officials were reluctant to provide estimates of how much the new agency would cost annually once it's fully operational, and whether those administrative costs would outweigh what the state is spending currently.Responding to questions from reporters Tuesday, Pritzker again declined to offer specific cost estimates but suggested consolidating the programs into a single agency could result in efficiencies and cost savings. But he did chide “people who want to complain” about how new state agencies will “cost...taxpayers.”  “I really don't think it will,” Pritzker said. “I think there's real efficiency and taking programs that are desperately located in different departments and bringing them all together.”Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Kelly talks to Ian Marples from Smart Start, Electrical Engineer David Wallace and Hockey writer Ken Campbel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael J. Maher unveils the key to a productive and focused day: The Four Clarifying Questions. Join Michael as he delves into part of his daily morning ritual, where he asks himself four crucial questions to set the tone for success. By identifying top priorities, assessing client relationships, and pinpointing areas for improvement, Michael ensures that each day is purposeful and effective. Plus, as a special bonus for listeners, Michael shares a downloadable resource featuring these essential questions. Tune in to discover how to kickstart your day with clarity and confidence!

Michael J. Maher unveils the key to a productive and focused day: The Four Clarifying Questions. Join Michael as he delves into part of his daily morning ritual, where he asks himself four crucial questions to set the tone for success. By identifying top priorities, assessing client relationships, and pinpointing areas for improvement, Michael ensures that each day is purposeful and effective. Plus, as a special bonus for listeners, Michael shares a downloadable resource featuring these essential questions. Tune in to discover how to kickstart your day with clarity and confidence!

 In this podcast episode, we dive into the significance of emotional intelligence in the development of young children. We discuss the crucial role emotional intelligence plays in children's social and emotional learning and explore strategies that can be implemented in early childhood education programs to foster emotional intelligence. By developing emotional intelligence, children can acquire valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, such as effective communication, positive social relationships, and self-regulation.SocialsFACEBOOK:  (1) The Early Education Teachers Lounge | FacebookINSTAGRAM:  The Teacher's Lounge (@eecteacherslounge) • Instagram photos and videosPINTEREST:  (4) PinterestYOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@eecteacherslounge 

PART 2 - Welcome, listeners, to another enlightening episode of Ten Minutes of Truth with your host, Shawn A. Barksdale. Today, we're turning our focus to a topic that's paramount for young people stepping into the world of finance: banking essentials. Joining us is a special guest, Mrs. Throckmorton from Benchmark Bank, South Boston, VA. Mrs. Throckmorton's expertise and dedication to financial literacy make her the perfect guide for today's discussion. Together, we'll unravel the mysteries of debit versus credit, delve into the significance of your credit score, explore the world of loans, and emphasize the importance of establishing a relationship with a local bank. We've designed this segment to spark conversations among parents, young individuals, and their chosen local bank, fostering a deeper understanding of essential banking principles. While our discussion will lay a solid foundation, we encourage you to seek further guidance from industry professionals. A fantastic starting point? Benchmark Bank's Smart Start program is tailored for young individuals. So, let's dive in and equip ourselves with the knowledge to navigate the financial waters ahead. 

Welcome, listeners, to another enlightening episode of Ten Minutes of Truth with your host, Shawn A. Barksdale. Today, we're turning our focus to a topic that's paramount for young people stepping into the world of finance: banking essentials. Joining us is a special guest, Mrs. Throckmorton from Benchmark Bank, South Boston, VA. Mrs. Throckmorton's expertise and dedication to financial literacy make her the perfect guide for today's discussion. Together, we'll unravel the mysteries of debit versus credit, delve into the significance of your credit score, explore the world of loans, and emphasize the importance of establishing a relationship with a local bank. We've designed this segment to spark conversations among parents, young individuals, and their chosen local bank, fostering a deeper understanding of essential banking principles. While our discussion will lay a solid foundation, we encourage you to seek further guidance from industry professionals. A fantastic starting point? Benchmark Bank's Smart Start program is tailored for young individuals. So, let's dive in and equip ourselves with the knowledge to navigate the financial waters ahead. 

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

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

Join as we continue in our "Smart Start - 4 Life Changers for 2924" series. Proverbs 24:11 - Live with Urgency.

With limited Illinois tax dollars, state officials are laying out their priorities amid ongoing budget pressures such as the hundreds of millions of dollars for migrant care. Promoting the taxpayer-funded $250 million Smart Start early childhood education initiative, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state will have to balance such future spending with other pressures. “And, if we don't have enough resources for everything that everybody wants, what can we look to do in the future or what should we stop doing in order to make sure that we're balancing expenditures with revenues,” Pritzker said at an event in Rochester Thursday. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/illinois-in-focus/support

Join us as we continue in the series "Smart Start - 4 Life Changers for 2024". Today's subject is "Gossip Less".

"This episode was brought to you by Reconciled.com. Helping M&A Entrepreneurs just like you with Bookkeeping, CFO & Controller Services, Outsourced Enterprise Accounting and Tax Services. Reconciled.com"Jay D. Rodgers is the entrepreneur's mentor. He has founded and sold numerous successful ventures including Smart Start, now the nation and the world's largest breath-alcohol, ignition-interlock company. Rodgers was the visionary for and cofounder of Biz Owners Ed, a nonprofit organization that provides an entrepreneurial program and community for business owners seeking knowledge, advice, and tools to take the next leap forward in their businesses. He and his wife, Bettye, have homes in Fort Worth and Flower Mound, Texas, where he mentors small-business owners.Watch it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/1fHtBXsUdaA--------------------------------------------------Big Shout Out to our new Primary Sponsor - Reconciled! Their team of skilled professionals is ready to empower you to grow your business and prepare for a successful exit. Find out more at https://Reconciled.com. #Partnership #businessgrowth--------------------------------------------------Contact onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-rodgers-679058b3/Website: https://www.jayrodgersauthor.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins ITX's Channel Partner Network!-Why ITX?Since 1998, ITX has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. ITX works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years ITX has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe ITX M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with ITX focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.Flippa - Real Buyers, Real Sellers - Where the Real Deals Are MadeVisit Flippa - https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100721038-15233003--------------------------------------------------

School has (almost) officially started for the pod. The crew shares ideas to Smart Start our classes with Eduprotocols such as Frayer a friend, random emoji and  things that rock. We also discuss how important it is to arrange the classroom in a way that creates a nice flow for learning and moving around the room. Plus, our ever-popular segment, “Whatcha been playin'” featuring  Shut the box and Cobra Paw. Join @hofmannedu, @mrsjamiehalsey, and @findingmyaloha each week by subscribing to our podcast and rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts! Find us on Instagram @rebelteacheralliance, on Twitter @rebelteacherpod, and on TikTok @rebelteacheralliance. Things mentioned on the show: - Shut the box - Cobra Paw --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebel-teacher-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebel-teacher-alliance/support

This episode of The BS Show features an excerpt from the very first BS Show, Sports Illustrated's John Pluym, Smart Start MN's Ed Cohen and Mike Friedberg, and psychic Ruth Lordan.

Marci Goodwin and Katie Kelly join the CIBL Podcast to discuss their business building platform, SmartStart. Marci and Katie talk about how and why they created the SmartStart platform. Many business owner have great ideas, but they don't know how to build and grow their business. This is where SmartStart comes into play. SmartStart gives businesses a proven step-by-step business building roadmap that helps owners develop their operation. SmartStart also helps connect business owners with local industry experts to give them the network needed to conduct a strong, profitable business. In this episode we discuss some of the steps in the SmartStart process and give some examples of how it works. This is a super cool opportunity to learn how small businesses can tap into a proven resource like SmartStart!! Learn More About SmartStart Here: https://www.welcome.smartstartdashboard.com/

This week we start smart and end dumb. Potentially somewhat contrary to our other updates. In between we might ultimately have a dumb way to protect a car, a dumb executive who got lucky, and a healthcare company that almost seems to be competing with T-Mobile for most breaches in 2023. There's a dumb plan by the EU to scan all your messages, and a smart move from Open AI to give you back some privacy. We have the FBI going “gangsta” on DDoS as a service and a brilliant writeup of Russian malware that shines a light on the current world of espionage. Then we share the brilliant announcement of a free alternative to CoPilot while Def Con announces they are taking aim at LLMs. Whatever the caliber of the players, we've got the stories. You can make the call on the grades they get. Come on, grab your marking pens, and let's go! Find the full transcript for this podcast at Discuss.Daml.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps5/message

Wink Look Out is the smart start to a secure home. By combining in-app service with state-of-the-art sensors to monitor any activity, Wink gives users a priceless gift: the freedom to not worry about what's happening at home when nobody's there. Using the latest wireless technology, Look Out sends timely alerts about doors, windows, locks, garage doors, and more, providing homeowners with complete control over their space – no matter how far away they might be. For more information, visit https://wink.com

“We're not reaching enough families in these vital infant and toddler years,” Gov. JB Pritzker said during his State of the State speech Wednesday. “Smart Start's expanded home visiting funding will allow us to help even more families.” Reset talks to Katelyn Kanwischer from Lurie Children's Hospital and Sherneron Hilliard of Family Focus about what home visiting programs are like now and what they need to support more families moving forward.

Alexis and Justin Black are co-founders of Redefining Normal, a media platform that works to redefine societal norms and inspire people to talk about their trauma, as well as coauthors of the books, "Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovering Healing, Happiness, and Love" and "I Love You More Than Cereal: Maeva and Dad Redefine Love." They are both passionate advocates for children, especially concerning those in the foster care system. Alexis attended the 2017 TFAS Capital Semester Program on Leadership and the American Presidency and Justin attended the 2018 TFAS Journalism and Communication Summer Program. They both participated in the 2019 TFAS Asia program in Hong Kong and are graduates of Western Michigan University. In this week's Liberty and Leadership Podcast, Roger, Alexis, and Justin discuss the powerful impact TFAS has had on their lives, how their childhoods growing up in foster care led them to coauthoring two books, the work Alexis and Justin are doing to help both children and parents in today's foster care system, how traveling the world fundamentally changed their outlook on everything, and a healthy debate over which cereal is superior: Count Chocula or Smart Start. The Liberty and Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS President Roger Ream and produced by kglobal. If you have a comment or question for the show, please drop us an email at podcast@TFAS.org.Support the show

In this episode, we speak with Debra Coffey, Vice President of Government Affairs for SmartStart and a Technical Advisor to the AAMVA Ignition Interlock Working Group, about preventing impaired driving and SmartStart's 30th Anniversary. Host: Ian Grossman Producer: Claire Jeffrey and Chelsey Hadwin Music: Gibson Arthur This episode is brought to you by GET Mobile ID by GET Group North America, the smart choice for ID implementations. Put citizens in control with GET Mobile ID. Fully ISO compliant 18013-5 and surpasses AAMVA guidelines. Learn more at getgroupna.com.

Smart Start of Forsyth County's CEO Dr. Louis Finney Jr., as well as Director of Advancement Marvin Fulwood, visit the studio to tell listeners about the mission of SSFC, the impact of early childhood years on development, and the various campaigns SSFC spearheads to set children up for success. Dr. Finney and Marvin provide a brief overview of how adverse childhood experiences (ACE) affect children throughout their lives, and how to support your community through Smart Start. Check out Smart Start of Forsyth County online and on social media: Website: www.smartstart-fc.org Instagram: @smartstartforsythcounty

Smart Start is a useless lymphoma study; We have to stop putting our careers ahead of patients. In the second part, I discuss the 'experts' featured on STAT. Wowzers. I will be at ask. Hit me up: plenarysessionpodcast@gmail.com

http://www.patreon.com/mrchazz

Jimbo and the continental panel of Raphael Honigstein, James Horncastle, Julien Laurens and Alvaro Romeo shine a light on the big stories in European football this week. Bayern throw away a 2-0 lead in Dortmund, with questions starting to be asked of whether Julian Nagelsmann is the long-term future of the club. But it's the perfect start for Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen. Bayern's former striker Robert Lewandowski is a bit starved of service at Barca as they face Inter in a huge Champions League clash. In France, there's more Mbappe melodrama at PSG with the star striker criticising Christophe Galtier's tactics on Instagram. Elsewhere, Kristof Terreur gives us the lowdown on the perfect Club Brugge and Jules purrs over the perfect Enzo Fernandez.  Plus some harsh red cards and some not so harsh red cards. Produced by Charlie Jones RUNNING ORDER:  • PART 1: Moment of the weekend (01.30) • PART 2: Germany – Klassiker classic and a not too Xabi start (06.00) • PART 3: Spain – big weeks for Barca and Real (18.00)  • PART 4: Kristof Terreur on the remarkable Club Brugge (29.00) • PART 5: France - more Mbappe melodrama (37.00) • PART 6: Italy – champions Milan stay on Napoli's tail (49.00) SIGN UP TO THE ATHLETIC TODAY FOR £1 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST 6 MONTHS • theathletic.com/totally Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us today as we visit with Karen Anzola (Executive Director) of Partnership for Children of Lincoln and Gaston County. Watch now: https://youtu.be/EECCMmdKleYWhat is the Partnership?The Partnership is a nonprofit organization that provides services, advocates, and collaborates with others to ensure the wellbeing of children, ages birth to five, so they can reach their health, developmental, and educational potential. We support local families and children through Smart Start, North Carolina's award-winning early childhood initiative.If you would like more information: Website https://pfclg.org/Phone: (704) 922-0900Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pfclgGaston's Great loves feedback, suggestions, or questions! Want to get in touch with us? We'd love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out to us by a method that is convenient for you.Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/Email: podcast@gastonsgreat.comPhone: 704-864-0344

Industrial IoT (IIoT) has significantly improved the manufacturing process to a point where a manufacturing company will not survive long without it. Ricardo Buranello, SVP and Head of Telit IoT Platforms relates the manufacturing IIoT to Don Witt of the Channel Daily News, a TR publication, which includes Smart Start components of deviceWISE.  They collect data from the different manufacturing machines providing a digital stream of the factory and the line so management knows what is happening in real time. Ricardo Buranello Smart Start accelerates the digital transformation for the factory.  Factory application templates of: IT/OT Integration, Process Optimization, Predictive Maintenance, Quality Control and supply chain management are available. Listen in as Ricardo provides a very articulate description of the templates and the entire manufacturing process. If you are in manufacturing – this is a must listen podcast. Telit was established in 1986 as Telital, an engineering company providing research and development services for multinational telecoms. Telit emerged as a cellular technology innovator. They began manufacturing and marketing products under the Telit brand in 1997. They recognized the potential of cellular M2M and IoT solutions. They launched their first M2M module in 1998. Telit has been a pioneer in enterprise-grade IoT products and software for over 20 years. Telit helps their customers and partners who require best-in-class Internet of Things (IoT) performance. Their engineering practices and design methodologies exceed stringent environmental requirements and industry standards. Their IoT experts have pioneered an end-to-end system approach to ensure everything works together when connecting devices. They enable businesses to manage IoT devices, connectivity, and everything in between. For more information, go to: https://www.telit.com/ or https://www.telit.com/smart-factory-industry-4-0/

The founder of the feast! Ed Cohen (Smart Start MN) stops by to talk music, doing the right thing and the unknowable nature of the genuine depths of space/time. Dude.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brian-oake-show/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The world today appears to be full of workplace bullies. According to a survey on bullying released in 2021, 30 percent of Americans report having experienced abusive conduct at work. This is up 57% from 2017. An estimated 48.6 million Americans are bullied on the job. The problem with bullies in the workplace is they can hurt an organization's productivity. More importantly, it impacts those that are being bullied by often causing harm physically, mentally or both. With the destruction workplace bullies can trigger, why do so many employers keep these people employed? If you are the target of bullying at work, what can you do?   This podcast episode talks bullies in the workplace.   Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #bully #workplace #workplacebully #career #job #podcast #smartstart #smartstartmoney

When it comes to telling a lie on your resume most career experts will agree that it is a bad idea. The problem with this is how can a job seeker compete with other applicants that do blatantly not tell the truth when it comes to their employment credentials?   Because so many people stretch the truth about their employment background most do get away with it to some extent. A study by Ladders.com found that 80% of the people they surveyed of over 1000 that lied on a resume claimed to have never been found out. Only 8% of the resume storytellers admitted to facing anything negative for their lies.   The fact is no one is going to tell a person to be a liar and not tell the truth on their resume. Look at just about any career website or book and it's easy to quickly discover no authority on resumes is going to teach resume storytelling and how to stretch the truth. Yet, the unspoken and quiet rule in addition to the statistics shows that not telling the truth on a resume is not only accepted but often most people get away with it.   This podcast episode talks about lies on a resume.   Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #resume #career #employment #resumewriting #careerexpert #job #jobseeker #jobapplicant #podcast #smartstart #smartstartmoney

Workplace slackers are nothing new. If you have been in the workplace for any length of time, you know the type of person that tries to do the least amount of work they possibly can. Although some people are just fundamentally lazy, there are also plenty of people in the working world that are not naturally the type of people that enjoy doing nothing except for when it comes to their job. The problem with slackers in the workplace is they always tend to create more problems other than just trying to do the least amount of work. Deadwood at a company will bring down morale and ultimately result in people leaving that do get the job done. This podcast episode talks about workplace slackers and how to deal with them.   Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #workplace #employment #slacker #corporate #corporatecringe #deadwood #employee #lazyemployee #podcast #smartstartmoney

People that are looking to purchase a home frequently question how much they can afford to pay for a house. Although numerous financial experts claim to have a simple formula for the answer, the truth is there are several factors to consider. Affordability of just the purchase cost, down payment, and monthly mortgage price shouldn't be the only components to consider when trying to calculate the affordability of purchasing a house. Buying a home has always been part of the American dream. However, it is important to carefully consider what a buyer can realistically afford so a home purchase does not become an unaffordable nightmare. This podcast episode talks about how much money a person should spend on a home.   Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #homebuying #realestate #homepurchase #finance #savingforahome #firsttimehomebuyer #smartstart #smartstartmoney #podcast

In today's episode, we review the Evan Moor Smart Start: STEM Workbook for Kindergarteners. Workbook Review: Evan Moor Smart Start: STEM - https://amzn.to/3sYu4QN Topic: STEM Grade Level: K Cost: $6.99 - 9.99 Touring The World Resource Guides Check out our country resource guides to help you with your around the world journey: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether Connect with us Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/ Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/ Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Getting ahead in corporate America or with just about any employer is likely more challenging than it ever has been. With a growing number of companies consistently moving to a model of more with less while chasing the cheapest price to compete on a global level, employers appear to be comfortable telling many of the same lies they have been for decades. The only difference now is a growing number of people are beginning to get wise to the deceit.   This podcast episode talks about top lies corporate America and employers are still telling.   Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #america #corporateamerica #employment #employers #jobs #smartstart #smartstartmoney #podcast

Most markets around the country are seeing outrageous and unrealistic housing prices. According to a Bankrate report, the average home price has increased by about 30% in the last decade as the money people make has only seen a gain of around 11%. The American dream of buying a home is becoming out of reach for a growing number of middle-income families in the country and it is leaving many people on a fixed income in a serious financial situation that has the potential to leave them homeless.   If home prices do not come down, employers do not start to pay even more, and additional living costs do not slow down, there will be some very big problems in the future. This will be particularly the case for middle America.   This podcast episode talks about the surge in prices to buy a home and also rent a place to live.   Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #thesmartstartmoneypodcast #housing #buyingahouse #realestate #highhomeprices #middleclass #america #smartstart #smartstartmoney #podcast #rent #rentprices #rentcontrol #mortgage

Proponents of renewable energy are frequently implying it will come from things that won't run out like wind, water, sunlight, and plants. Moreover, they claim these new clean energy sources will not only be easily replenished but will also be better for the environment. The problem with the claim is many supposedly renewable energy resources are not renewable and they are also not exactly environmentally friendly.  Politicians in Washington use renewable energy claims to move America away from fossil fuels. Furthermore, there are claims of not being reliant on other countries for energy resources as a reason to build the infrastructure for renewable energy resources. The issue with this claim is even with green energy resources in the U.S. it doesn't mean the country would not still be vulnerable to energy shortages. The reason for this is there isn't anything exactly renewable with most energy resources although government representatives would like most of America to believe there is. This podcast episode talks about renewable energy resources and why it would not make America energy independent.   Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #thesmartstartmoneypodcast #energy #renewableenergy #solar #solarpower #windpower #environment #smartstart #smartstartmoney #podcast #envrionment #climatechange #electriccar #environmentalist #greenenergy #solarpanels  

Show Notes A leviathan of ocean exploration David Gallo is an enthusiastic ambassador between the sea and those of us on dry land. From uncovering the Titanic to finding the downed Air France flight. From TED Talks to Smart Start of New Hanover County Dr. David Gallo has entertained all audiences with his stories of … Oceanographer and Explorer, Dr. David Gallo Graces the Stage Read More » The post Oceanographer and Explorer, Dr. David Gallo Graces the Stage appeared first on Post Session Podcast.

Sports fans need to start realizing a growing number of professional sports athletes and team owners could really care less about their fans. From overpriced game tickets and concessions to high parking fees, professional sports figures and owners simply have no concern that many middle-income families can no longer afford to attend a game. These people care about only one thing and that is greed.   Make no mistake. The recent Major League Baseball lockout between the owners and players was about one thing and that is money. With the average player making over 500k per year, these people need to understand they are already in the top 1% of household incomes in America. Moreover, both owners and players fail to recognize who really provides their income while they fight over how many more millions of dollars they can either earn or keep.   Although lucrative television and broadcasting deals provide a lot of revenue for professional athletes and team owners, the fans are the real employer. Without people watching there would not be millions to fight over.   The only people that really get hurt in professional sports strikes or lockouts are the fans, day-to-day team lower-level support staff, and small business owners that depend on game day. Maybe it's time fans remind the privileged professional athletes and team owners who provides their paychecks and go on strike themselves. Maybe it's time to lock out professional sports and no longer be a fan or viewer.   This podcast episode talks about the recent MLB lockout and how most fans of professional sports should probably be thinking about a lockout of their own.   Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #thesmartstartmoneypodcast #MLBlockout #baseballlockout #baseballstrike #sportsfans #professionalsports #professionalathletes #smartstart #smartstartmoney #podcast

With an estimated 15% of student loan holders in default at any given time, the question that often comes up is “What happens if you don't pay your student loans?” This question is nothing new when it comes to higher education debt. However, it does seem as though the uncertainty of repaying student loans for a growing number of borrowers is bringing up the subject of student loan repayment more frequently.   Not paying student loans can have long-lasting consequences resulting in further financial hardship. Not only can this put a borrower's financial goals on hold but it can also limit other things in life like getting married or starting a family. Defaulting on student loans will not make them go away.   This podcast episode talks about the consequences of falling into student loan delinquency.   Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #thesmartstartmoneypodcast #studentloan #studentloans #studentloandelinquency #payingbackstudentloans #podcast #smartstartmoney #educationloans

It doesn't matter. Both republicans and democrats never seem to tell the complete truth and neither does the media. They all spin a story for their own politics and financial gain. The truth always seems to lie somewhere in the middle.   The President's press conference today on the decision to stop importing Russian oil is not the entire story. Furthermore, it is not looking at the big picture. Washington and the media like to portray themselves as believing in doing the right thing. A good public image campaign and ultimately financial gain are their ultimate goals. The American people do not fall into these objectives. If we did, they would all be pointing out all the solutions for the problems at hand. Solutions to solve problems now and in the future.   This podcast episode talks about how the elite media and Washington politicians are not talking about additional problems related to Russia, Ukraine, and security in America. They are all looking to profit off the decline of the country. Someone really needs to start asking a lot more questions.     Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #thesmartstartmoneypodcast #America #futureofAmerica #RussiaUkraine #smartstartmoney #china #media #americanmedia #news #politics          

With the current state of America and the conflict with Russia and Ukraine, no one seems to be asking the real questions. Corporate America and Washington have gotten wealthy from overseas cheap labor and manufacturing. It doesn't seem like anyone wants to address the elephant in the room.   While Russia gets sanctions, they have made a deal to sell energy to China. This is all at the same time America imports just about everything from China and has sold out middle American jobs for cheap labor.   All the talk of sticking up for democracy and doing the right thing by helping Ukraine and America does businesses with a country that has one of the worst records for treating workers and they are certainly not a democracy.   It is time for someone in the media and Washington to really start asking the right questions without the fear of bringing in less revenue.   This Smart Start Money Podcast episode talks about problems that have been staring right at America with no one willing to talk about any of them. The reason is greed and power. There will not be any improvement in America until the real questions are asked and answered with solutions.    Visit Our Website: martstartmoney.com Subscribe to the Podcast:  https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/ Questions or Comments About the Podcast? Email: info@smartstartmoney.com or eric@smartstartmoney.com Support the Podcast: https://smart-start-money.creator-spring.com/   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smartstartm... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Start-... Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/smart-start-m... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartstartm...   #thesmartstartmoneypodcast #America #futureofAmerica #RussiaUkraine #smartstartmoney #china #media #americanmedia #news #politics