Podcasts about state legislatures

Ken discusses the topics of GAVC, State Legislature session wrapping up and Data Centers.

We get a commission meeting preview with Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Jeff Blubaugh. The State Legislature may have failed to deliver property tax relief for residents... but the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County are on the verge of providing it for multi-billion dollar corporations.

DESCRIPTION Charlie sounds the alarm on what he calls one of the biggest political deception campaigns South Carolina has ever seen. With primary elections approaching, voters are being flooded with slick mailers from groups using conservative-sounding names while attacking some of the state's most conservative lawmakers. Charlie breaks down the role of dark money, the battle over the Freedom Caucus, accusations of Democrats running candidates as Republicans, and why voters should pay close attention to who's funding the messages showing up in their mailbox. PODCAST SUMMARY As South Carolina voters prepare to head to the polls, Charlie warns listeners about a surge of political mailers and advertising campaigns targeting conservative legislators. He argues that organizations with names like the "Palmetto Truth Project" and "Conservative Grassroots Network" are presenting themselves as conservative while allegedly working to defeat members of the Freedom Caucus. The discussion focuses heavily on the influence of dark money in South Carolina politics and the difficulty voters face in determining who is truly behind campaign messaging. Charlie claims many of the attacks against Freedom Caucus members rely on misleading or inaccurate descriptions of legislative voting records, creating confusion among voters who may not closely follow state politics. The episode also explores a broader concern that Democrats and liberal interests are attempting to influence Republican primaries by supporting candidates who present themselves as conservatives. Charlie argues that voters should carefully examine campaign funding sources and political mailers before making decisions at the ballot box. Throughout the conversation, listeners are encouraged to become more informed consumers of political advertising and to look beyond campaign slogans, endorsements, and expensive media buys when evaluating candidates and legislative races. KEY TAKEAWAYS Dark money remains a major issue in South Carolina politics. Political mailers can be misleading and should be carefully scrutinized. Conservative-sounding organizations may not always align with conservative causes. Freedom Caucus members are facing significant opposition in several legislative races. Campaign funding sources often reveal important information about political interests. Voters should research claims made in political advertisements before voting. Republican primaries remain a key battleground for competing political factions. Election season is bringing increased spending and messaging across the state. SOCIAL MEDIA TITLE Who's Really Behind South Carolina's Political Mailers? SOCIAL MEDIA DESCRIPTION The fight for South Carolina's future may not be happening on the debate stage—it's happening in your mailbox. Charlie exposes the dark money groups, political mailers, and hidden agendas influencing primary elections across the state. SOCIAL MEDIA POST

Welcome to June, it's Pride Month! We encourage our listeners to RSVP to Citizen Action's Annual Meeting this Saturday, at 10am. Robert gives us the latest tick report amid national concern about tick-borne illnesses. Spurred by global warming, tick activity continues to surge in Wisconsin while the national media descends on Martha Vineyard as the island is beset by ticks, and victims are forced to avoid red meat. Trump visits Western Wisconsin, the home of Wisconsin's pivotal Congressional District 3. Is he an anchor on embattled MAGA incumbent Derrick Van Orden and other Republicans on the ballot or does Trump know how to generate a massive turnout of MAGA voters? We dive into a critically important Wisconsin Health Assessment, a periodic report mandated by the State Legislature.Rarely do such radical findings come from an official state government report. This year's report finds that a stunning 1 in 10 Wisconsinites skipped needed health care due to cost. The report also contains shocking revelations on low wages, the growing unaffordability of housing, massive under investment in public education (especially in low income BIPOC majority schools), and a chronic under investment in public health. Will the next legislature act on this searing indictment of status quo policies or kick the can down the road? MASH union president Peter Rickman joins us to discuss the state health assessment, building worker power, and to update us on newly scheduled $20 Wage Town Halls in Fond du Lac, Madison, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and more locations. We close with news that Boss Vos vows to try again on the failed surplus budget deal. With Governor Evers continuing to complain about the failure of the first effort, will they get another kick at the cat?

The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed what they are describing as a “transparency bill” called, An Act Promoting Transparency and Public Access in State Government. The bill is in direct response to the ongoing legal battle brought forth by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, to audit the State Legislature. The measure would allow DiZoglio to audit the administrative functions of both the House and Senate but would not allow an audit of “constitutional functions.” House Speaker Ron Mariano says it would, “establish a clear framework for legislative audits conducted by the State Auditor.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed what they are describing as a “transparency bill” called, An Act Promoting Transparency and Public Access in State Government. The bill is in direct response to the ongoing legal battle brought forth by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, to audit the State Legislature. The measure would allow DiZoglio to audit the administrative functions of both the House and Senate but would not allow an audit of “constitutional functions.” House Speaker Ron Mariano says it would, “establish a clear framework for legislative audits conducted by the State Auditor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed what they are describing as a “transparency bill” called, An Act Promoting Transparency and Public Access in State Government. The bill is in direct response to the ongoing legal battle brought forth by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, to audit the State Legislature. The measure would allow DiZoglio to audit the administrative functions of both the House and Senate but would not allow an audit of “constitutional functions.” House Speaker Ron Mariano says it would, “establish a clear framework for legislative audits conducted by the State Auditor.” Diana checked in with us on Nightside to discuss!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday, the MA Senate voted to turn over records sought by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio as part of her audit of the chamber. However, the 33-6 vote does not mean the Senate "concedes". In a resolution note responding to the Supreme Judicial Court's order, while they voted to turn over requested documents, they “do not concede” to an audit, saying if senators believe it’s unconstitutional, that the chamber could still object to an audit from DiZoglio’s office in the “present or future.” While this is a small victory for DiZoglio, her legislative battle is still not over. In addition, this weekend the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s 2026 Nominating Convention begins. It will be held in Worcester at the DCU Center on Friday and Saturday, May 29th and 30th. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is expected to attend as are other members of the State Legislature that Diana has been "battling" with...Were there fireworks? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you like her or dislike her, Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has had quite a popularity streak in state politics and in local media for her ongoing and outspoken legal battle to audit the State Legislature. The Auditor has transcended party lines and gathered a unique support group in her quest to challenge political insiders in her own party over an issue 72% of MA voters tasked her with. Diana checked in to react to a Boston Globe article that was released Tuesday, characterizing her legislative audit as “divisive.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05/26/26: Matt Evans is one of the endorsed Republican candidates for State Legislature running from District 25. He has served on the Walcott Township Board of Supervisors, as the finance deacon for his church, and as the chairman of the North Dakota District 25 Republican Party. He and his wife home-school their four children. Matt also had a 22 year career at Microsoft as a Software Engineer and Engineering Manager. Learn more about Matt and his campaign and views at evans4nd.com. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: Traditional knowledge of Birch Bark Canoe Making. Guest/s:  Sage Phillips, Grand daughter, the late Reuben Phillips Penobscot Elder, James Francis Penobscot Historian. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life's work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022. The post Wabanaki Windows 5/26/26: Tribute to Penobscot Elder Reuben (Butch) Phillips first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

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State legislatures have a lot of power in America—the States Project focuses on expanding that. Daniel Squadron explains. His new book is The Fourth Branch: How State Government can Save Our Union.Also: this week's polls and this week's primaries have nothing but bad news for Trump and his followers.John Nichols has our analysis.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

State legislatures have a lot of power in America—the States Project focuses on expanding that. Daniel Squadron explains. His new book is The Fourth Branch: How State Government can Save Our Union.Also: this week's polls and this week's primaries have nothing but bad news for Trump and his followers. John Nichols has our analysis.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel and City Administrator Ben Martig discuss last night's City Council meeting, including an item on the consent agenda regarding compensation for council members, the public hearing on Harvest Hills, a community survey report, the bonding bill passed by the State Legislature that granted the $3 million request for the Northfield Community Resource Center, and more. 

State Senator Erik Bottcher and Assembly Member Keith Powers, two Manhattan Democrats and former City Council Members, joined the show to discuss their transition into the State Legislature (they were both elected in February special elections), their first state budget negotiations as legislators, how Mayor Mamdani is doing, and more. Bottcher represents the West Side's 47th Senate District while Powers represents the East Side's 74th Assembly District. (Ep 586)

The latest in Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s battle to audit the State Legislature is that MA Attorney General Andrea Campbell has given DiZoglio permission to hire an outside attorney to represent her office in her lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Legislature. The lawsuit stems from the Legislature’s lack of cooperation over DiZoglio’s efforts to audit their chambers, a ballot measure that was largely backed by the citizens of Massachusetts. Diana checked in to discuss her small victory in this ongoing legal battle with the State Legislature!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Senate's main focus is to pass a bill on property tax relief, says MissouriNet News Director Alisa Nelson. She joins Megan Lynch with a recap of the work the legislature has done this session. There could also be more efforts to increase the rural speed limits.

The Dean's List with Host Dean Bowen – The Freedom Foundation is a policy organization that has been assisting state legislators with these measures as well as helping teachers opt out of union membership. The foundation notes that it has helped more than 272,535 teachers in red and blue states to opt out of union membership, including more than 50,000 in 2025 alone...

Journalists Nick Garber and Annie McDonough joined the show to discuss Mayor Zohran Mamdani's $124.7 billion Executive Budget, released on May 12, 2026, that took a very different approach than his prior budget plan, in part thanks to a lot of help from Governor Hochul and the State Legislature. Garber (of New York Focus), McDonough (of City & State New York), and host Ben Max discussed how Mamdani's budgeting approach has shifted, how his top priorities are faring, some of the city's fiscal challenges ahead, and more. (Ep 585)

The chair of the new HOUSE FRAUD PREVENTION and STATE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, joined Vineeta to discuss some final conclusions by the committee and the latest developments of a bonding deal as the session ticks down.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at the bills in the statehouse that will affect businesses and where they stand in the closing days of the Colorado legislature. https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/09/colorado-legislature-swipe-fees-artificial-intelligence-centurylink-bills-laws/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/05/colorado-gas-prices-truckers-ride-sharing-drivers-uber-lyft/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fishing Opener was in her home district......she recaps that and gives us an update on happenings in st paul at the Legislature. On the WCCO Morning News.

Guests Include: Wisconsin GOP Chair Brian Schimming, Dr Duke Show's Duke Pesta, Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, Advancing American Freedom's Hans Von Spakovsky, Senator Ron Johnson, Gubernatorial Candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany

In the wake of the Supreme Court's recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais, two of the nation's leading election law scholars dissect a ruling that could soon reverberate through elections at every level of government. Nathaniel Persily joins Pam Karlan for a discussion about the Callais decision—what it means for racial representation, partisan gerrymandering, and anti-discrimination law. Karlan and Persily are longtime collaborators, including as co-authors of The Law of Democracy: Legal Structure of the Political Process. Their conversation traces the Voting Rights Act's evolution from the landmark Thornburg v. Gingles decision to the Court's latest narrowing of Section 2, and examines how the ruling could affect congressional maps in 2026, minority representation at every level of government, and the broader future of disparate impact protections. As Persily explains, the Court has moved from treating partisan gerrymandering as constitutionally suspect to a place where it is now “a legitimate state practice, a legitimate interest that's almost being celebrated.”   Links: Nate Persily >>> Stanford Law School Page Connect: Episode Transcripts >>> Stanford Legal Podcast Website Stanford Legal Podcast >>> LinkedIn Page Rich Ford >>>  Twitter/X Pam Karlan >>> Stanford Law School Page Stanford Law School >>> Twitter/X Stanford Lawyer Magazine >>> Twitter/X [00:00:30] Introduction: The Voting Rights Act Under Siege [00:02:18] Section 2's Original Promise: Results Over Intent [00:11:06] Louisiana v. Cali: Dismantling the Gingles Framework [00:23:17] From Unconstitutional to Celebrated: The Partisan Gerrymandering Evolution [00:28:14] Future Implications: Elections and Civil Rights Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Torey Van Oot from Axios joins Jordana.

Tyler Bridges joins Tommy to talk about the latest bills in the state legislature. Plus, what's happening with redistricting in Louisiana?

Topic 60 minutes and Helene; Topic SC State Legislature failures full 547 Mon, 04 May 2026 19:19:00 +0000 4deg7JshWLsQGQUNSrbxmlsFZyVEwaor news The Charlie James Show Podcast news Topic 60 minutes and Helene; Topic SC State Legislature failures The Charlie James Show originates from News/Talk 989 WORD, The Upstate's #1 Talk Station, weekdays 3-7pm. Charlie tackles the topics that matter to the Carolina's. He interviews the movers and shakers while letting listeners sound off on the news of the day. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodc

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The dust is starting to settle after the annual whirlwind that is the final days of the legislative session at the Tennessee State Capitol.Today we take you inside the halls of power to wrap-up. We hear from reporters who offer their insights into what passed and why, what failed and what might surface again in 2027. From school vouchers and immigration policy to preempting local laws, what were the predominant issues and political dynamics that shaped the laws — and will shape our state's future? And we want to hear from you: How would you rate legislative performance? Were your priorities addressed? If not, what do you want from lawmakers next year? Join the conversation by calling 615-760-2000 or chiming in on the chat on our live YouTube stream.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests Marianna Bacallao, State Legislature reporter, WPLN Sarah Grace Taylor, Statehouse reporter, Nashville Banner Vivian Jones, State government and politics reporter, Tennessean

In this episode, State Senator Lisa Frizell joins us to discuss two significant bills in the Colorado state legislature. We dive into Senate Bill 135, which would allow the state to keep and spend revenue from the current Tabor cap, with some funds going towards K-12 education. Lisa shares her concerns about the bill's potential impact on Colorado voters, who have previously rejected similar measures. We also explore Senate Bill 146, which aims to reduce single-use food service ware, and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of this legislation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawmakers around the U.S. are moving to restrict data center development. Maine, for example, recently passed what's being called the country's first statewide ban on data centers. The measure would prohibit building any new data centers until late 2027.As of this taping, Maine's governor, Janet Mills, was reportedly still undecided on whether she'd sign the bill. And 13 other states are also considering bans on data center development, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.Tony Pipa of the Brookings Institution talks more about how much of the pushback has to do with the speed with which data centers are popping up.

Lawmakers around the U.S. are moving to restrict data center development. Maine, for example, recently passed what's being called the country's first statewide ban on data centers. The measure would prohibit building any new data centers until late 2027.As of this taping, Maine's governor, Janet Mills, was reportedly still undecided on whether she'd sign the bill. And 13 other states are also considering bans on data center development, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.Tony Pipa of the Brookings Institution talks more about how much of the pushback has to do with the speed with which data centers are popping up.

0000019d-baae-d86b-afdf-feee82bf0000https://www.wvik.org/podcast/good-morning-from-wvik-news/2026-04-23/illinois-millionaires-tax-proposal-stalls-in-state-legislature-ahead-of-key-deadlineJoseph LeahyIllinois 'millionaires tax" proposal stalls in state legislature ahead of

State Senator Jordan Rasmussen joined Vineeta to discuss what is happening with businesses like Kalshi in Minnesota.

In the opening segment of the second hour, Charlie James discussed the push for judicial selection reform in South Carolina, highlighting the tension between the House and Senate as the 2026 legislative session progresses. While the House recently passed a bill to give the governor full control over the Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC)—a move aimed at ending the "lawmaker monopoly" and increasing public trust—the measure has stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Critics in the Senate remain protective of the current system, despite polling that shows 58% of South Carolinians favor reform to ensure a more independent judiciary.

The fight wages on for Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio as she prepares to face off against Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell in court over the right to examine the finances of the State Legislature. Various legislators have questioned the constitutionality of DiZoglio’s efforts to audit the Legislature, prompting her to seek council from the AG, only to be met with more roadblocks. Diana joined us with the latest details on her legislative audit battle!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson, joined Vineeta on Thursday for an update on the Hospital that many use, but is in a massive financial crisis. Can the State Legislature help? Find out on WCCO Radio's Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar

Prehospital blood programs that allow emergency responders to administer blood at the scene to trauma victims are drawing increased attention from state lawmakers. A technique with origins on the battlefield, these military methods have made their way to civilian EMS programs. Research suggests a significant number of lives can be saved with this approach, especially in car crashes.  On the podcast to discuss these programs are Jonathan Morrison, the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA; Randi Schaefer, a former career Army trauma nurse who has helped set up programs around the country; and Aneesa Turbovsky, who tracks EMS-related legislation for NCSL.  Morrison discussed why these programs are a priority for NHTSA and how these programs could reduce the approximately 40,000 traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. each year. Schaefer reviewed some of the challenges in setting up prehospital blood programs and the role state lawmakers can play. And Turbovsky went into detail on the steps legislatures are taking to make it possible for paramedics to administer blood and how lawmakers can bring together the various parties needed to make these programs work. Resources EMS Legislation Database, NCSL Prehospital Blood Transfusions Give EMS Crews a Lifesaving Option, NCSL State Legislatures News Office of EMS Prehospital Blood Transfusion, NHTSA   Office of EMS Prehospital Blood Transfusion Infographics, NHTSA    Prehospital Blood Transfusion Coalition   Prehospital Blood Coalition Scope of Practice Map "Removing the Barrier to Prehospital Blood: A roadmap to success,"Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Funding Stat! States Secure Timely Support for EMS Systems, NCSL  

A tax break designed for working Americans… blocked by Republicans? Supporters of Donald Trump are praising the “no tax on tips” provision as a long-overdue win for blue-collar workers—especially those who've seen wages stagnate for decades. But in a shocking twist, South Carolina lawmakers rejected a bill that would have mirrored those federal tax cuts at the state level. Even more surprising? States like California and Michigan have already moved to adopt similar relief. With billions in surplus revenue, why block tax relief for workers who need it most? This episode breaks down the politics, the economics, and the frustration boiling over for everyday taxpayers.

How flipped seats are shaping the response to federal immigration enforcement — A conversation with Sarah Curmi of ⁠States Win⁠ From lawsuits to new legislation, states are beginning to push back on federal immigration enforcement in ways that were once unthinkable. This shift isn't happening in a vacuum. Since the last election, Democrats have flipped 30 state legislative seats—changing who holds power in key chambers across the country. In this episode, Sarah Curmi of States Win explains how those gains are translating into policy—and why state legislatures may be the most important political battleground right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday's "Dan O'Donnell Show," Dan breaks a big story ahead of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election: Liberal candidate Chris Taylor violated judicial ethics rules that she herself introduced as a member of the State Legislature. Plus, the Supreme Court debates birthright citizenship with President Trump in attendance and a non-profit scandal in Green Bay blows up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Wednesday's "Dan O'Donnell Show," Dan breaks a big story ahead of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election: Liberal candidate Chris Taylor violated judicial ethics rules that she herself introduced as a member of the State Legislature. Plus, the Supreme Court debates birthright citizenship with President Trump in attendance and a non-profit scandal in Green Bay blows up.

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), member organizations, allies, immigrant New Yorkers, and elected officials rallied on the 3rd Floor at the New York State Capitol, demanding immediate passage of the New York for All Act. The act would prohibit local governments including the police from cooperating with ICE to harass immigrants. With the state budget expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, advocates are calling on the Governor and the State Legislature to act now by passing the New York for All Act and deliver long-overdue protections for immigrant New Yorkers. 15 activists were arrested for blocking the entrances to the State Senate and Assembly. We hear from Giovanetta Marangoz of the NYC Young Democratic Socialists of America, Jahaira Roldan and Murah Awadeh of the NY Immigration Coalition, and Bryan MacCormack of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Send us Fan MailOn this new episode of the Two Kens Podcast, Ken Fong and I sit down at a moment that feels like a hinge point in the American story. From the looming threat of a government shutdown to urgent debates over immigration reform and a President's competency, we're asking what kind of country we're becoming—and who gets to shape that future.We walk through the surprising political momentum we're seeing in 2025, where Democrats have been quietly flipping seats and building toward what could be a transformative midterm election. At the same time, we wrestle with troubling rhetoric coming out of national leadership—language that blurs the line between faith and power, raising real concerns about pluralism, democracy, and the soul of the nation.We also take an unflinching look at leadership itself—what we're seeing, what we're hearing, and what it may suggest about cognitive decline, communication, and the weight of age in high office. It's not about cheap shots; it's about clarity, responsibility, and truth.We express our hope that the courts, the Constitution, and most importantly, the electorate still hold the line. The path forward is clear: pay attention, stay engaged, and make sure we all truly see what's at stake.SHOW NOTES | Ken's SubstackSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you!Ken's Substack PageThe Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

Send us Fan MailNebraska State Senator John Fredrickson was first elected in 2022 by a margin of only 82 votes. He is the first openly gay man to be elected to the Nebraska state legislature. We discuss Nebraska's unicameral non-partisan legislature and its term limits. We also talk about John's youth, how he and his husband adopted their son, and his journey into politics. This conversation was recorded in Chicago at the Council of State Governments Convention in December 2025.This is part of a series on the first gay men elected to state legislators around the country. To listen to the episode with Glen Maxey, the first elected to the Texas state legislature, click here. Upcoming episodes will include the first gay man elected to South Dakota's state legislature and to Iowa's state legislature.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera, a Bronx Democrat and chair of the Senate health committee, joined the show to discuss state budget negotiations with under two weeks until the April 1 start of the new fiscal year. The conversation touched on major areas of negotiation among Governor Hochul and the two Democratic majorities of the State Legislature including climate and energy regulations, tax rates, Medicaid and other health policy and budget issues, mayoral control of New York City schools, and more. (Ep 574)

On March 8, thousands of union members packed the MVP Arena in Albany in an incredible show of solidarity, calling on the Governor and State Legislature to Fix Tier 6 in this year's budget. In this episode of the Union Strong podcast, we break down how we got here, take you inside the arena for a firsthand look at the rally, and hear from New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento about what comes next in the fight to Fix Tier 6. Ask your State legislators and the Governor to Fix Tier 6: https://nysaflcio.info/4rgACWn NYS AFL-CIO Tier 6 Pension Reform web page: https://nysaflcio.org/tier-6 

OA1236 - Elections grab bag! Election news has been accumulating, so Jenessa helps us get caught up on what's going on. Who's winning elections? What's going on with redistricting? Heard something confusing about the mail? Trump back on his bullshit again? Good news, mixed news, debunking alleged bad news, bad news with plans for how to turn things around; we've got it all. Updates since we recorded: The SAVE America Act passed the House. Also the affidavit for the warrant in Georgia was unsealed. We'll talk about it soon, but the short version is these people really still believe in election conspiracy theories. It's gross. We'll survive. John Hanna & Julie Carr Smyth (Feb. 1, 2026). Texas stunner: Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips Republican state Senate district Trump won by 17 points, Associated Press. Amy Howe (Feb. 4, 2026). Supreme Court allows California to use congressional map benefitting Democrats, SCOTUSBlog. Tangipa v. Newsom (docket and SCOTUSBlog coverage), SCOTUSBlog. Abbott v. League of United Latin American Citizens (docket and SCOTUSBlog coverage), SCOTUSBlog. H.R.7296 - SAVE America Act, Congress.gov. H.R.7300 - Make Elections Great Again Act. Congress.gov. Domestic Mail Manual 608.11 Domestic Mail Manual amendment explanation (Nov. 24, 2025). Postmarks and Postal Possession, Federal Register. 39 CFR Part 111 Dan Mooney, What Is RTO? Why Do We Have It?, National Association of Postal Supervisors (Aug. 19, 2025)  Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) initiative. (Feb. 2, 2025). Service Standards for Market-Dominant Mail Products, Federal Register. 39 CFR Part 121 Track Your Ballot or Ballot Application, Vote.org. 2 U.S.C. § 7 - Time of election (Dec. 24, 2025). Table 11: Receipt and Postmark Deadlines for Absentee/Mail Ballots, National Conference of State Legislatures. Evan Lee (Jan. 15, 2026) Court holds that all candidates can challenge rules governing vote counting in elections, SCOTUSBlog. Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections, 607 U.S. __ (2026). Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections (docket and SCOTUSBlog coverage), SCOTUSBlog. Amy Howe (Nov. 10, 2025). Justices agree to decide major election law case, SCOTUSBlog. Watson v. Republican National Committee (Election Law) (docket and SCOTUSBlog coverage), SCOTUSBlog. Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!