Podcasts about state office

Judee Barone, Co-Lead for AARP/OVE Roost News Podcast interviews Jennifer Feuerstein-Divita, Sr. ASD - Community Outreach Coordinator, AARP Michigan State Office. Jennifer shares information on the Learn a Latte Speakers Series which started in 2017 and has ended in 2025. The AARP Michigan State office is now partnering with another organization who implements Speaker Series by tabling and providing AARP information at each of its series. This is a great initiative that another State Office may want to implement. Reach out to Jennifer if you require more information on Learn a Latte Speakers Series.

Ms. Brunswig hails from Scottsdale, Arizona for the past three years.  In 2020, Ms. Brunswig was presented with the Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Ms. Brunswig celebrates many years' experience in her professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes she has accrued in her field. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. Now retired, Ms. Brunswig worked for the Washington State Governor's Office in Olympia for five years as an executive assistant before retiring in 1998. Her extensive career in state government included similar roles with the Governor's Office of Health Policy, The Legislative Office of the Department of Labor & Industries, Washington State Department of Health and the State Board of Health. Additionally, Ms. Brunswig served as a Legal Assistant 3 for the Thurston County Prosecutor's Office in Olympia as the Family Support Office Manager and was liaison to the State Office of Support Enforcement. During later years, while living in Mexico, she worked as a manager for a law firm after helping set up the newly formed office with the attorney and his family. Ms. Brunswig notably learned to speak fluent Spanish while living and working in the country. She later served a brief stint as Operations Manager for SeaBreeze Vacation Rentals. To support her government, Ms. Brunswig has been involved in a plethora of positions with various organizations as well. Most notably, she served as a councilwoman, mayor pro-tem  and Mayor of the City of Centralia, Washington. Ms. Brunswig was also active as a staff member of the Governor's Task Force on Higher Education, a member of the Cascadia Mayors Council and, among other roles, a committee member of the campaign to elect Representatives Gary Alexander for the 20th District and Rep. J. Vander Stoep, Washington State House of Representatives. For two years, Ms. Brunswig served as a Governor's Friendship Force Ambassador to South Korea. Other civic activities to Ms. Brunswig's credit have included serving as treasurer of the Lewis County Children with Special Needs and as a speaker on behalf of the Centralia College Citizenship Class. With her late husband, she was a Guarantor and Board Member of the Lewis County Pope's Kids' Club in Centralia, Washington, a respite center providing individualized care for children and young adults with exceptional medical needs. She was a commissioner for the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Likewise, Ms. Brunswig is also a Diamond life master member of the American Contract Bridge League. After returning to the United States from Mexico, Ms. Brunswig edited three children's books written and published by Attorney Laura G. Bueno. She is currently providing editing services for Attorney Bueno as her book, "Selkirk" is now being made into a movie. Her payment for these services were donated to two of her informally adopted Mexican children for their college fund. She has also edited several books on the topic of bridge, which were authored by Professor Allan DeSerpa, PhD of Tempe, AZ and consulting author in The Samoans chapter of Liz Moulder's book, "Tropical Tales," and W.T. O'Brien's book ""The Arboretum After Midnight." In support of her professional endeavors, Ms. Brunswig was a member and former nominating committee member of the Association of Washington Cities. She was also former president's advisory board member of the National Chamber of Congress and served nationally on the Bylaws Committee of the National Legal Professionals Association. Ms. Brunswig was born in Leone, a village on the southwest coast of Tutuila Island, American Samoa. She came to the U.S. in 1949 and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Washington State University, studied paralegal studies at Centralia College and general studies at Lower Columbia College, all in Washington, also receiving a diploma from Centralia Police Department's Citizens' Academy in 1996. She has volunteered her services as a counselor to individuals, pro bono for over 20 years. Ms. Brunswig was selected as an Outstanding Young Women in America in 1973 and was named Pledge of the Year from Beta Sigma Pi sorority, and Girl of the Year by Beta Sigma Phi International in 1978. For her work, she was named as Officer of the Year for Washington Association of Legal Secretaries, and the Washington State Legal Secretary of the Year by the Washington State Legal Professionals' Association in 1990. She lists being a Life Member of the Washington State University's Alumni Association and a lifetime Honorary Member of the United States Army Air Forces Ground Observers Corps, a Civil Defense program formed to protect U.S. territory against air attack. She is a lifetime member of Washington State University Alumni Association and an Honorary member of the United States Airforce (USAF) Air Defense Team.

July 22, 2026 - We discuss an audit of the state's services for survivors of domestic violence with Kelli Owens, executive director at the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Roost News Interviewer, Louise Gallagher chats with Marissa Volpe, AARP State Office Associate State Director (ASD) for Outreach and Community Engagement and AARP Colorado State Office volunteers Cristy Moran, Niki Delson, and community partner Frank Sgambati. They share their story of successfully partnering with the Libraries in Colorado to support their rural community.

June 30, 2026- We talk to State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer about the Hochul administration's commitment to providing integrated services to New Yorkers with disabilities as the Trump administration backs off its commitment to local programs.

June 19, 2026- State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham reflects on new federal overdose data and reviews initiatives in the state budget.

In the third and final installment of the series, President Theodore Roosevelt mobilizes the full industrial might of United States to “make the dirt fly” in Panama and succeed where the French Syndicate failed. But many perils await them in “The Zone”. From disease-bearing mosquitos and intractable terrain, to labor problems and lethal accidents, the Panamanian jungle will not be tamed without a fight.    SOURCES: Burton, Anthony. The Canal Pioneers: Canal Construction from 2500 BC to the Early 20th Century. Barnsley, UK: Pen & Sword Maritime, 2018. Charles River Editors. The Panama Canal: The Construction and History of the Waterway Between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2013. Diaz Espino, Ovidio. How Wall Street Created a Nation: J.P. Morgan, Teddy Roosevelt, and the Panama Canal. New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003. Greene, Julie. The Canal Builders: Making America's Empire at the Panama Canal. New York: Penguin Press, 2009. Karabell, Zachary. Parting the Desert: The Creation of the Suez Canal. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. Keller, Ulrich. The Building of the Panama Canal in Historic Photographs. New York: Dover Publications, 1983. Lasso, Marixa. Erased: The Untold Story of the Panama Canal. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2019. Lindsay, John. Emperors in the Jungle: The Hidden History of the U.S. in Panama. 2003. Lopez, Sean J. Chokepoint: The Epic History of the Suez Canal. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2024. Marlowe, Elias. A History of Panama: Canal, Conquest, and Independence. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2012. McCullough, David. The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870–1914. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1977. Morton, Levi P. “No. 105. Mr. Morton to Mr. Frelinghuysen.” Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 1, 1884, U.S. Department of State Office of the Historian, 5 July 1884,https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1884/d105 Parker, Matthew. Panama Fever: The Epic Story of the Building of the Panama Canal. New York: Doubleday, 2007. Cohen, Lucy M. “The Chinese of the Panama Railroad: Preliminary Notes on the Migrants of 1854 Who ‘Failed.'” Ethnohistory 18, no. 4 (1971): 309–20. https://doi.org/10.2307/481071. “The Tragedy of the Chinese.” Panama Railroad Historical Society, www.panamarailroad.org/chinesetragedy.html “Many Canal Workers Killed,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed May 16, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1085. https://newsroompanama.com/2026/03/22/clear-rules-and-fair-compensation-indio-river/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://frontera.library.ucla.edu/recordings/coge-el-pandero-que-se-te-va-0 “Wilson Blows Up Last Bar Between Oceans; Canal Becomes Reality.” The Audubon County Journal (Audubon, Iowa), October 17, 1913. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. “Canal Is Opened by Wilson's Finger.” The New York Times, October 11, 1913. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 10, 2026- We get to know Kathy Moser, the recently confirmed commissioner for the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. We discuss land conservation efforts, making parks more accessible and celebrating the country's 250th birthday.

Constance Harris, Interviewer for the Roost News Podcast interviewed Katherine Lewis, Associate State Office Director, Maryland AARP State Office and Shirley Sgouros, 2025 Andrus Award Winner for Maryland. Kathy shares the process that the AARP Maryland State Office uses to select their Andrus Award Winners. The 2025 Winner, Shirley Sgouros shares feedback on being selected from the Maryland Community, what her volunteer work covers, and how she balances being a Caregiving while being active as a volunteer in her community. Shirley Sgouros is congratulated for being among the 53 AARP State Offices who select an Andrus Award Winner yearly.

May 29, 2026- State Office of Cannabis Management Chief Medical Officer Dr. June Chin discusses the findings from a listening tour that solicited feedback from young people, including what they know and the questions they have about marijuana.

Jeremy Hutchinson was an Arkansas State Senator and successful attorney from one of the most powerful political families in the state. In this episode of Locked In with Ian Bick, Jeremy breaks down how it all collapsed — the case that led to his federal conviction, what it's really like facing charges as a public figure, and what nobody tells you about going to federal prison as a politician. He opens up about white collar crime, the political pressure that surrounded his case, the mistakes that changed everything, and what accountability actually looks like when you've lost it all. _____________________________________________ #Politics #FederalPrison #TrueCrime _____________________________________________ Connect with Jermey Hutchinson: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jeremy-Hutchinson/61577012529999/# X: https://x.com/SenJHutch _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 From Arkansas State Senator to Federal Prison — Jeremy's Story 00:17 Growing Up in One of Arkansas's Most Powerful Political Families 01:11 The Values and Upbringing That Shaped Him 02:13 How His Family's Legacy Pushed Him Toward Law and Politics 03:35 From Economics Student to Criminal Defense Attorney 05:48 Building a Successful Legal Career From the Ground Up 06:38 Seeing Both Sides — Defense Attorney and Prosecutor 08:06 Fighting for Criminal Justice Reform From Inside the Senate 09:19 The Day He Became a Federal Defendant 10:36 Plea Deals, Sentencing and the Regrets He Can't Shake 12:58 The Impossible Choices the Legal System Forces on You 15:02 Why He Decided to Run for State Office 16:05 How His Political Career Actually Began 18:24 The Criminal Justice Reforms He Fought For — And Never Got 20:27 What It's Like Coming From Arkansas's Most Famous Political Family 23:11 Senate Pay, Legal Work and Where the Allegations Started 25:02 The Bribery Charges That Changed Everything 27:14 How the Federal Investigation Actually Began 29:32 The Indictment — and What It Did to His Personal Life 34:00 Resigning From the Senate While the Media Watched 36:53 Losing Everything — Career, Identity and Purpose 39:00 Years of Uncertainty Waiting to Find Out His Fate 44:51 Preparing to Go to Prison as a Former State Senator 49:54 What Federal Prison Was Really Like — The Surprises Nobody Tells You 53:58 Connecting With Inmates and Seeing the System From the Inside 01:00:26 What Incarceration Taught Him About Politics and Power 01:05:00 How Disconnected Lawmakers Really Are From the People They Serve 01:09:40 How the Legal System Gets Weaponized Against People 01:13:01 The Presidential Pardon That Changed Everything 01:16:18 Rebuilding His Marriage and Family After Prison 01:18:34 Starting Over and Finding New Purpose After Losing It All 01:21:16 Fighting to Get His Law License Back 01:22:04 The Humility and Honesty Prison Gave Him 01:26:00 Final Thoughts and the Lessons He'll Never Forget _____________________________________________ To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

April 21, 2026- State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson talks about navigating the Trump administration, new pathways for crime victims to receive support, and overcoming challenges funding community organizations.

After the French project to build a canal through Panama collapses in 1889 amidst disease and financial scandal, US President Teddy Roosevelt resolves to pick up where they left off. However, powerful interests in Washington are aggressively lobbying for a different route – not through Panama, but Nicaragua. As debate rages and backdoor deals are made, Panama becomes a lightning rod for controversy…and revolution.    SOURCES: Burton, Anthony. The Canal Pioneers: Canal Construction from 2500 BC to the Early 20th Century. Barnsley, UK: Pen & Sword Maritime, 2018. Charles River Editors. The Panama Canal: The Construction and History of the Waterway Between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2013. Diaz Espino, Ovidio. How Wall Street Created a Nation: J.P. Morgan, Teddy Roosevelt, and the Panama Canal. New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003. Greene, Julie. The Canal Builders: Making America's Empire at the Panama Canal. New York: Penguin Press, 2009. Karabell, Zachary. Parting the Desert: The Creation of the Suez Canal. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. Keller, Ulrich. The Building of the Panama Canal in Historic Photographs. New York: Dover Publications, 1983. Lasso, Marixa. Erased: The Untold Story of the Panama Canal. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2019. Lindsay, John. Emperors in the Jungle: The Hidden History of the U.S. in Panama. 2003. Lopez, Sean J. Chokepoint: The Epic History of the Suez Canal. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2024. Marlowe, Elias. A History of Panama: Canal, Conquest, and Independence. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2012. McCullough, David. The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870–1914. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1977. Morton, Levi P. “No. 105. Mr. Morton to Mr. Frelinghuysen.” Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 1, 1884, U.S. Department of State Office of the Historian, 5 July 1884,https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1884/d105 Parker, Matthew. Panama Fever: The Epic Story of the Building of the Panama Canal. New York: Doubleday, 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In August of 1914, the United States of America completed a man-made waterway through the Panamanian isthmus, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for the first time in history. But that engineering triumph was the culmination of decades of toil, conflict and death. In this first episode of a multi-part series on the Panama Canal, we trace the origins of its construction, beginning with the doomed French attempt and its tragic protagonist, Ferdinand de Lesseps.      SOURCES: Burton, Anthony. The Canal Pioneers: Canal Construction from 2500 BC to the Early 20th Century. Barnsley, UK: Pen & Sword Maritime, 2018. Charles River Editors. The Panama Canal: The Construction and History of the Waterway Between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2013. Diaz Espino, Ovidio. How Wall Street Created a Nation: J.P. Morgan, Teddy Roosevelt, and the Panama Canal. New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003. Greene, Julie. The Canal Builders: Making America's Empire at the Panama Canal. New York: Penguin Press, 2009. Karabell, Zachary. Parting the Desert: The Creation of the Suez Canal. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. Keller, Ulrich. The Building of the Panama Canal in Historic Photographs. New York: Dover Publications, 1983. Lasso, Marixa. Erased: The Untold Story of the Panama Canal. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2019. Lindsay, John. Emperors in the Jungle: The Hidden History of the U.S. in Panama. 2003. Lopez, Sean J. Chokepoint: The Epic History of the Suez Canal. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2024. Marlowe, Elias. A History of Panama: Canal, Conquest, and Independence. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2012. McCullough, David. The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870–1914. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1977. Morton, Levi P. “No. 105. Mr. Morton to Mr. Frelinghuysen.” Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 1, 1884, U.S. Department of State Office of the Historian, 5 July 1884,https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1884/d105   Parker, Matthew. Panama Fever: The Epic Story of the Building of the Panama Canal. New York: Doubleday, 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb. 25, 2026- State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham addresses marijuana and sports gambling addictions, explains how the state wants to treat New Yorkers with co-occurring disorders, and responds to concerns about the speed of spending funds secured from opioid manufacturers and distributors.

February 24th, 2026

Dec. 10, 2025- Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill intended to give state property - that no one wanted at auction - a new life with non-profit organizations, instead of turning it into trash. We talk about the proposal with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Director of Sustainability Sue Fassler.

The state of Minnesota has an office dedicated specifically to get movies made in the state. The Explore Minnesota Film office launched last year. Its staff are scouting locations across the state to help filmmakers bring their movies to life.Explore Minnesota Film Deputy Director Nell Lawrenz-Wareham joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about the effort.

October 31, 2025- We discuss the governor's new choice to lead the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Kathy Moser, with Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks and Trails New York.

October 29, 2025- State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara Guinn explains what's at stake for nearly three million New Yorkers because of the Trump administration's decision to halt food assistance for low-income families. She also outlines the state's initial response to this crisis and considers future steps.

After AES requested permission to charge customers more for electricity, one state office is recommending the exact opposite. Indianapolis schools have far more classroom seats than students to fill them. It's a sign of declining and shifting enrollment and possible changes ahead. About 11 percent of Indiana's early childcare providers say they may CLOSE in the next year, according to a new survey. The latest version of an ongoing interstate study includes information on possible ways to improve Indianapolis infrastructure.

After AES requested permission to charge customers more for electricity, one state office is recommending the exact opposite. Indianapolis schools have far more classroom seats than students to fill them. It's a sign of declining and shifting enrollment and possible changes ahead. About 11 percent of Indiana's early childcare providers say they may CLOSE in the next year, according to a new survey. The latest version of an ongoing interstate study includes information on possible ways to improve Indianapolis infrastructure. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. WFYI News Now is produced by Zach Bundy and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

Chief of Staff from the West Virginia Secretary od State Office on the lawsuit file against then by the state Board of Education. State Senator Mike Oliverio, R, Monongalia, 13 with reaction to the lawsuit and improved 3rd grade reading scores. 

July 14, 2025 - State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson swings by the studio to explain how the Hochul administration plans on spending record levels of funding for crime victims and discusses the challenges of getting this money to the right people.

June 9, 2025 - In light of drug overdose deaths declining from 2023 to 2024, we explore what's driving the change with Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, commissioner for the State Office of Addiction Services & Supports. We talk about harm reduction strategies, opioid settlement funds, and addressing the risk of stimulants.

June 6, 2025 - We get to know Willow Baer, the recently confirmed commissioner at the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. We discuss her unique stamp on the office, protecting vulnerable New Yorkers from abuse and neglect, boosting the direct care workforce, responding to federal Medicaid cuts, and promoting access to dental services.

May 23, 2025 - We explore how the state budget may transform access to mental health services in New York with Dr. Ann Sullivan, commissioner for the State Office of Mental Health. We also consider the possibility of federal cuts to Medicaid.

The Secretary of State may continue in his role, step away from public life, or, potentially run for another office. Blois Olson and Vineeta Sawkar help sort it all out on The Morning Take on The WCCO Morning News.

State auditor Mike Foley says Nebraska is spending too much on leasing commercial office space. In a letter he sent to the Legislature's Performance Audit Committee Monday, Foley highlighted the 37% increase in the amount the state paid for commercially leased space over the last five years. He said the state should consider buying or building new properties to save money long term, since the cost per square foot is significantly cheaper at state-owned buildings.

March 4, 2025 - We highlight efforts to expand access to financial services for marijuana businesses and ensuring New York-grown marijuana products are sold in the Empire State with James Rogers, director of the trade practices bureau at the State Office of Cannabis Management.

Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball discusses the alarming report of foster children being housed in the Commonwealth's office buildings, state parks, and hotels.Auditor Ball tells Terry Meiners she is searching for more information to help resolve this potentially dangerous situation for minors. The average age is 13 but some are as young as one year of age. 

State auditor and secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services speak to lawmakers about report on foster kids sleeping in state office buildings, Congressman Andy Barr's camp responds to reports he's planning to run for Senator Mitch McConnell's seat, and Louisville's chamber of commerce unveils its five-year strategic plan to create new jobs and attract new people to the region. 

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Abbott says we'll pass school choice without the big handout, offered last time, to the ISD bureaucracies. The governor points out that when offered billions last time around the ISDs wouldn't play ball so too bad. But the real reason we should not hand more big money to the administrative machines of government school districts is the continued failure of those schools to deliver good results: Texas Students' Test Scores Shrink as Spending Grows.Meanwhile, Democrats keep talking about “billionaires” instead of parents and students. Also, they maintain their position that students in really bad schools should continue to be captive to such with no real alternative.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Texas sales tax receipts come in much stronger than last month.Texas Secretary of State Office of Elections decertifies E-Pollbook system from ES&S.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

Jan. 16, 2025 - In 2019, the state enacted a boating safety training requirement for operators of motorized watercraft, which took full effect this year. Lexi Howland, director of the marine services and recreational vehicles division for the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, discusses the implementation of this law and boating safety more broadly.

Tomorrow is Election Day! And if you haven't voted yet, Tuesday is the last day to cast your ballot. WRKF's Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington spoke with Joel Watson, director of communications at the Louisiana Secretary of State Office, about what voters should and shouldn't bring to the polls. Every election cycle, we hear the same old saying, “every vote counts.” While it may not always feel that way, in the case of last year's sheriff election in Caddo Parish, that sentiment rang true. Democratic candidate Henry Whitehorn won by a single vote in a race where over 43,000 people cast ballots. Sheriff Whitehorn joins us for more on his historic election, the importance of voting and what he's accomplished in the year since. Black voters have historically leaned Democratic. But recent polls suggest their support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has grown, especially among younger Black men. To understand what's driving that growth, we're joined by Garrison Hayes, video correspondent for Mother Jones who's been talking to Black voters ahead of the November election. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Early voting wrapped up Tuesday in Louisiana and voters in the Bayou State broke all kinds of records. WRKF's Capital Access reporter Brooke Thorington speaks with Joel Watson, director of communications at the Louisiana Secretary of State Office, about  what early voting statistics can and can't tell us. The November elections are just days away, and in East Baton Rouge Parish, residents are deciding who they want as their mayor-president. Earlier this week, we heard from the incumbent, Sharon Weston Broome, and the top Republican candidate, Sid Edwards. Today, we're speaking with the Democratic challenger Ted James. James is a former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives and served as a regional administrator in the U.S. Small Business Administration. He joins us to discuss  why he joined the race, his top priorities if elected, and the recent scandal surrounding an ad put out by Weston-Broome's campaign. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Candidates for state office, Kelly Dooner, Anne Manning Matin, and Suzanne Conley join the show to discuss their various races for Massachusetts state office and make their case for support. Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.

Oct. 29, 2024 - We discuss regulations governing the licensing and certifying of mental health care providers in New York with Keith Brennan, a former assistant counsel with the State Office of Mental Health and is now of counsel at the Barclay Damon law firm.

State Representative Matt Muratore joins the show to discuss his race for state senate, and State House candidate Sandra Wright joins the show to discuss her own race.  Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.

This week, NCSEA on Location features a discussion with Erica Thornton, Policy and Paternity Unit Manager, Division of Child Support Services, Georgia Department of Human Services. Hosted by Pat O'Donnell of YoungWilliams in Illinois and Brandi Gallebo, Frankin County Child Support Enforcement Services in Ohio, the conversation focuses on the collaboration between the Georgia Division of Child Support Services and the State Office of Vital Records to establish paternity at the time of birth.  Listen as Erica describes how the program operates and the benefits each of the program's stakeholders have realized.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   This episode of RIMScast is proudly sponsored by Hillwood. Hillwood is a leading multinational real estate development company and part of the Perot family of companies. For more information, visit Hillwood.com.   In the spirit of #InternationalPodcastDay on Sept. 30, RIMScast was produced live and onsite at the DFW RIMS Fall Conference in Irving, Texas on Sept. 19. You can hear the electricity on the floor of the Irving Convention Center as RIMS members, risk professionals and vendors from the greater Dallas Fort Worth area convened to learn, share knowledge, and network.   Former and current DFW RIMS Presidents join RIMScast today to discuss the state of risk in DFW, Safety, and ERM trends they are noticing, and why this event marks the closing chapter in one book and prepares for an all-new one in 2025.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About Hillwood, the proud sponsor of this episode of RIMScast. [:15] About this episode, coming to you live from Irving Texas at the DFW RIMS 2024 Fall Conference and Spa Event. This is the Texas risk roundup; we're juggling risks and lassoing opportunities. [:46] This episode is sponsored by Hillwood, a Perot company. Learn more at Hillwood.com. [:52] It's an exciting event. It's also the end of an era for the DFW RIMS Chapter and we'll talk about that. [1:07] Events! Visit GreaterBluegrass.RIMS.org to learn more about the Greater Bluegrass Chapter of RIMS and their upcoming annual conference and meeting event, on October 8th and 9th. They've got some great speakers lined up. Check out their website and LinkedIn. [1:35] Last call for the RIMS Western Regional Conference, September 29th through October 1st at the Sun River Resort in Oregon. Register at RIMSWesternRegional.com. [1:47] The RIMS Canada Conference 2024 is coming up, October 6th through the 9th in Vancouver. Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca to register. [1:57] The 2024 RIMS ERM Conference will be held in Boston, Massachusetts on November 18th and 19th. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2024. [2:10] Interviews! My first guest is the Ex Officio of the DFW RIMS Chapter, LaToya Lee. She is Vice President of Crew Safety at Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers. LaToya Lee, welcome to RIMScast! [2:33] The DFW RIMS 2024 Fall Conference and Spa Event at the Irving Convention Center is Texas-themed with a carnival. It is electrifying! Justin and LaToya met at the Risk Manager Exclusive Forum Lunch at the conference. It was a lunch for risk managers to speak freely. [3:43] At the luncheon, LaToya raised an excellent point about an emerging risk from social media. Raising Cane's has so many employees who are young people on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Raising Cane's has great policies and procedures to prevent employees from posting. [5:01] Most employees don't bring their phones to the restaurant, but if they do, they must store them in their lockers. Raising Cane's has about 840 locations in the U.S. About 800 are corporate-owned with a few franchise partners. LaToya is the Vice President of Crew Safety. [5:57] As a fast-casual. Quick-service restaurant, with four menu items, Raising Cane's is a people business. The Raising Cane's culture is a fun, cool culture, with disco balls and smiling faces. The crew is in shorts. It's a family-oriented business. They cater to all. [7:29] The growth of Raising Cane's is astronomical. When LaToya started, there were 248 restaurants. LaToya will soon be celebrating her 9th anniversary with Raising Cane's and there are 800-plus restaurants now. [8:04] As DFW RIMS Ex Officio, LaToya says the conference turnout is simply amazing. The attendees, vendors, and speakers are phenomenal. The topics of ERM, Work Comp, Property Damage, and Nuclear Verdicts, are everything you want in a one-day conference. [8:37] What excites LaToya for the next year's conference is the growth. Having all of the Texas Chapters coming together for one conference in San Antonio is going to be amazing! [8:55] LaToya, it has been such a pleasure to meet you! I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio and at RISKWORLD 2025! Thank you so much! [9:10] We are joined by former DFW RIMS Chapter President and a RIMS Global Board Director, Penni Chambers. Hello, Penni! [9:46] Penni grew up in Texas and has lassoing skills! She moderated a session with the State Office of Risk Management. It was one of the favorite sessions she has moderated. It was lassoing the panelists, keeping them on track, and not going over time, with audience questions! [10:40] Justin notes that it is International Podcast Day, and this is a special live episode. There's electricity here at the Conference! [11:09] Penni thinks the growth of risk management in Texas is in part because of the economic growth in Texas, with big Fortune 500 companies coming into the region. North Texas has grown. The Dallas membership for the DFW RIMS Chapter grows with the companies coming in. [11:35] Their risk managers want to get to know other risk managers. There is a camaraderie among peers. The marketing effort of the chapter spans decades. The fall conference gives everyone a chance to reconnect and meet new people at events leading up to the conference. [12:36] It's exciting to Penni as a seasoned professional to see these young faces and new faces at the Conference. It's incredible! It's also bittersweet to Penni that this is the last DFW RIMS Fall Conference, after decades of conferences. [13:22] Next year, DFW RIMS will team up with the Huston, San Antonio, and Central Texas RIMS Chapters to host the first-ever Texas Regional RIMS Conference, August 4th through 6th, in San Antonio near the Alamo, on the river walk. San Antonio is a beautiful place to kick it off! [14:21] Penni is excited because she will get to meet members from other chapters. She says the collaboration that's going to come from this is going to be phenomenal! [14:53] Penni says they are planning this conference in collaboration with Global RIMS. It's super exciting. It's the first time Global RIMS has done something like it for a regional conference. It's going to be a “drop-dead stunner” of a conference! [15:17] It has been such a pleasure to sit with you in person to do one of these interviews for International Podcast Day! You did a wonderful job moderating this morning. I want to thank you and thank Hillwood for being our sponsor for this episode! I'll see you at RISKWORLD 2025! [15:44] I wanted to close out this RIMScast episode with some symmetry. We had two former DFW RIMS Presidents on the show today. We will close it out with the current DFW RIMS President, Emily Casso Ford, who has been fantastic to work with. [16:05] Emily has led sessions and in many ways has been the face of the conference. I wanted to hear from her directly, not just about DFW RIMS but also to discuss her experiences in the ERM space. She leads ERM at Globe Life. [16:23] We're also going to talk about her experience with the RIMS-CRMP and how it is impacting her overall organization. Let's get to it! [16:37] I'm joined by the President of the DFW RIMS Chapter, Emily Casso Ford! Welcome to RIMScast! We have had such a great time for these last 36 hours or so! We're talking at the very end of the final DFW RIMS Annual Conference. How does it feel, now that you're done? [17:06] Emily says she feels fantastic! She gives a shout-out to the Conference Chair, Chapter Vice President Marissa Holland, who did an outstanding job! This conference is our best yet! [18:12] Emily gives an overview of her work at Globe Life for the last two-and-a-half years. She started as an island of one leading an ERM function, explaining to C-Suite and board why risk management matters. The board believed in it and demanded that the ERM function expand. [18:41] Emily started hiring. She had great buy-in from the top. She spearheaded a program in a company that just needed to get around a table and talk about what the risks are and what they look like. Emily refers to ERM as getting comfortable talking about the elephant in the room. [19:18] Emily started a Risk Liaison Program to work with areas of the organization that weren't represented on the ERM Committee. She asked the members of the ERM Committee to identify the leaders on their teams who understand the emerging risks on the horizon. [19:52] These people, the Risk Liaisons, would come together to have good conversations about what those emerging risks look like. They are up to 43 Risk Liaisons, from all across the enterprise of over 3,000 full-time employees. Globe Life is a $6 billion company. [20:30] All the functions of the company are represented among the Risk Liaisons. Emily's goal was to pass the mic and give people a voice who hadn't had a voice or a seat at the table to share the insight and perspectives they have. They are closer to the work that's being done. [21:02] They sometimes see the risks coming faster than the folks in upper leadership do. Emily wants to champion that and give them a voice. [21:21] Emily says the ERM team wants to make sure they share the risks with the board in the right way, giving them the information they need and desire. That changes from quarter to quarter. They are constantly on a trajectory or increased maturity. [22:16] Some of you listening may recognize Emily Casso Ford as one of our more recent RIMS-CRMP Story interviewees. Emily has an update. Her entire ERM team at Globe Life has now earned the certification of RIMS-CRMP. She's very proud of each member of the team. [23:00] Emily's boss, the SVP of Risk at Globe Life, provided the impetus for the team members to obtain the RIMS-CRMP. The Globe Life Chief Risk Officer fully supported the ERM team members each getting the RIMS-CRMP certification. It showcases their expertise in the industry. [23:39] The Make-a-Wish Foundation received at least $5,500 in donations at the DFW RIMS Conference this year. A match is expected from a generous benefactor. [24:04] This has been a great way to close out a wonderful tradition and start a new one. I want to thank you for inviting me! It's a real privilege to be here! I want to thank Hillwood, a Perot Company, for sponsoring this episode. [24:26] Emily, you're doing a great job as President of the DFW RIMS Branch! We look forward to more great work from you! [24:36] Special thanks to all of my RIMScast guests here who attended the DFW RIMS Annual Fall Conference and Spa Event. A very special thank you to Marissa Holland, DFW RIMS Vice President. As Emily said, she was the unsung hero of this year's event. She's fantastic! [24:55] Visit DFWRIMS.org for more information and to learn more about the Texas RIMS Regional 2025 Conference, which will be held in San Antonio from August 4th through the 6th. [25:06] We are very grateful for our sponsor, Hillwood, a Perot Company. Visit Hillwood.com for more information. A link is on this page. [25:18] It's RIMS Plug Time! The RIMS App is available to RIMS members exclusively. Go to the App Store and download the RIMS App with all sorts of RIMS resources and coverage. It's different from the RIMS Events App. Everyone loves the RIMS App! [25:50] You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in our show notes. RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [26:31] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [26:48] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [27:04] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [27:17] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [27:24] Thank you for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Mentioned in this Episode: About our sponsor, Hillwood: Hillwood.com RIMS ERM Conference 2024 will be in Boston, MA Nov. 18‒19 | Register Now RIMS Western Regional — Sept 29‒Oct 1, Oregon | Registration is open! RIMS Canada Conference 2024 — Oct. 6‒9 | Registration is open! RIMS Greater Bluegrass Chapter Annual Meeting & Conference — Oct 8‒9 | Last call for Registration RIMS DEI Council RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center NEW FOR MEMBERS! RIMS Mobile App Spencer Internship Grants — Deadline Oct. 15 The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — New interviews featuring DFW RIMS President Emily Casso Ford!   RIMS Webinars: The Future of RMIS: Beyond Traditional Approaches | Sponsored by Archer | Sept. 26, 2024 Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors for Strategic Advantage | Sponsored by Diligent | Oct. 3, 2024 Long-Term Property Strategies for a Resilient Future | Sponsored by Zurich | Oct. 10, 2024 From AI to the SEC: The Future of D&O Litigation and Regulatory Exposures | Sponsored by Hub International | Oct. 24, 2024 Lessons from Veterans on Strategic Risk Leadership | Presented by RIMS | Nov. 4, 2024 Risk Perception and Management: Insights for a Changing Landscape | Sponsored by Marsh | Nov. 14, 2024 RIMS.org/Webinars   Upcoming Virtual Workshops: Applying and Integrating ERM | Sept 25‒26 and Dec 4‒5 Fundamentals of Risk Management | Oct 3‒4, 2024 Fundamentals of Insurance | Oct 9‒10, 2024 See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “Bigger Risks with the Texas State Office of Risk Management” | Sponsored By Hillwood   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL (New!) “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company (New!) “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer “Alliant's P&C Outlook For 2024” | Sponsored by Alliant “Why Subrogation is the New Arbitration” | Sponsored by Fleet Response “Cyclone Season: Proactive Preparation for Loss Minimization” | Sponsored by Prudent Insurance Brokers Ltd. “Subrogation and the Competitive Advantage” | Sponsored by Fleet Response “Cyberrisk Outlook 2023” | Sponsored by Alliant “Chemical Industry: How To Succeed Amid Emerging Risks and a Challenging Market” | Sponsored by TÜV SÜD “Insuring the Future of the Environment” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Insights into the Gig Economy and its Contractors” | Sponsored by Zurich “The Importance of Disaster Planning Relationships” | Sponsored by ServiceMaster   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model® RIMS Events App Apple | Google Play   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guests: LaToya Lee, Vice President of Crew Safety at Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers and DFW RIMS Ex Officio Penni Chambers, Vice President of Risk Management at Hillwood. Penni is also a former DFW RIMS President. She is currently a RIMS Board Director. Emily Casso Ford, Esq., RIMS-CRMP, VP of Enterprise Risk at Globe Life. Emily is also the DFW RIMS President. Postables (Edited For Social Media Use): Kids like to be on their cell phones. They like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. At Raising Cane's, we have good policies and procedures to help guide our young crew to be the best fry cook cashiers they can be, put their cell phones up, and stay off social media. — LaToya Lee   It's exciting to me as a seasoned professional to see these young faces and new faces at the DFW RIMS Conference. This is incredible! — Penni Chambers   The people who are in that first line are closer to the work that's being done and they sometimes see the risks coming faster than the folks in upper leadership do. We want to champion that. We want to give them a voice. — Emily Casso Ford, Esq.   As our function grows, we are constantly on a trajectory of increased maturity. — Emily Casso Ford, Esq.  

Arkansas Associate State Director, Community Outreach and Engagement Directgor, Patricia Fry and Volunteer, Brenda Tenner share their story. They had a Party at the Park for the community to hear about the exciting opportunities available as an AARP Arkansas volunteer. Some of the activities available: • Free food from Kona Ice and local food trucks. • Fun and games, including Bingo, Pickleball, basketball, and more. • Win prizes! • Meet AARP Arkansas volunteers who, like you, want to improve our community for people 50-plus and their families. • Find out about future fun and fulfilling AARP Arkansas events in your area.

State Representative Daniel Grossberg is asking for the complaint against him to be dismissed, calling the investigation "baseless,” "meritless" and a "travesty." Senator Rand Paul's State Office is officially up and running in its new location. Sights and sounds from the 120th Kentucky State Fair.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we feature Tom Chiodo, Executive Producer of Special Projects, National Productions for WETA, he flagship PBS station in Washington DC. We discuss the upcoming PBS Documentary, Caregiving, which will examine both systematic issues within the care system as well as tell personal stories of people who care for loved ones.    Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestsTom Chiodo is the executive producer of Special Projects National Productions for WETA (Washington Educational Telecommunications Association), the flagship PBS station in Washington DC. WETA develops primetime documentary films and original digital content, accompanied by national impact and engagement campaigns, across 330+ PBS stations in more than 150 markets. Recent public media projects: Ken Burns presents Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness, a film by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers (2022); Emmy-nominated documentary Ken Burns presents The Gene: An Intimate History(2020); Rethinking High School with Soledad O'Brien Town Hall at Howard University (2016); DuPont Columbia Award & Emmy-nominated documentary Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies (2015). Current documentary projects in development/production: Caregiving; Hiding in Plain Sight: Adult Mental Illness;Remote Chance: Health Care in Rural America; Defeating Dementia; and Mighty Real: Out and Proud in America. Thirty years' experience in the media, communications, television and entertainment industry. Former SVP Development Entertainment Industry Foundation creating programs and funding for national initiatives in health care, volunteerism, childhood hunger and education. Tom has held senior positions at Rubenstein Associates, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Massachusetts Department of Public Health & State Office for Children. Former clients: HBO; AMC; TIME, Inc.; Wenner Media; Talk Miramax Books; Columbia University; Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Major League Baseball; Dance Theater of Harlem; The Apollo Theatre; Al Roker Entertainment, Inc.; The Tony Awards; Tribeca Film Festival; ABC's Good Morning America; Stand Up to Cancer; and Chances for Children.Board memberships: Fenway Community Health Center (Boston), Professional Performing Arts High School (NYC), Heart Gallery New York. National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences judge for the 44th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards. Tom is a published playwright, and co-author of “Home Care for Respirator Dependent Children” New England Journal of Medicine.  Links Mentioned in this Episode Wellbeings Web SiteCaregiving Documentary WebsiteCaregiving TrailerPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the Military Caregiver Recognition Award and Digital Resource Binder. PsychArmor is dedicated to providing education, resources, and strategies for those who provide care for our nation's wounded, ill and injured military service members and Veterans. The caregiving journey can be challenging — we're here to provide support. Thanks to the generosity of The USAA Foundation, and in collaboration with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, we are pleased to offer the newly digitized Military Caregiver Recognition Award Program. Upon completion of the four PsychArmor courses included in this program and registration for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, you will receive the Military Caregiver Recognition Award and Badge. You can see find the resource here:    https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/military-caregiver-award Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

July 2, 2024 - We discuss the recommendations of an interagency task force examining the state's response to the opioid epidemic with Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, commissioner at the State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

This week's topics:Governor signs new Florida BudgetSt. Petersburg Council has early vote on Rays developmentHillsborough County Commissioner Owen Resigns to run for State OfficeFederal Judge Blocks Florida Transgender LawWith guests:Alex Sink, Former Florida CFO, DemocratDeborah Tamargo, Past President, Florida Federation of Republican WomenBob Buckhorn, Former Tampa Mayor, Exec. V.P. Shumaker Advisors-DemocratTravis Horn, Pres. & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican

June 12, 2024 - Kerri Neifeld, the outgoing head of the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, explains her decision to leave the Hochul administration, reflects on her time as commissioner, and outlines the qualities necessary for her successor.

May 31, 2024 - After recently being confirmed as commissioner for the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Barbara Guinn swung by the studio to discuss her leadership priorities, combating child poverty, distributing public assistance and overseeing counties.

The state of Minnesota could get a new office to regulate ambulance and other emergency medical services. That's if the state Senate and Governor agree on a DFL proposal that passed the state House on Tuesday.Supporters of the bill say it will help address a range of problems that are plaguing EMS, especially in rural areas of the state. An audit of the existing board that regulates these services found the state needs to plug holes in staffing, funding and oversight to make sure Minnesotans can count on getting emergency help when they call for it. Republican Representative Jeff Backer is a volunteer EMT and a member of a task force dedicated to resolving these issues. He voted against the bill, saying it ties up too much money in government bureaucracy instead of funding services. “We heard on the house floor today, we need an agency because we can trust them. We could probably spend four, five hours on listing all the agencies that have not been good stewards of taxpayers' money,” said Rep. Backer. A separate bipartisan proposal would help fund rural EMS services. Joining MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the bill that passed the House Monday was its lead author, DFL Representative John Huot of Rosemount, who also is a former EMT.