Across the States

America’s foster care system is in need of reform to protect children and give them a chance to grow up in a stable environment. On this week’s episode of Across the States, we sit down with Senator Nancy Barto of Arizona and Rebecca Masterson, Chief Counsel of Gen Justice, to discuss policies that will empower law enforcement and our foster care system to protect America’s youth.

The crisis of homelessness is spreading throughout the United States impacting over half of a million Americans. But organizations like the Switchpoint Community Resource Center are working to make a difference. Join Matthew Fisher as he sits down with Carol Hollowell, Executive Director of Switchpoint, and Andre Cushing of the American City County Exchange as they discuss remedies to the homelessness that empower and uplift communities. Switchpoint Website: https://switchpointcrc.org/ ALEC article “Tackling the Crisis of Homelessness in America” by Alexander Hageman, August 9, 2019 https://www.alec.org/article/tackling-the-crisis-of-homelessness-in-america/

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved and sent the bipartisan infrastructure bill, H.R. 3684, to President Biden’s desk for his signature. While a noteworthy investment in America’s critical infrastructure, not all is excellent or praiseworthy. Join Matthew Fisher and Jonathon Hauenschild, Director of the Communications and Technology Task Force at ALEC, as they delve into the Bitcoin tax and preferential treatment of select corporations and industries. Wall Street Journal on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill https://www.wsj.com/articles/infrastructure-bill-2021-what-11627515002 CNBC on Impact of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill on Cryptocurrencies https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/09/how-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill-will-impact-crypto-investors.html

Civil asset forfeiture presents numerous legal and constitutional problems for state and local authorities. Join Nino Marchese, Director, Civil Justice and Criminal Justice, as he sits down to discuss the civil asset forfeiture and efforts at reform with John Andrews, State Representative from Maine, and Dan Greenberg, Senior Attorney at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. ‘Innocent Victims of California Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws’ by Lourdes Bautista and Jake Pankoff https://www.alec.org/article/innocent-victims-of-california-civil-asset-forfeiture-laws/

The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats are actively pushing a massive expansion of power for the Internal Revenue Service that would directly impact hundreds of millions of Americans and their bank accounts. Join Matthew Fisher as he sits down with John Murante, Nebraska State Treasurer, to delve into the details and consequences for states and businesses of this proposal, as well as what state and local lawmakers can do. Taxing Times in Washington: What Every State Legislator Needs to Know, by Jonathan Williams and Lee Schalk https://www.alec.org/article/taxing-times-in-washington-what-every-state-legislator-needs-to-know/ CBS News Report on IRS Reporting Proposal https://www.cbsnews.com/news/treasury-proposal-to-report-bank-information-600/

The Abraham Accords constituted a historic leap forward in Israel’s relations with the Arab world. But what does the future hold for the United States and Israel after the Trump presidency? And how can local lawmakers get involved? Join Karla Jones, Senior Task Force Director for Federalism and International Relations, as she sits with Aryeh Lightstone, advisor to former United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Special Envoy for Economic Normalization, to discuss where both nations go from here. Failure of Palestinian Governance and the Latest Conflict between Israel and Hamas, by Karla Jones and Anna Small https://www.alec.org/article/failure-of-palestinian-governance-and-the-latest-conflict-between-israel-and-hamas/ Strengthening the U.S. Israel Economic and Strategic Partnership https://www.alec.org/article/strengthening-the-u-s-israel-economic-and-strategic-partnership/

The budget reconciliation bill proposed by the Biden administration and congressional Democrats would fundamentally change the way our economy operates with trillions in new spending and a myriad of complications and problems for the private sector. Join Lee Schalk, Vice President of Policy at ALEC, as he sits down to discuss the reconciliation bill and its potential impact with FreedomWorks Chief Economist Stephen Moore, Pennsylvania Representative Seth Grove, and ALEC Executive Vice President Jonathan Williams. ALEC Blog Post on Reconciliation Bill, Taxing Times in Washington https://www.alec.org/article/taxing-times-in-washington-what-every-state-legislator-needs-to-know/ Wall Street Journal, The Next Medicaid Blowout https://www.wsj.com/articles/affordable-care-act-obamacare-medicaid-expansion-insurance-health-care-reconciliation-11632259356 Committee for a Responsible Budget study on Reconciliation bill https://www.crfb.org/blogs/true-cost-budget-plan-could-exceed-5-trillion

Congress is debating the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill proposed by the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats. What impact would this unprecedented large tax and spending proposal have on the American economy? Join Matthew Fisher as he sits down with Jonathan Williams, Chief Economist and Executive Vice President for ALEC, to discuss the details of this reconciliation bill and the ramifications for Americans like you. ALEC Blog Post on Reconciliation Bill, Taxing Times in Washington https://www.alec.org/article/taxing-times-in-washington-what-every-state-legislator-needs-to-know/ Wall Street Journal, The Next Medicaid Blowout https://www.wsj.com/articles/affordable-care-act-obamacare-medicaid-expansion-insurance-health-care-reconciliation-11632259356 Committee for a Responsible Budget study on Reconciliation bill https://www.crfb.org/blogs/true-cost-budget-plan-could-exceed-5-trillion

The fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban and the subsequent evacuation of civilians in Kabul by U.S. and NATO forces has left America stunned. Join Karla Jones, Director of the ALEC Federalism and International Relations Task Force, as she sits down to discuss the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan with member of Parliament in the United Kingdom and former Shadow Defense Secretary Dr. Liam Fox, former United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Kelley Currie, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council Ilan Berman, Director of Research in Foreign Policy for the Brookings Institute Michael O’Hanlon and Hawaii Representative Gene Ward. ALECtv Roundtable with Afghan Ambassador to the United States Roya Rahmani, Ambassador Currie and Michelle Bekkering of the US Global Leadership Coalition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkErrNzFnJk ALEC Resolution Urging Evacuation and Protection of Interpreters and their Families and Other Afghan Nationals Who Assisted the United States https://www.alec.org/model-policy/resolution-urging-congress-and-potus-to-evacuate-and-protect-interpreters-their-families-and-other-afghan-nationals-who-assisted-us-and-nato-forces-before-us-withdrawal-from-afghanistan/

Did you know the states owe more than $20,000 per person in unfunded liabilities? Millions of Americans and their hopes of a secure retirement are vulnerable to mismanagement and poor accounting by statehouses. Join Matthew Fisher as he sits down with Jonathan Williams, ALEC Chief Economist, Lee Schalk, Senior Director of the Center for State Fiscal Reform and Thomas Savidge, Research Manager for the Center for State Fiscal Reform as they discuss the newest release of the ALEC Debt Trilogy: Other Post-Employment Benefit Liabilities, Unaccountable and Unaffordable and State Bonded Obligations. Learn how ALEC is helping states steer their way onto stable financial ground. Other Post-Employment Benefit Liabilities 2020 report: https://www.alec.org/publication/other-post-employment-benefit-liabilities-2020/ Unaccountable and Unaffordable 2020 report: https://www.alec.org/publication/unaccountable-and-unaffordable-2020/ State Bonded Obligations 2020 report: https://www.alec.org/publication/state-bonded-obligations-2020/ CNBC Article on Unaccountable Unaffordable 2020, “Kelly Evans: Moving to Tennessee”: https://www-cnbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2021/06/24/kelly-evans-moving-to-tennessee.html Jonathan Williams Article on State Bonded Obligations 2020: alec.org/state-bonded

The State of Utah is not resting on its first-place finish in Rich States Poor States. Join Matthew Fisher as he sits down with Representative Melissa Ballard of Utah and ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Manager Carly Good, to discuss how the Beehive State is investing in the future of energy with Hydrogen. Find out how Representative Ballard’s efforts to enact Alternative Fuel Incentives Amendments are helping diversify and grow Utah’s economy on this edition of Across the States. *Correction: 1/3 of total GDP goes through Utah. LINKS Energy Affordability Report 2021: https://www.alec.org/publication/energy-affordability-report/ ALEC Model Policy for Hydrogen: https://www.alec.org/model-policy/hydrogen-tax-incentives-act/ Rep. Ballard: Realizing Utah’s clean energy potential, Utah Policy: https://utahpolicy.com/archive/26502-rep-ballard-realizing-utah-s-clean-energy-potential

Freedom of speech has become a hotly contested matter on college campuses but the State of Montana is taking a stand for the First Amendment. Listen in as Matthew Fisher sits down with Rikki Schlott, freelance journalist and writer, and Andrew Handel, Director of the ALEC Education and Workforce Development Task Force, to discuss Montana’s recently enacted FORUM Act and how it protects free speech in postsecondary education. The FORUM Act in Reason: https://reason.com/2021/04/20/montana-becomes-latest-state-to-protect-free-speech-with-the-forum-act/ ALEC on the Passage of FORUM Act: https://www.alec.org/article/montana-passes-legislation-to-protect-free-speech-of-college-students/

In just the last four months, the Missouri House of Representatives has passed sweeping education reform and HIV/AIDS prevention legislation thanks to State Legislator of the Month, Representative Phil Christofanelli. Join Matthew Fisher as he sits down with Rep. Christofanelli to discuss the passage of both his Empowerment Scholarship Accounts plan and his proposal to expand access to pre- and post-HIV exposure medications. Rep. Phil Christofanelli in the Missouri Times: https://themissouritimes.com/phil-christofanelli-is-headlining-this-legislative-session/ MO HIV/AIDS bill in the St. Louis Post: https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/changes-to-hiv-laws-moving-in-missouri-legislature-but-anti-discrimination-win-proves-elusive/article_9384594b-880c-5aef-b4d6-0b1b4af5bb39.html ESA bill passage in the Missouri Independent: https://missouriindependent.com/2021/06/02/missouri-lawmakers-passed-a-tax-credit-program-to-fund-school-choice-how-will-it-work/

Small businesses and localities felt the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the small town of Bucksport, Maine, found a way through the crisis through innovative policies and neighborly compassion. Listen in as Matthew Fisher sits down with Bucksport Town Manager Susan Lessard and Penobscot County Commissioner Andre Cushing to discuss the success of Lessard’s ‘Pay It Forward’ program and how her hometown navigated the pandemic. Pay It Forward Plan: https://www.bucksportmaine.gov/vertical/sites/%7B1700581E-144E-4C5D-B026-79CCA6D1E656%7D/uploads/ProposalsforCouncil.pdf Fox Bangor Coverage of Pay It Forward: https://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/bucksport-pays-it-forward/ WABI Channel 5 Coverage of Pay It Forward: https://www.wabi.tv/content/news/Bucksport-councilors-approve-relief-for-businesses-and-residents-569345791.html

The criminal justice system is no stranger to the long-time cycle of inmates in and out of prison with little hope for a second chance in society. But thanks to Kentucky Representative Kim Moser and her HB 497, the Bluegrass State could break that cycle. Listen in as Matthew Fisher sits down with Representative Moser and ALEC Policy Analyst Lourdes Bautista as they dissect the issue of recidivism and how her recently enacted bill could change the game when it comes to inmate reentry into the workforce. Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Bottom Line Article: https://kychamberbottomline.com/2021/03/15/certificate-of-employability-bill-clears-senate-committee/ WTQV Article on Passage of HB 497: https://www.wtvq.com/2021/03/31/criminal-justice-reform-group-applauds-legislative-action/ ALEC Resolution in Favor of Reentry Programs: https://www.alec.org/model-policy/resolution-in-support-of-reentry-programs/ ALEC Model Policy for Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders: https://www.alec.org/model-policy/civil-liability-for-employers-hiring-ex-offenders-act/

The recent detainment of journalist and activist Roman Protasevich by the Belarusian government has led to a wave of condemnation against the authoritarian Lukashenko regime. Listen in as Matthew Fisher sits down with Hanna Yahorava, Activist in the Belarus United Civic Party and Director of United Mass Media, and Karla Jones, Senior Director of the Federalism and International Relations task forces for ALEC, to discuss the recent developments in Belarus, the corruption of President Lukashenko and the suffering of the Belarusian people. Atlantic Council article on Belarusian State-Sponsored Air Piracy: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/state-sponsored-air-piracy-belarus-dictator-lukashenka-demonstrates-his-defiance/ AP News Article on Belarusian Election Fraud: https://apnews.com/article/international-news-ap-top-news-europe-72e43a8b9e4c56362d4c1d6393bd54fb ALEC Article on Belarus, 2020: https://www.alec.org/article/belarus-at-a-crossroads-authoritarian-rule-or-liberal-democracy/ Atlantic Council webinar on Belarusian Political Prisoners: https://prisoners.spring96.org/en

Politicians often treat energy and education as two separate topics. But on the local level, the two have more in common than one may think. Join Hunter Hamberlin as he sits down with Weld County Commissioner and former Colorado State Representative, Lori Saine, and Chief of Staff of the Wyoming Department of Education Dicky Shanor to discuss how oil and gas development can be a catalyst for improving America’s schools. ACCE Website: https://www.alec.org/task-force/american-city-county-exchange/ Fort Lupton Press Story on Lori Saine Election to County Commissioner: https://www.ftluptonpress.com/stories/two-new-commissioner-sworn-into-the-job,371582

America faces many challenges that demand action. In his new book, Making Government Work, Texas State Representative Tan Parker brings together the best and brightest of public servants and policy minds to propose innovative solutions for state lawmakers. Join Representative Parker and Matthew Fisher as they discuss “Making Government Work” and how policy reforms based on federalism offer America a better future. Making Government Work: https://makinggovernmentwork.com/ Tan Parker State Legislator of the Month: https://www.alec.org/article/state-legislator-of-the-month-tx-rep-tan-parker/ Tan Parker on the USMCA Trade Agreement: https://www.alec.org/article/alec-state-chair-rep-tan-parker-tells-us-why-usmca-is-a-win-for-texas-and-a-win-for-the-rest-of-the-nation/

Drones are a constant source of debate in America. But how do UAVs relate to federalism? Join Brent Skorup, Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center, and Karla Jones, Senior Director of the ALEC Task Forces on International Relations and Federalism, as they sit down with Matthew Fisher to discuss how state and local lawmakers are leading the way when it comes to managing and utilizing the emergence of drones in everyday life. Which States Are Prepared for the Drone Industry, v. 2.0 (50-state map and rankings): https://www.mercatus.org/publications/technology-and-innovation/which-states-are-prepared-drone-industry-0 The FAA is preparing for delivery drones in 2021. Is your state ready? (USA Today op-ed): https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/01/30/your-state-ready-expansion-drone-delivery-column/4258507001/ Drone Technology, Airspace Design, and Aerial Law in States and Cities (white paper): https://www.mercatus.org/publications/technology-and-innovation/drone-technology-airspace-design-and-aerial-law-states-and-0

Join former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich and ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson on a special episode of Across the State as they discuss the emergence of China as a global power. In a conversation about China’s aggressive ambitions to America’s flawed approach to Beijing in the past, find out what the United States can do to counter Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party in the future. ALEC Article on China’s Belt and Road Initiative: https://www.alec.org/article/chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-undermines-partner-countries-democratic-governance/ ALEC Article on China’s National Security Law on Hong Kong: https://www.alec.org/article/china-implements-national-security-law-that-threatens-to-violate-hong-kongs-sovereignty/ Newt Gingrich Op-Ed in Fox News “China’s secret campaign to spy on US and buy influence is exposed”: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/china-universities-spying-newt-gingrich Newt Gingrich Op-Ed in Newsweek: “The Fantasy of a Benevolent China Is Over. Fortunately, America Has Trump” https://www.newsweek.com/newt-gingrich-fantasy-benevolent-china-over-fortunately-america-has-trump-opinion-1467509 Link to Purchase Newt Gingrich’s Book “Trump vs. China”: https://www.amazon.com/Trump-China-Americas-Greatest-Challenge/dp/1546099883