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    Explore " bag ban" with insightful episodes like "Watching Washington... Still", "West Coast Swing", "Revisiting: Reopening, Relief, and Revenues", "A Conduit St Look at Pennsylvania Avenue" and "Wrestling With Reopening" from podcasts like ""Conduit Street Podcast", "Conduit Street Podcast", "Conduit Street Podcast", "Conduit Street Podcast" and "Conduit Street Podcast"" and more!

    Episodes (54)

    Watching Washington... Still

    Watching Washington... Still

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including updates on the November election, the ongoing negotiations over the next round of federal COVID-19 aid, Maryland's statewide rollout of text-to-9-1-1, and intriguing local issues.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

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    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Board OKs MACo’s Request for Additional State Funding for Mail-In Ballot Applications

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Maryland Launches Statewide Text-to-911 Service

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Wicomico Council Will Meet Friday to Readdress County Executive Appointment

    Conduit Street Podcast: A Conduit St Look at Pennsylvania Avenue

    West Coast Swing

    West Coast Swing

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Executive Director Graham Knaus joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson for a look at how the Golden State is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, school reopenings, elections, budget crises, and a number of other pressing issues in our respective states.

    Also this week, California's relationship with the gig economy; intriguing state ballot initiatives; intergovernmental relations; and battling wildfires, record heatwaves, and rolling blackouts amidst a public health crisis.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Useful Links

    CSAC Website 

    Follow CSAC on Twitter

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: U.S. Senate Republicans Unveil HEALS Act: No New Funding for State & Local Govts

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State to Counties: We’ll Frontload CARES Funds With Your Plan AND Agreement

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Board OKs MACo’s Request for Additional State Funding for Mail-In Ballot Applications

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: *UPDATED* MSDE Deadline Approaches, School Boards Announce Reopening Plans

    Revisiting: Reopening, Relief, and Revenues

    Revisiting: Reopening, Relief, and Revenues

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Alex Butler and Drew Jabin join Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest on school reopenings, negotiations over the next federal COVID-19 stimulus package, unemployment benefits, payroll taxes, big changes for the November 3 election, and the road ahead for state and local budgets.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Useful Links

    Conduit Street Podcast: A Conduit St Look at Pennsylvania Avenue

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: *UPDATED* MSDE Deadline Approaches, School Boards Announce Reopening Plans

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: What’s the Deal with Maryland Schools?

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Montgomery Rescinds Order Prohibiting In-Person Classes At Nonpublic Schools

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Hogan Approves Plan to Open Vote Centers for Nov 3 Election

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: U.S. Senate Republicans Unveil HEALS Act: No New Funding for State & Local Govts

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: U.S. House Passes $3T Stimulus Bill, Faces Pushback in Senate

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State to Counties: We’ll Frontload CARES Funds With Your Plan AND Agreement

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Counties: Proposed Reimbursement Model for CARES Funds Too Slow

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MD CARES Plan: $364M, Split Between Local Health and Local Govts

    A Conduit St Look at Pennsylvania Avenue

    A Conduit St Look at Pennsylvania Avenue

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, National Association of Counties (NACo) deputy director of government affairs Mark Ritacco joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to break down the competing coronavirus relief proposals being considered by Congress -- including the likelihood the next relief bill will include direct and flexible aid for state and local governments.

    As previously reported on Conduit Street, U.S. Senate Republicans this week unveiled the HEALS (Help, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools) Act, a $1 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that includes reforming bolstered unemployment benefits, providing support to schools and hospitals, and a new round of economic impact payments structured identically to the rebates sent to taxpayers in the spring.

    Additionally, Senate Republicans have prioritized liability protections for businesses, which would protect them from coronavirus-related lawsuits, but opted not to include needed direct and flexible funding for state and local governments.

    Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives in May passed the HEROES (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions) Act, the potential next phase of relief for the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill includes two separate, equal funds for counties and cities and provides $187.5 billion in vital relief to counties to address both lost revenue and increased expenditures as the result of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Congress has roughly two weeks until both chambers are scheduled to adjourn for the August recess. Leaders plan to wrap up negotiations before they adjourn, but it is unclear whether the House and Senate will be able to reach a compromise.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Useful Links

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: U.S. Senate Republicans Unveil HEALS Act: No New Funding for State & Local Govts

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: U.S. House Passes $3T Stimulus Bill, Faces Pushback in Senate

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State to Counties: We’ll Frontload CARES Funds With Your Plan AND Agreement

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Counties: Proposed Reimbursement Model for CARES Funds Too Slow

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MD CARES Plan: $364M, Split Between Local Health and Local Govts

    NACo Research and Data Portal

    Contact Mark Ritacco

    Wrestling With Reopening

    Wrestling With Reopening

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano joins Kevin Kinnally, Drew Jabin, and Michael Sanderson to discuss the health, safety, and logistical challenges of educating children in the fall.

    As previously reported on Conduit Street, local education agencies are developing plans to reopen in the fall – whether that occurs in-person, remotely, or in a combination of the two – with a focus on the health and safety of students, teachers, and school personnel, while encouraging equitable access to the services and resources necessary for a high-quality education.

    Also this week, we discuss growing concerns about the shortage of personal protective gear, election judges, and adequate polling places for the November election. As previously reported on Conduit Street, the Maryland Association of Election Officials (MAEO), the professional membership organization comprised of local election officials and Election Boards from all 24 jurisdictions in the State of Maryland, has warned that Governor Hogan’s plan will be “costly, inefficient, and unsuccessful” and says that the directive will lead to confusion and long lines at polling places.

    Dr. Michael J. Martirano was named superintendent for the Howard County Public School System in July 2018 after serving as interim superintendent since May 2017. An educator for more than 35 years, he considers himself a teacher first and foremost. He is guided by the principle “to teach a child well, you must know a child well,” and is committed to ensuring equity and giving every student an opportunity to succeed in an inclusive and nurturing environment.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Useful Links

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Previous Conduit Street Coverage: *UPDATED* MSDE Deadline Approaches, School Boards Announce Reopening Plans

    Howard County Public School System: HCPSS Plans Fully Online Start for 2020-2021 School Year

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Board Seeks Additional $20M for Nov Election

    Big Issues, Big Data

    Big Issues, Big Data

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Beth Blauer joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the role of quality data in helping governments make informed decisions in order to protect public health and support local businesses and workers. Beth also discusses her role in developing and maintaining the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Case Tracker -- which government agencies, public health departments, the public, and news outlets regularly rely on for the latest updates on the confirmed cases, deaths, and recoveries connected to the pandemic.

    Beth Blauer is the executive director of the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Civic Impact. As a dedicated public servant and international expert on government performance programs, Beth has spent her career working to improve people’s lives by bringing data into governments’ decision-making processes.

    Prior to leading the Johns Hopkins Centers for Civic Impact, Beth designed and launched Socrata’s GovStat platform for federal, state, and local governments. Having entered public service as a juvenile probation officer in Maryland, Beth was tapped by then-Governor Martin O’Malley to lead his nationally recognized StateStat program. Beth is a graduate of the University of Maryland and holds a JD from New York Law School.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Useful Links

    Johns Hopkins Centers for Civic Impact

    Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center

    Follow Beth Blauer on Twitter

    Budget Balancing Breakdown

    Budget Balancing Breakdown

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss what may be on the chopping block as the State looks to offset COVID-19-related economic woes. Also this week, a recap of last week's Board of Public Works meeting, including a summary of what was — and wasn't — cut from the budget to account for increased spending and reduced revenues amid the public health crisis.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

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    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Board of Public Works Pares Cuts, Spares Counties

    Board of Public Works: Amended List of Approved Budget Cuts

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Franchot Says He Will Oppose Proposal to Slash County Disparity Grants

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Counties: Hold Off On BPW Cuts, Until Things Are Clearer

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Proposed BPW Cuts Hurt Local Health Departments, Undermine Public Health Efforts

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: BPW to Consider More than $670 Million in State Budget Cuts

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: DLS: Fully Fund Disparity Grant Formula

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Fiscal Leaders: State Revenue Shortfall Could Hit $4 Billion by FY 2022

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Hogan Orders State Budget Freeze Amid COVID-19 Crisis

    A View From the Senate

    A View From the Senate

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Senator Cheryl Kagan joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the 2020 legislative session and what may on tap for 2021. Topics include elections, Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911), telehealth, law enforcement, styrofoam, unemployment insurance, the debate over Maryland's state song, and more!

    From Senator Kagan's biography:

    "Senator Cheryl C. Kagan (D-District 17) represents Rockville and Gaithersburg and serves as the Vice Chair of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. Sen. Kagan has earned a reputation as an independent-minded legislator with a strong voice for her constituents on public safety, consumer protection, transportation, government transparency, and more. While in the Senate, Kagan has passed landmark laws to help nonprofits; enhance our 9-1-1 emergency response systems; become the first State in the nation to ban “Styrofoam” food and beverage containers; and advocate for local governments."

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Useful Links

    Conduit Street Podcast: Elections – What a Week

    Conduit Street Podcast: Holding Elections Amid a Pandemic

    Conduit Street Podcast: Unemployment, From Every Angle

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Senate Leaders Outline Roadmap for November Election

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor Signs MACo’s NG911 Initiative

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Maryland Pushes Back Styrofoam Ban

    The Baltimore Sun: More join chorus this time for repealing ‘Maryland, My Maryland,' the state’s pro-Confederate anthem

    Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program and Fund - Nonprofit, Interest-Free, Micro Bridge Loan Account (NIMBL)

    State Board of Elections

    Letter sent by President Ferguson and Chair Pinsky

    EHE/W&M Hearing – June 16, 2020

    Senator Kagan's Op-ed in Maryland Matters

    The State of Policing

    The State of Policing

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Everett Sesker joins Kevin Kinnally, Natasha Mehu, and Michael Sanderson to discuss the state of policing. Topics include implicit bias, Maryland's Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights (LEOBR), the "defund the police" movement, community policing, and how new technology is playing a major role in how police serve and protect the community.

    Everett Sesker, a law enforcement consultant at the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), trains police officers to understand and overcome implicit bias, as well as assesses and identifies potential risks that may hinder the reputation, safety, security, and operations of law enforcement agencies across Maryland.

    Mr. Sesker retired at the rank of Major from the Prince George’s County Police Department after 22 years of service. He has held command positions in training, narcotics, community relations, district stations, headquarters, and public relations.

    Prior to joining LGIT, Sesker was appointed as the executive director of the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission where he worked closely with law enforcement leaders and policymakers to oversee and improve the accreditation process for police officers.

    LGIT is a member-owned association authorized by state law, wholly-owned and managed by its local government members. The Trust’s main purpose is to provide joint self-insurance programs or pools for towns, cities, and counties in the state of Maryland. The concept is simple – rather than paying premiums to buy insurance from an insurance company, local governments contribute those premiums into a jointly owned fund. The money in that fund is used to pay for the members’ claims, losses, and expenses.

    The LGIT Training Grant Program assists Trust Members who wish to increase and improve their employees’ knowledge through training and thereby reduce liability claims and property damage. Training grants are awarded to attend seminars, workshops, conferences, technical classes, or other related training programs. For more information, visit LGIT’s website.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Useful Links

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Speaker Announces House Work Group on Police Reform and Accountability

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Judicial Proceedings Chairman to Introduce Police Reform, Accountability Legislation

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Congressional Leaders Propose Broad Police Reforms Through Justice in Policing Act

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: City Council Makes Cuts to Police Budget

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Baltimore County Pursues Police Reform Package

    Unemployment, From Every Angle

    Unemployment, From Every Angle

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Drew Jabin, and Michael Sanderson discuss why an unprecedented number of COVID-19-related unemployment claims are putting tremendous pressure on all levels of government, what Congress has done (or neglected to do) to ease the burden on state and local governments, and explain why a technical fix is necessary to protect non-profits and local governments from being overwhelmed by huge invoices from the State of Maryland.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Useful Links

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Summer Series Schedule & Details Now Available!

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Locals and Nonprofits: Avoid “Raw Deal” on Unemployment

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Kagan Urges Equitable Treatment for Local Govts/Nonprofits Amid Pandemic

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Guidance on Unemployment Insurance Claims in MD

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Fed Holds Rates Near Zero, Delivers Grim Economic Outlook

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Report: Absent Federal Aid to State and Local Govts, 5.3M More Jobs Will Be Lost By 2021

    Elections - What a Week

    Elections - What a Week

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Natasha Mehu, and Michael Sanderson discuss the early returns from Maryland's presidential primary election, examine some of the administrative issues that plagued the process, and look ahead to how and why election policy, procedures, and oversight may look very different the next time around.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Useful Links

    Conduit Street Podcast: Holding Elections Amid a Pandemic

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Hogan Urges Marylanders to Vote By Mail for Presidential Primary Election

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Board Authorizes Additional In-Person Voting Sites for Baltimore City

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo President Middleton Wins Re-Election Primary

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Board Delays City Election Results Due to Ballot “Proofing Error”

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Dixon Takes Early Lead in Baltimore City Mayoral Race

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Mosby Ahead in Race for City Council President

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Hornberger In Position to Win Cecil County Executive Race

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Cecil County Council Incumbents Move Ahead to General Election

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Majority of Baltimore City Council Incumbents Appear Victorious

    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Incumbent Anne Arundel Judges Maintain Lead in Primary Race

    State of the Podcast

    State of the Podcast

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the evolution of the podcast and ask listeners to weigh in on future topics, guests, bumper music, artwork, and more!

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Follow MACo on Twitter.

    Follow the Conduit Street Podcast on Twitter.

    Crisis Communications

    Crisis Communications

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Mike Ricci joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the importance of communications in a time of crisis, including why reliable data underpins both crisis planning and response.

    Mike Ricci, the director of communications for Governor Larry Hogan, previously served as the director of communications for former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan and as the deputy director of communications and chief speechwriter for former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

    Quiet "Veto Day" Still Makes Noise

    Quiet "Veto Day" Still Makes Noise

    On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss why an unusually quiet "veto day" still made plenty of noise across Maryland.

    Governor Hogan last week, through statements and in the absence of any traditional “bill signing ceremony,” revealed his decisions regarding legislation passed during the recent legislative session, itself abbreviated by coronavirus worries. The bottom line – 37 vetoed bills, including multiple high-profile advancements, and many questions for next steps by legislative leaders.

    MACo has made the podcast available through all major podcast platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.

    You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

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    Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor Vetoes Kirwan, Tax, Fiscal Bills in Silent Session Cap-off

    Schoolhouse Rock: America - I'm Just a Bill Music Video