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JSGC Podcast

40 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago -

The Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) is the primary non-partisan public policy and statutory research organization that serves the Pennsylvania General Assembly. We issue reports on a wide variety of public policy topics. Our episodes feature staff discussions highlighting recently released reports. To learn more about us and access full reports, please visit our website: http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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Episodes

Raising Fatherhood Involvement

February 01, 2024 17:00 - 28 minutes - 16.1 MB

In todays episode, the JSGC policy podcast team interviews Yvonne Hursh on the subject of Fatherhood. The contents of this episode are based on the report “Greater Father Involvement: Fostering Engagement of Fathers in Improving the Well-being of their Children"” released in January of 2024.  The episode discusses the creation of a Fatherhood Involvement Institute, a permanent government body that would promote fatherhood and coordinate state approaches. The episode also covers potential bar...

Advances in Diabetes Advocacy and Treatment

December 19, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 16.4 MB

In this episode, we return to our biannual topic of diabetes by interviewing Helen Khanzhina about advances in treatment and advocacy of the disease since 2021. The JSGC Policy Podcast previously covered diabetes in our 11th episode. In this episode, our conversation covers updated statistics, how state departments and advocacy groups work toward prevention and awareness of the disease, and recommendations on how Pennsylvania could improve Diabetes care. For more information see the full rep...

Training Election Directors

November 14, 2023 15:00 - 16 minutes - 8.93 MB

In this episode, the JSGC Podcast team convenes to discuss election reform, one of the Commission’s ongoing projects. Guest Yvonne Hursh returns to update listeners on new developments for the Election Law Advisory Board (ELAB) over the last year and proposals for training election directors within Pennsylvania. The content of this episode is based on “Election Law in Pennsylvania: Third Annual Report of the Election Law Advisory Board” published in August of 2023. Both the full report and a...

Recycling Strategies

October 23, 2023 18:00 - 22 minutes - 12.4 MB

In this episode the JSGC Podcast Team discusses recycling in Pennsylvania with project manager Grant Rosul. Among the topics discussed are challenges faced by communities that recycle, new ways of using recycled material, and recommendations for how to improve recycling throughout the Commonwealth. The content of this episode is based on the report “Recycling Strategies in Pennsylvania,” which was released in June of 2023. Both the full report and a summary are available on our website. Mus...

Education Training Mandates

September 21, 2023 14:00 - 30 minutes - 17.9 MB

This episode concerns training mandates for public school employees. The JSGC podcast crew interviews Helen Khanzhina on whether training mandates are as burdensome and redundant to the teachers of Pennsylvania as their reputation suggests. The content of this episode is based on "Training Mandates on Pennsylvania Public School Entities," released in June of 2023.  The episode also includes information about report's advisory committee,  the effectiveness of public school mandates, and how t...

Medicaid Reimbursements to Drug and Alcohol Treatment Providers

August 03, 2023 14:00 - 23 minutes - 15 MB

How much will a drug and alcohol treatment providers receive in Medicaid funding  for offering their services in Pennsylvania? While the question appears simple, the answer is multifaceted.  In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew interview Allison Kobzowicz and Steve Kramer on the terminology and key players important to understanding the issues surrounding Medicaid capitation rates for treatment providers, as well as possible solutions.  The content of this episode is based on the JSGC repo...

Long-term Care Facility Staffing

July 25, 2023 13:00 - 18 minutes - 10.8 MB

In this episode Glenn and Susan interview Bryan DeWalt and Lydia Hack about staffing issues facing Long-term Care Facilities.  Topics covered include the importance in investing in Skilled Nursing Facilities, the workplace environment at these institutions, and the impact contracted workers have had on the industry.  A report on this topic, Use of Contracted Workers at Medicaid Funded Long-term Care Facilities in the Commonwealth, was released in May of 2023. The report was commissioned by S...

Common Interest Ownership Communities

June 19, 2023 13:00 - 34 minutes - 18.9 MB

In this episode, the JSGC podcast team speaks with project manager Yvonne Hursh about common interest ownership communities (CIOCs).  This type of community is widespread throughout Pennsylvania and encompasses homeowner associations, condominiums, and cooperatives.  While JSGC previously published a report on this subject in 2011,  data on where CIOCs are located and their numbers remain sparse.  Topics include identifying a CIOC, the benefits and potential pitfalls of these entities, metho...

Local Government Commission

May 09, 2023 16:00 - 41 minutes - 22.6 MB

In this episode, the Joint State podcast team interviews David Greene, executive director of the Local Government Commission. Topics covered include the nature of their collaborative efforts with local governments across the Commonwealth,  the duties they undertake on behalf of the General Assembly and recent initiatives such as their academic symposium.  More about the Local Government Commission can be found at http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/index.cfm  Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at htt...

Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

February 10, 2023 20:00 - 28 minutes - 15.8 MB

The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) is one of our sister agencies that conducts performance audits and evaluations on behalf of the Pennsylvania State Legislature.  In this episode, the JSGC podcast team interview Patricia Berger, former executive director of the LBFC who retired shortly after the time of this recording. Among the topics covered include how the LBFC's role has evolved over the years, the lifecycle of their projects, and the methodology and approach employed b...

Substance Use Impact on Children

December 14, 2022 16:00 - 26 minutes - 15.4 MB

In this episode, the JSGC Podcast Team interview project manager Glenn Pasewicz  along with policy analyst Allison Kobzowicz about the affects of substance use on children and infants. The discussion draws from the recently released "Report of the Opioid Abuse Child Impact Task Force" which was authorized by Act 2 of 2022. Topics discussed include: neonatal withdrawal syndrome, plans of safe care for infants, department of health initiatives, and the creation of a Work Group to continue the ...

Substance Use Impact on Children

December 14, 2022 16:00 - 26 minutes - 15.4 MB

In this episode, the JSGC Podcast Team interview project manager Glenn Pasewicz  along with policy analyst Allison Kobzowicz about the affects of substance use on children and infants. The discussion draws from the recently released "Report of the Opioid Abuse Child Impact Task Force" which was authorized by Act 2 of 2022. Topics discussed include: neonatal withdrawal syndrome, plans of safe care for infants, department of health initiatives, and the creation of a Work Group to continue the ...

Center for Rural Pennsylvania

October 31, 2022 12:00 - 37 minutes - 22.9 MB

In this episode of the JSGC Podcast, we  continue our  series on the Legislative Service Agencies of Pennsylvania.  This time we interviewed Dr. Kyle Kopko, the Executive Director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.  During our discussion we learned more about the Center's mission, how it conducts it own research and manages a grant program, and the recent projects the Center has undertaken.  Learn more about the Center for Rural Pennsylvania by visiting their website: https://www.rural.p...

Broadband Development Authority

October 14, 2022 13:00 - 26 minutes - 15 MB

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew sit down with Yvonne Hursh for an update on broadband internet deployment in Pennsylvania. Topics covered include the newly created Broadband Development Authority, whether Pennsylvania's internet coverage is improving, and how broadband can benefit public education and health.  A short summary and the third annual broadband report, Delivery of High-Speed Broadband Services in Unserved and Underserved Areas of the Commonwealth, are available on the JSGC...

Reforming Pennsylvania Election Law: Part 2

August 26, 2022 14:00 - 22 minutes - 13.1 MB

This is the second episode in our election law series featuring the JSGC Podcast crew's discussion with Yvonne Hursh. As we introduced in Part 1, Yvonne is the project manager for the Election Law Advisory Board which releases annual reports on ways to improve the Pennsylvania Election Code. In this episode we discuss pre-canvasing, balancing accessibility with voter ID requirements, the process of training election officials and poll workers, and the constitutionality of mail-in ballots. ...

Reforming Pennsylvania Election Law: Part 1

August 09, 2022 16:00 - 17 minutes - 10.7 MB

In the first episode of this two-part series, the JSGC podcast crew sits down with project manager Yvonne Hursh to discuss the second annual report of the Election Law Advisory Board, known as "ELAB". In this episode, we introduce the ELAB, talk about the challenges involved with maintaining voter registration lists, and the process of cleaning up the election code to ensure that formerly incarcerated persons are not permanently disenfranchised from the right to vote. The one-page summaries ...

School Bus Driver Shortage in Pennsylvania

July 18, 2022 14:00 - 21 minutes - 13.2 MB

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew sits down with Allison Kobzowicz to discuss the school bus driver shortage in Pennsylvania.  We discuss what factors make it hard to attract people to the career, the results of state-wide survey sent out to school bus drivers,  and what steps could be taken to help ease the shortage. More information can be found on our website  in the report "The School Bus Driver Shortage in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania".  We would also like to thank the followin...

Updating Pennsylvania's Child Welfare Case Management System

July 07, 2022 17:00 - 20 minutes - 12.6 MB

This episode contains an interview between the JSGC Podcast team and project manager Helen Khanzhina about the progress in updating the digital system used by the Commonwealth to manage its child welfare cases and the logistical challenges this undertaking poses. The full report, Development and Implementation of a New Integrated Child Welfare Case Management System in Pennsylvania, was released in April of 2022 and is available on the JSGC website along with a 1-page summary. Music provide...

IT Support During the Covid-19 Pandemic: LDPC Part 2

June 01, 2022 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

The conclusion of a two-part series, this episode features an interview with Brent McClintock, executive director of the Legislative Data Processing Center. The LDPC is legislative service agency which manages IT throughout the capitol complex.  Topics covered in this episode include: LDPC's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of cyber security for state government offices, and agency's role in PA's redistricting process. More information about the LDPC can be found at its we...

Computing in the Capitol: LPDC Part 1

May 19, 2022 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MB

This episode is the first of a two-part series on the Legislative Data Processing Center, a legislative services agency which manages IT throughout the capitol complex.  To learn more about this agency, the JSGC podcast crew sat down with Brent McClintock, executive director of the LDPC. Topics covered in this episode include Brent's work experiences, the  duties and responsibilities of the LDPC,  as well as what services and training are offered by the organization. Stay tuned for part 2! ...

Computing in the Capitol: LDPC Part 1

May 19, 2022 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MB

This episode is the first of a two-part series on the Legislative Data Processing Center, a legislative services agency which manages IT throughout the capitol complex.  To learn more about this agency, the JSGC podcast crew sat down with Brent McClintock, executive director of the LDPC. Topics covered in this episode include Brent's work experiences, the  duties and responsibilities of the LDPC,  as well as what services and training are offered by the organization. Stay tuned for part 2! ...

Computing in the Capitol: Legislative Data Processing Center

May 19, 2022 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MB

This episode is the first of a two-part series on the Legislative Data Processing Center, a legislative services agency which manages IT throughout the capitol complex.  To learn more about this agency, the JSGC podcast crew sat down with Brent McClintock, executive director of the LDPC. Topics covered in this episode include Brent's work experiences, the  duties and responsibilities of the LDPC,  as well as what services and training are offered by the organization. Stay tuned for part 2! ...

Nursing License Processing Delays

May 02, 2022 13:00 - 16 minutes - 9.98 MB

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew interview Frank Lill, project manager of the report "License Processing Times of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing," released in April of 2022.  We discuss how long it takes to get a nursing license in Pennsylvania, factors contributing to delays in processing time, and recommendations for how to improve these conditions.  A one page summary and access to the full report are available here.   Our music is provided by Joseph McDade.  Music by Jos...

Legislative Reference Bureau Part 2: Duties and Responsibilities

April 01, 2022 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

This episode is the conclusion of the two-part interview between the JSGC podcast team and Vince DeLiberato, Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau. Topics covered in this episode include: how the LRB responds to the pressures of working for legislators, the process of drafting bills, and lesser known functions of the LRB. More information about the LRB can be found at their website: https://www.palrb.gov/ Music provided by Joseph McDade. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://...

Legislative Reference Bureau Part 1: Law Office of the Legislature

March 16, 2022 18:00 - 20 minutes - 12.4 MB

In this episode, Glenn Pasewicz, Susan Elder, and Bryan DeWalt interview Vince DeLiberato, the Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau. Mr. DeLiberato describes the agency's primary responsibility as the "law office of the Legislature" and the LRB is well known in Harrisburg for its vital role in drafting bills for members of the Pennsylvania State Legislature. A few of the topics covered in this episode's include: the history of the LRB, the technology used in bill drafting, codifying ...

Regulatory Waivers and Suspensions Issued During COVID-19

February 09, 2022 20:00 - 18 minutes - 11.8 MB

During this episode Susan Elder,  Glenn Pasewicz , and Bryan DeWalt spoke with Grant Rosul, the project leader of "Regulatory Waivers and Suspensions Issued by the PA Dept. of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs During the COVID-19 Pandemic" released in October of 2021. The episode covers what the BPOA is, what some of the measures the Bureau took to keep professions under its purview operating during the pandemic, and how these measures could lead to more permanent change...

Diabetes Prevention and Maintenance

January 05, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 10.8 MB

In this episode, Susan Elder and Glenn Pasewicz interview  Helen Khanzhina about the latest in a series of ongoing reports covering the Diabetes epidemic in Pennsylvania. Their conversion covers the associated  health risks of Covid-19 to people with Diabetes, the role of telehealth in treating the disease, and recent statistical trends. For more information see the full report, "Diabetes in Pennsylvania: Prevention and Maintenance Programs - Fifth Biennial Report," available on the JSGC web...

Diabetes Prevention and Maintenance

January 05, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 10.8 MB

In this episode, Susan Elder and Glenn Pasewicz interview  Helen Khanzhina about the latest in a series of ongoing reports covering the Diabetes epidemic in Pennsylvania. Their conversation covers the associated  health risks of Covid-19 to people with Diabetes, the role of telehealth in treating the disease, and recent statistical trends. For more information see the full report, "Diabetes in Pennsylvania: Prevention and Maintenance Programs - Fifth Biennial Report," available on the JSGC w...

Primary Care Physician Shortage

December 10, 2021 19:00 - 20 minutes - 11.9 MB

In this episode, Susan Elder and Glenn Pasewicz discuss a newly released report, Medical School Impact on the Primary Care Physician Shortage, with project manager Bryan DeWalt.  Topics covered include what primary care physicians are, current data collection efforts,  and what medical schools and other states are doing to address the primary care physician shortage. Additionally, a summary of the report's recommendations are provided. Both a summary and the full report are available at htt...

Pennsylvania State Capitol Preservation

July 30, 2021 19:00 - 18 minutes - 10.1 MB

 In this special episode, the JSGC staff take a break from our usual policy report discussions to sit down with Dave Craig, the Executive Director of the Capitol Preservation Committee, to talk about our favorite  capitol artwork, Dave's background and preservation philosophy, and all of the work done by the Committee to maintain one of the most beautiful state government buildings in the country. To learn more about the Capitol Preservation Committee or browse through their shop of PA Stat...

Afterschool Program Return on Investment

June 24, 2021 18:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

In this episode, Glenn Pasewicz, Susan Elder, Allison Kobzowicz discuss their report detailing the social benefits of Out-of-School Time programs. Both the full report, Return on Investment of Afterschool Programs in Pennsylvania, and a short summary are available on the JSGC website. This report was sponsored  by Representative  Wheatley and authorized by HR 180 of 2020.   The report was released in June of 2021. Music by Joseph McDade. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis...

Mental Health Services for Victims of Sexual Violence

May 07, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 18.1 MB

In this episode, Susan Elder and Bryan DeWalt speak with  Yvonne Hursh, project manager of Mental Health Services for Victims of Sexual Assault and Rape, about barriers to accessing mental health services, available state programs, and recommendations for what Pennsylvania can do moving forward. The report was authorized by House Resolution 642 of 2020 and sponsored by Representative McNeil. The final report was released in February of 2021. Several acronyms are used in this podcast: SANE ...

Coordination of Veterans Services

April 05, 2021 14:00 - 20 minutes - 11.6 MB

JSGC Executive Director, Glenn Pasewicz, begins the episode by discussing the role of legislative task forces in the Commission's work.  Afterward, Susan Elder and Bryan DeWalt speak with project manager Frank Lill about our recent report on veterans services. The full report, Coordination of Veterans Services in Pennsylvania, was released in March of 2021.  The report was authorized by  Senate Resolution 170 of 2019 and sponsored by Senator Iovino.  Music by Joseph McDade. Music by Josep...

Drug Treatment Warm Hand-Offs: Continuity of Care

March 16, 2021 15:00 - 27 minutes - 15.7 MB

In this episode,  Executive Director Glenn Pasewicz introduces the concept of warm hand-offs, a coordination of  public services to encourage people with Substance Use Disorder to seek treatment.  The majority of the episode features Susan Elder and Bryan DeWalt speaking with Helen Khanzhina, project manager of Warm Hand-Offs in Pennsylvania. The report was authorized by  House Resolution 216 of 2019 and sponsored by Representative Polinchock. The final report was released in December of 202...

Drug Treatment Warm Hand-Offs: Continuity of Care

March 16, 2021 15:00 - 27 minutes - 15.7 MB

In this episode,  Executive Director Glenn Pasewicz introduces the concept of warm hand-offs, a coordination of  public services to encourage people with Substance Use Disorder to seek treatment.  The majority of the episode features Susan Elder and Bryan DeWalt speaking with Helen Khanzhina, project manager of Warm Hand-Offs in Pennsylvania. The report was authorized by  House Resolution 216 of 2019 and sponsored by Representative Polinchock. The final report was released in December of 202...

Police Powers

January 15, 2021 17:00 - 15 minutes - 9.36 MB

In this episode, Susan Elder and Bryan DeWalt interview Stephen Kramer and Allison Kobzowicz on their report Police Powers to Make Arrests, Carry Firearms, and Other Enforcement Authorizations in Pennsylvania which was released in December of 2020. They are joined by Executive Director Glenn Pasewicz who details the Commission's role in consolidating state statutes.  The report was authorized by  House resolution 620 of 2019 and sponsored by Representative Jozwiak.  Music by Joseph McDade....

Broadband Internet Access Part 2

December 18, 2020 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.56 MB

In this episode, Susan Elder concludes our discussion on broadband internet access in Pennsylvania, which was started in our previous release. This episode again features Project Manager Yvonne Hursh, who is joined by Executive Director Glenn Pasewicz and Policy Analyst Bryan DeWalt.  For more information on broadband in Pennsylvania, check out the  Delivery of High-Speed Broadband Services in Unserved Areas and Underserved Areas of the Commonwealth report, which was released in September of...

Broadband Internet Access Part 1

December 11, 2020 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MB

In our second episode, Susan Elder begins her discussion on broadband internet access in Pennsylvania with Yvonne Hursh, the project manager of the Delivery of High-Speed Broadband Services in Unserved Areas and Underserved Areas of the Commonwealth report, released in September of 2020. The report was authorized by Senate Resolution 47 of 2019 and sponsored by Senator Phillips-Hill. This discussion will be concluded in our next episode. A short summary of the report is also available on ...

Reusing State Property for Drug Treatment

October 07, 2020 15:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MB

In our very first episode, Glenn Pasewicz, Executive Director at Joint State introduces the agency and explains our process for creating reports. The remainder of the episode contains a discussion between Susan Elder, Comptroller at JSGC and Bryan DeWalt, Project Manager of the recently released report titled Conversion of Unused State Property into Drug Treatment Facilities. The report was authorized by House Resolution 147 of 2019, sponsored by Representative Gregory. Music by Joseph McD...

Conversion of Unused State Property to Drug Treatment Facilities

October 07, 2020 15:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MB

In our very first episode, Glenn Pasewicz, Executive Director at Joint State introduces the agency and explains our process for creating reports. The remainder of the episode contains a discussion between Susan Elder, Comptroller at JSGC and Bryan DeWalt, Project Manager of the recently released report titled Conversion of Unused State Property into Drug Treatment Facilities. The report was authorized by House Resolution 147 of 2019, sponsored by Representative Gregory. Music by Joseph McD...