Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services: Part 2
08/06/2024 9:00 AM
In today’s episode, the JSGC podcast crew continues our discussion on disability services with Yvonne and Steve.
Among the topics discussed include: the importance of transportation, post-secondary school transition plans, the difficultly in retaining direct service personnel, and reducing waiting lists for services. The content of this episode is based on the report “Services to Individuals with Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disability, or Autism Through the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs” which is available on our website along with a one page summary.
Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services: Part 1
07/25/2024 9:00 AM
In Today’s episode, the JSGC podcast crew interviews Yvonne to discuss how Pennsylvania provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Among the topics discussed include definitions of disability, how the troubled past of state-run institutions influences modern policy, and an explanation of Medicaid waivers. The content of this episode is based on the report “Services to Individuals with Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disability, or Autism Through the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs” which is available on our website.
Please stay tuned! Part two of our discussion on disability services will be released next week as we shift our focus to the importance of transportation, direct support personnel and waiting lists.
Nuclear Energy & Small Modular Reactors
05/09/2024 10:00 AM
In this episode, the JSGC podcast team interviews policy analyst Bryan DeWalt on the subject of nuclear technology in Pennsylvania. Among the topics discussed include an overview of how nuclear fission works, why nuclear power plants are difficult to build, and emerging alternatives to make nuclear power safer and more affordable. The content of this episode is based on the report "Benefits of Nuclear Energy and Development of Small Modular Reactors," released in February of 2024. This report was authorized by House Resolution 238 of 2022. The full report and a summary are available on the JSGC website.
School Truancy
04/25/2024 9:00 AM
Today the JSGC podcast team interviews Glenn Pasewicz, Susan Elder, and Allison Kobzowicz to discuss truancy in Pennsylvania schools. Among the topics discussed include important definitions, the penalties truant students face, and the changes brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. Recommendations for reducing truancy in schools are also discussed. The content of this episode is based on the report "The Truancy Process: The Challenge of Improving Attendance in Pennsylvania Schools," released in April of 2024. This report was created due to a requirement in Act 138 of 2016. More information, including a previous 2015 report on truancy, can be found on our website.
Snyder and Stairs: Higher Education Data Reporting
04/05/2024 10:00 AM
In this episode, the JSGC podcast team interviews Bryan DeWalt and Allison Kobzowicz about two of our reports relating to higher education transparency. These report are the "Instructional Output and Faculty Salary Costs of the State-related Universities" and "Information Disclosure of the State-related Universities" also known as the Snyder and Stairs reports.
The Snyder report focuses on the cost to provide education and University performance metrics while the Stairs report centers around contract information of these institutions. Among the topics discussed in this episode are the origins and development of these reports, a bit more about what type of information each one contains, as well as insights from this year's reports.
Data for the 2022-23 school year can be found on the JSGC website for both Snyder and Stairs as well as data from previous years.
Raising Fatherhood Involvement
02/01/2024 12:00 PM
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 barriers preventing fathers from being more involved, the role courts can play, and existing programs that encourage and support fathers. For access to the full report and summary please click here or find it in the publications tab of the JSGC website.
Advances in Diabetes Advocacy and Treatment
12/19/2023 11:00 AM
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 report, "Diabetes in Pennsylvania: Prevention and Maintenance Programs - Sixth Biennial Report," available on the JSGC website.
Training Election Directors
11/14/2023 10:00 AM
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 summary are available on our website. More information on ELAB can be found by listening to the two-part series we did on this podcast in 2022 or clicking the Election Law Board tab on our website.
Recycling Strategies
10/23/2023 2:00 PM
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.
Education Training Mandates
09/21/2023 10:00 AM
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 training mandates differ from continuing education requirements. The full report and summary are available on the JSGC website.
Medicaid Reimbursements to Drug and Alcohol Treatment Providers
08/03/2023 10:00 AM
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 report
Medical Assistance Capitation Funding for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Providers within the Commonwealth, which was
released in June of 2023.
This report was authorized by Senate Resolution 352 of 2021. The full report and a summary are available here.
Long-term Care Facility Staffing
07/25/2023 9:00 AM
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 Senate Resolution 288 of 2022.
A special thank you to Pennsylvania Health Care Association for information provided while generating this report. More information about the PHCA and Long-term Care Facilities can be found at https://www.phca.org/
Common Interest Ownership Communities
06/19/2023 9:00 AM
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, methods used to establish our count of the CIOCs, and recommendations from the report.
The 2023 CIOC report and a summary can be found here, while the original 2011 report is located here.
Local Government Commission
05/09/2023 12:00 PM
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
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
02/10/2023 3:00 PM
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 by LBFC staff. The agency's mission and recent projects are also discussed.
For more information about the LBFC, please visit http://lbfc.legis.state.pa.us/
Substance Use Impact on Children
12/14/2022 11:00 AM
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 process started by the Task Force.
Find out more at:
Philly Families CAN
PA Perinatal Quality Collaborative
PA DoH Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Toolkit
Center for Rural Pennsylvania
10/31/2022 8:00 AM
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.pa.gov/
Broadband Development Authority
10/14/2022 9:00 AM
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 website.
Reforming Pennsylvania Election Law: Part 2
08/26/2022 10:00 AM
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.
One-page summaries and copies of the inaugural and second annual ELAB reports can be found on the JSGC website. More information on the ELAB, its authorizing act, a list of board member, and recordings of past meetings are also available.
Music in this podcast provided by Jospeh McDade.
http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/
Reforming Pennsylvania Election Law: Part 1
08/09/2022 12:00 PM
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 and copies of the inaugural and second annual ELAB reports can be found on the JSGC website. More information on the ELAB, its authorizing act, a list of board member, and recordings of past meetings are also available.
Stay tuned for part two!
Music in this podcast provided by Jospeh McDade.
http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/
School Bus Driver Shortage in Pennsylvania
07/18/2022 10:00 AM
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 following organizations for their assistance with this project:
Pennsylvania School Bus Association
Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials
Pennsylvania State Education Association
Music in the podcast provided by Joseph McDade.
Updating Pennsylvania's Child Welfare Case Management System
07/07/2022 1:00 PM
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 provided by Joseph McDade.
IT Support During the Covid-19 Pandemic: LDPC Part 2
06/01/2022 12:00 PM
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 website: http://www.paldpc.us/Home
The 2015 JSGC report on cyber security can be found here.
Music provided by Joseph McDade.
Computing in the Capitol: LDPC Part 1
05/19/2022 8:00 AM
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!
More information about the LDPC can be found at its website: http://www.paldpc.us/Home
Music by Joseph McDade
Nursing License Processing Delays
05/02/2022 9:00 AM
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.
Legislative Reference Bureau Part 2: Duties and Responsibilities
04/01/2022 9:00 AM
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.
Legislative Reference Bureau Part 1: Law Office of the Legislature
03/16/2022 2:00 PM
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 state laws, and how the agency trains its attorneys. Tune in next episode where we conclude our conversation with Vince DeLiberato.
More information about the LRB can be found at their website: https://www.palrb.gov/
Music provided by Joseph McDade.
Regulatory Waivers and Suspensions Issued During COVID-19
02/09/2022 3:00 PM
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 changes down the road.
Both the full report and a short summary are available on the JSGC website.
Music in the podcast was provided by Joseph McDade.
Diabetes Prevention and Maintenance
01/05/2022 11:00 AM
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 website.
Advocacy Organizations and Educational Resources mentioned in this episode: Diabetes Action Network, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Diabetes Sisters, JDRF, T1D Exchange, PA Dept. of Health, and the PA Dept. of Aging.
Podcast music by Joseph McDade.
Primary Care Physician Shortage
12/10/2021 2:00 PM
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 http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/
Music in the podcast by Joseph McDade.
Pennsylvania State Capitol Preservation
07/30/2021 3:00 PM
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 State Capitol memorabilia visit them at http://cpc.state.pa.us/
Music featured in the podcast is provided by Joseph McDade.
Afterschool Program Return on Investment
06/24/2021 2:00 PM
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.
Mental Health Services for Victims of Sexual Violence
05/07/2021 7:00 AM
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 – Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
- RAINN - the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
- PCAR – Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
- SART – Sexual Abuse Response Teams
Additional Resources
Music by Joseph McDade.
Coordination of Veterans Services
04/05/2021 10:00 AM
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.
Drug Treatment Warm Hand-Offs: Continuity of Care
03/16/2021 11:00 AM
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 2020.
Music by Joseph McDade.
Police Powers
01/15/2021 12:00 PM
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
12/18/2020 11:00 AM
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 2020. The report was authorized by Senate Resolution 47 of 2019 and sponsored by Senator Phillips-Hill.
A short summary of the report is also available on our website.
Music by Joseph McDade.
Broadband Internet Access Part 1
12/11/2020 10:00 AM
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 our website.
Music by Joseph McDade.
Reusing State Property for Drug Treatment
10/07/2020 11:00 AM
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 McDade
Full Report