Rotunda Ramblings

This week, the podcast sits down with Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) to talk about her bill to ban non-disclosure agreements in cases of sexual harrassment. We also talk about her district and what she enjoys about being a state senator. An update on the latest redistricting/state government news is provided.

In this episode of the podcast, we replay Gov. Tom Wolf's FY 2018-2019 budget address and update on the latest in budget and redistricting news.

The Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children's CEO, Joan Benso, sits down with the podcast to talk about a report they recently issued related to pre-K funding, especially as it relates to the state budget.

We're back and starting off the new year with an interview with Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) where we talk about current issues in Harrisburg, in the Lehigh Valley, and much more!

In this episode, we talk with Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky (D-Delaware) where we touch on the budget situation, pipeline safety, women in government, and more!

In this episode, we talk with Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky (D-Delaware) where we touch on the budget situation, pipeline safety, women in government, and more!

This episode talks over the latest in state budget news and has a feature interview with former state legislator and current president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Matt Smith.

This week, our Pittsburgh Bureau Chief Alanna Koll sits down with City Councilman Dan Lavelle to talk about his background, initiatives, and what he likes to do in his spare time.

In this episode we discuss the latest news on a state legislature moving along a revenue plan to balance the budget and we interview Dan Eisenhour of Dauphin County and Jack Carroll of Cumberland County about the Health Choices Behavioral Health program, now in its 20th year.

This week, we talk to former DEP Secretary David Hess, who reflects on the Quecreek Mine Rescue as we approach the event's 15th anniversary.

This week Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) joins the podcast to talk about the state of the budget and some of his ideas for how to generate revenue.

We have a budget-focused podcast this week where we sit down with House Appropriations Committee Democratic Chairman Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny) to discuss where things stand with developing a balanced FY 2017-2018 spending plan, what House Democrats hope to see out of the budget and related bills, and what needs to be done to rid Pennsylvania of its perennial structural deficit.

Wendell Young IV, the president of UFCW 1776, joins the podcast this week to argue against further liquor privatization. We talk about the budgetary side of the debate, how further privatization might impact jobs, and what his organization will be up to in order to prevent further privatization legislation from becoming law. In an overview of the week’s news, we discuss the House vote on gaming expansion legislation, the pension reform bill on the governor’s desk, and give a budget update.

This episode of the podcast features an interview with Americans for Prosperity Pennsylvania State Director Beth Anne Mumford about the organizations “Free Our Spirits” campaign, which seeks to address the issue of liquor privatization from a grassroots level. We also give a brief of the latest news items.

The podcast this week is joined by Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) who talks about his concerns with and opposition to the proposed merger of four human services related agencies–particularly the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs–as proposed by Gov. Tom Wolf and included as part of the House GOP-crafted budget that recently made its way to the Senate.

The podcast this week features a pension reform can’t miss as we sit down with PSERS executive director Glen Grell. Also, a recap of the week’s budget news and other items.

The podcast this week features an interview with NFIB State Director Kevin Shivers where we talk his organization’s take on current issues. Also, a rundown of the week’s news.

After we do an overview of the week’s news, Pittsburgh Bureau Chief Alanna Koll sits down for an interview with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto for the feature of the podcast. Mayor Peduto talks about his start in office, the need for state action on municipal pension reform, his vision for Pittsburgh, and what his love of hockey and music.

Our podcast this week features and interview with Sam Denisco, VP of Government Affairs for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry. We talk about Pennsylvania’s business climate and their take on legislative issues as they relate to business. Also included is a rundown of the week’s news.

We sit down with Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) on this week’s podcast where we talk about his start in public office, things he’s working on this session, and more!