Show-me Institute Podcast

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Stephane Lavertu, Professor at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University and a Senior Research Fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, about the so-called "fiscal cliff" in public education funding. They discuss the idea that returning to pre-pandemic funding levels constitutes a crisis, the implications of declining student enrollment, whether maintaining or increasing current funding levels is truly necessary, and more. Stéphane Lavertu’s teaching and research focus on public administration, political economy, public policy analysis and evaluation, and education policy and governance. He has a doctorate in political science from the University of Wisconsin, a master’s degree in education from Stanford University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from The Ohio State University. His interdisciplinary research examines the politics of public administration and the performance of public organizations, particularly in the co

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Judge Glock, the Director of Research and a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and a contributing editor at City Journal, about the ongoing attempts to address homelessness through housing policy. They explore the effectiveness of current housing initiatives, the challenges in implementing effective policy solutions, innovative approaches to reduce homelessness, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

James V. Shuls, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: – Their new report, "Longer Days and Fewer Total Hours: Examining the Four-Day School Week in Missouri" – The rise of the four-day school week in Missouri – The impact on student achievement and teacher retention – Parent opinion on the four-day school week, and more Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Bryan Caplan, Professor of Economics at George Mason University, about his latest book "Build, Baby, Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation." They discuss reducing housing regulations to address the housing shortage, the broader impacts of housing policy on urban development and affordability, how to talk about public policy, and more. Order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Baby-Science-Housing-Regulation/dp/1952223415 Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Ryan Bourne, the R. Evan Scharf Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics at the Cato Institute and editor of the book "The War on Prices: How Popular Misconceptions about Inflation, Prices, and Value Create Bad Policy." They discuss the effects of price controls, recent interventions in the economy, how to remind people about free market principals, and more. Ryan Bourne occupies the R. Evan Scharf Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics at Cato and is the author of the recent books Economics In One Virus, and The War on Prices. He has written on numerous economic issues, including fiscal policy, inequality, minimum wages, infrastructure spending, the cost of living and rent control. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass, David Stokes, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss the end of the 2024 Missouri Legislative Session.  Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: - The state budget - The final week of the legislative session - The latest plan in the City of St. Louis to deal with the prevalence of temporary tags, and more Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Andrew J. Rotherham is a co-founder and External Relations leader at Bellwether, a national nonprofit that exists to transform education to ensure systemically marginalized young people achieve outcomes that lead to fulfilling lives and flourishing communities. Rotherham also works in Bellwether’s Policy and Evaluation practice area and serves on the Virginia Board of Education. He occupies a unique place in the U.S. education sector working across silos. He has been appointed to senior policymaking roles by Democrats and Republicans, works at the intersection of research and policy, media, and practice, and is a longtime champion of heterodoxy, empiricism, and pragmatism in education policy. Rotherham writes the blog and newsletter Eduwonk.com. Learn more about Bellwether: https://bellwether.org/ Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Ignasi Grau Callizo is the General Director of International Organization for the Right to Education and Freedom of Education (OIDEL). Grau holds a double bachelor in Law and Business Administration and a master’s degree in Political Science. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

On April 23, 2024, at the Kansas City Public Library Central Branch, Jim Geraghty, Fellow at National Review Institute and National Review’s senior political correspondent, discussed his two reporting trips to Ukraine. Geraghty delved into the broader implications of the conflict and its significance for the United States. Geraghty writes the National Review’s widely read daily “Morning Jolt” newsletter and appears on the magazine’s weekly “The Editors” podcast. He also co-hosts two podcasts and has authored eight books, including "Heavy Lifting" with Cam Edwards and "Voting to Kill." This event was co-sponsored by Show-Me Institute, National Review Institute, the Kansas City Public Library, and Show-Me Opportunity.

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: - The need to update Missouri's tax and expenditure limits (the Hancock Amendment) - The passage of SB 727, the education reform bill, by the Senate and House - Metrolink expansion, and more Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass and James Shuls join Zach Lawhorn to discuss the House passing SB 727, sending it to the governor’s desk. The bill ended up being quite large. Here is some of what’s in it. Charter schools could be coming to Boone County. If a group of teachers, parents, or citizens wants to open a charter school and has a solid application, it can now apply to a university or the state charter school board for sponsorship. The group does not need the approval of a local school board. Eligibility for the MO Scholars scholarship program for low-income students and students with disabilities has been greatly expanded. There are no longer geographic restrictions for who is eligible. The income limits for eligibility have been raised. The total amount of tax credits that can be dedicated to the program was increased from $50 million to $75 million. And the dollar amount of the scholarship was raised to bring the number in line with the Foundation Formula amounts for similar types of students. Districts in t

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Patrick Tuohey join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: – The KC Stadium tax "No" vote victory – Other Missouri election day results – The latest on the $50 billion state budget that passed out of the House, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Reason Foundation's Aaron Smith about his recent report titled "Public education at a crossroads: A comprehensive look at K-12 resources and outcomes" Read the full report here: https://reason.org/k12-ed-spending/crossroads-report/ Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks to Mike McShane and Rick Hess about their new book " Getting Education Right: A Conservative Vision for Improving Early Childhood, K–12, and College" In Getting Education Right: A Conservative Vision for Improving Early Childhood, K–12, and College, Frederick M. Hess and Michael Q. McShane argue that America has too long suffered from the absence of a robust, coherent, and principled conservative vision for educational improvement. The problem? The right has too narrowly focused on school choice, campus speech, and shrinking Washington’s footprint, while the left has sought to subsidize and supersize the status quo. The solution? An education system imbued with shared values, respectful of family ties, and equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. Rooted in fundamental conservative principles, the book explains how we got here and where we need to go when it comes to early childhood, K–12, and higher education. Eschewing performative polemics, this book offers a field guide

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Patrick Tuohey join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: - The stadium tax debate in Kansas City - The MetroLink expansion plan advances in St. Louis - How to make it easier to access virtual health care in Missouri, and more Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Patrick Tuohey about the stadium funding debate in Kansas City. The Royals want a sales tax extension to pay for their new ballpark, potentially costing taxpayers between $4.4 billion and $6.4 billion. The Chiefs are also seeking tax dollars for upgrades to Arrowhead. Patrick Tuohey is senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute and co-founder and policy director of the Better Cities Project. Both organizations aim to deliver the best in public policy research from around the country to local leaders, communities and voters. He works to foster understanding of the consequences — often unintended — of policies regarding economic development, taxation, education, policing, and transportation. In 2021, Patrick served as a fellow of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. He is currently a visiting fellow at the Yorktown Foundation for Public Policy in Virginia and also a regular opinion columnist for The Kansas City Star. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks to Eric Wearne about The National Hybrid Schools Project. The National Hybrid Schools Project is the national clearinghouse for research, data, practices, and networking for the burgeoning hybrid home school movement. Eric Wearne is Associate Professor in the Education Economics Center at Kennesaw State University and Director of the Hybrid Schools Project. He is the author of Defining Hybrid Homeschools in America: Little Platoons (Lexington Books, 2020). His work has been published by the Peabody Journal of Education, the Journal of School Choice, Catholic Social Science Review, City Journal, and Law & Liberty, among others. He was previously Provost at Holy Spirit College, Associate Professor of Education Foundations at Georgia Gwinnett College, Director of Data Analysis and Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement in Atlanta, and a high school English and Debate teacher. He holds a PhD in Educational Studies from Emory University, a MA in English Educati

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Patrick Tuohey join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: - Key takeaways from Governor Parson's State of the State address - Does Missouri have a budget surplus? - A "source of income" ordinance passes in KC - What's moving in Jefferson City, and more LINKS: Patrick Tuohey's blog: https://showmeinstitute.org/blog/budget-and-spending/no-missouri-is-not-running-a-budget-surplus/ David Stokes Testimony on Source of Income Rules: https://showmeinstitute.org/publication/municipal-policy/house-bill-2385-and-source-of-income-rules-for-rentals/ Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with AEI's Nat Malkus about the problem of chronic absenteeism in America's schools following the COVID-19 pandemic. Nat Malkus is a senior fellow and the deputy director of education policy at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he specializes in empirical research on K–12 schooling. He is a national expert on a range of educational issues that affect students across the country—including Career and Technical Education, school choice, Advanced Placement, standardized testing, and how the nation’s schools responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity