Conduit Street Podcast

Latest Episodes:

State Revenues: Looking Beyond the Headline Oct 09, 2020

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson breakdown the latest state revenue projections, examine the role of federal stimulus funds in avoiding a catastrophic economic collapse, and explain why Maryland's better-than-expected fiscal picture may ultimately be at the mercy of Washington D.C. politics.

As previously reported on Conduit Street, Maryland's top fiscal leaders last week said that state revenues may weather the swift and unprecedented shock of the COVID-19 pandemic -- and shutdown measures to contain it -- better than expected. But, the Board of Revenue Estimates -- a three-member panel which includes Comptroller Peter Franchot, State Treasurer Nancy Kopp, and Secretary of Budget and Management David Brinkley -- warned that the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic will continue to make a swift and sustainable economic recovery challenging, more so if a second federal stimulus package isn’t approved.

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 Revenue Estimates to Vote on Revised FY 21 Projections, New FY 22 Forecast

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Revenues Exceed Expectations, But Economic Uncertainty Looms

Conduit Street Podcast: Watching Washington… Still

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: COVID-19 Relief, Spending Deadline Loom Large as Congress Returns to D.C.

2021 Top Issues: Put Public Health First — Protect Services and Promote Funding Oct 02, 2020

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are joined by MACo Legislative Director Natasha Mehu to breakdown MACo's 2021 Legislative Initiative to put public health first by protecting services and advocating for public health and emergency services to be properly supported with necessary funds to support staff, services, supplies, and technology -- not only in these times of crisis but for the everyday preventative and responsive health services they provide.

As previously reported on Conduit Street, MACo’s Legislative Committee voted at the September 16, 2020 meeting to adopt the Association’s four priorities for the 2021 Maryland General Assembly Session. MACo will prioritize county budget security, elections, broadband access, and public health support in the 2021 session.

PUT PUBLIC HEALTH FIRST – PROTECT SERVICES AND PROMOTE FUNDING

County public health and emergency agencies protect communities against epidemic threats, infectious diseases, addiction, mental illness, poverty, and violence, and provide care for everything from chronic diseases to critical life-threatening incidents. Despite their critical roles, these agencies face gaps in funding and outdated technology and infrastructure that challenge the delivery of vital services. Local health departments are still reeling from drastic state funding cuts from the last recession that remain unrestored, all while they serve on the front lines of a historic public health pandemic.

MACo advocates that public health and emergency agencies should be properly supported with necessary funds to support staff, services, supplies, and technology not only in these times of crisis but for the everyday preventative and responsive health services they provide.

Each year MACo adopts a slate of top legislative initiatives, typically representing the wide swath of services counties deliver to Maryland residents. The Initiatives Subcommittee meets through the summer to refine and focus a list of dozens of proposed initiatives into no more than four as required by the Association’s bylaws. The slate is then presented to the Legislative Committee for adoption.

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: MACo Announces 2021 Legislative Initiatives

Conduit Street Podcast: 2021 Top Issues: Broadband Accessibility Act of 2021

Conduit Street Podcast: 2021 Top Issues: Elections Fairness and Funding

Conduit Street Podcast: The Doctor Is In – A Follow-Up Visit

2021 Top Issues: Broadband Accessibility Act of 2021 Sep 25, 2020

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are joined by MACo Policy Associate Drew Jabin and Maryland State Office of Rural Broadband Director Kenrick Gordon to breakdown MACo's 2021 Legislative Initiative to build out broadband access across Maryland.

The Office of Rural Broadband’s mission is to ensure that every rural Marylander has access to broadband services, regardless of their zip code. Through partnerships with local jurisdictions and the private sector, the Office offers funding and technical assistance to help entities qualify for federal financing opportunities. The Office also has initiated a broadband funding structure through the Local Government Infrastructure Financing (LGIF) program at the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to complement other funding sources.

BUILD OUT BROADBAND: BROADBAND ACCESSIBILITY ACT OF 2021

Weaknesses in current broadband internet service occur in every jurisdiction, due to both geography and demography – too many Marylanders have been left on the wrong side of the “digital divide.” The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of broadband connectivity across the state. Students have transitioned to online learning, many professionals have shifted to telework, and applying for unemployment or small business assistance programs often requires access to the internet. Affordable high-speed internet is an essential component of a county’s economic development, while a lack of reliable broadband is a major barrier to socioeconomic opportunity, health, education, and quality of life.

MACo advocates for prioritizing funding to build out broadband access in Maryland, enhancing incentives and orchestrating opportunities for broadband deployment, and leveraging existing resources and infrastructure for broader use.

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: MACo Announces 2021 Legislative Initiatives

2021 Top Issues: Elections Fairness and Funding Sep 18, 2020

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson breakdown MACo's 2021 Legislative Initiative to ensure fair funding and proper local input for elections in Maryland.

ENSURE FUNDING FAIRNESS AND COUNTY ROLE IN ELECTIONS

The State Board of Elections (SBE) often makes unilateral decisions that place substantial administrative and cost burdens onto local Boards of Elections, whose operations are supported by county funding. Without proper resources to offset substantial costs for equipment purchases/leases, equipment storage and transportation, staff compensation and training, and other overhead, these state-mandated expenditures represent significant unfunded mandates on county governments.

MACo advocates to codify the 20-year precedent that voting machines and related systems be a split funding responsibility between the State and counties, require the State to fund salary increases for its employees overseeing elections at the local level, and ensure proper local input for large contract/procurement decisions that oblige county funds.

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: MACo Announces 2021 Legislative Initiatives

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Get Your Ballot by Mail (Not Email) to Save Time and Money

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

Senator Kagan’s Letter to the State Board of Elections (August 14, 2020)

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State to Provide More Ballot Drop Boxes, Allow for Earlier Canvassing of Mail-In Ballots

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo on General Election: State Should Pay Extra Ballot Costs

Legislators' Roadmap to Reconvene Sep 11, 2020

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are joined by Alex Butler to discuss the roadmap ahead for the Maryland General Assembly.
Topics include the pros and cons of convening a special session amid the COVID-19 pandemic, how guidance from the Maryland Attorney General may lead to big changes for the 2021 legislative session, a new proposal to cap the number of bills introduced in the Senate, and why lawmakers are under pressure to work out several high-profile bills prior to convening in Annapolis.

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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Maryland Matters: Josh Kurtz: The Pros and Cons of a Special Session

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Moves to Phase 3 Reopening, County Decisions Mixed

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MD to Enter Stage Three of Recovery, Hogan Continues to Push for In-Person Learning

Previous Conduit Street coverage: State Board of Ed Delays, Then Adopts New Local Schedule Mandates

Previous Conduit Street coverage: Hogan Urges In-Person Learning, Unveils New Health Metrics to Guide Local School Systems

The Doctor Is In — A Follow-Up Visit Sep 04, 2020

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are joined by Natasha Mehu and Calvert County Health Officer Dr. Laurence Polsky to discuss the latest on state and local efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Polsky shares his insights on school reopening, contact tracing, Maryland's move toward Stage Three of the Roadmap to Recovery plan, and the timeline for a safe, effective, and widely available COVID-19 vaccine.

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: State Moves to Phase 3 Reopening, County Decisions Mixed

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MD to Enter Stage Three of Recovery, Hogan Continues to Push for In-Person Learning

Previous Conduit Street coverage: State Board of Ed Delays, Then Adopts New Local Schedule Mandates

Previous Conduit Street coverage: Hogan Urges In-Person Learning, Unveils New Health Metrics to Guide Local School Systems

Watching Washington... Still Aug 27, 2020

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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 Aug 21, 2020

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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.

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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 Aug 13, 2020

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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.

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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 Jul 30, 2020

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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

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