Oversight Matters

Latest Episodes:

Oversight Matters: State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of Oversight Matters I am joined by State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh from Nebraska. Senator Cavanaugh has been a leader on legislative oversight in the Nebraska Unicameral. This is a unique legislature, with only one chamber and nonpartisan elected state senators. Today we focus on a child foster care contract in Nebraska. The oversight on this contract was conducted by Senator Cavanaugh and a team of other concerned Senators and staff. Our conversation takes several twists and turns, from initial concerns about the contract, to embezzlement, to what might happen next to better ensure children in need can receive essential care and support.

The views expressed on Oversight Matters do not necessarily represent the views of Wayne State University or Wayne State Law School.

Oversight Matters Episode 5: Youth and Government Oversight Program Oct 12, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of Oversight Matters my guests discuss the Youth and Government Oversight exercise program. The Levin Center offers this program to the YMCA and other high school level education programs across the nation. A scenario researched by team of Wayne Law volunteer students is prepared and then delivered to high school students who play the committee members and must work together to ask questions and gather facts on the scenario from the witnesses. This year's scenario involves school resource officers and social media algorithms.

The Levin Center has offered a different scenario every year for the simulated oversight hearing by students: one focused on an oil spill in the Great Lakes, another involved young workers being exploited by employers; and the most recent was a school resource officer asked to confront a student whose social media posts had been identified by an algorithm as threatening.

The views expressed on Oversight Matters do not necessarily represent the views of Wayne State University or Wayne State Law School.

Oversight Matters Episode 4: Ryan Alexander Aug 04, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of oversight matters, my guest is Ryan Alexander.

Ryan served as president of Taxpayers for Common Sense for fourteen years. Taxpayers for Common Sense is a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars and that government operates within its means. They conduct their own robust investigations and issue their own reports, an interesting example of oversight by a nonprofit.

Ryan has worked with allies all across the political spectrum to get things done, and has testified to Congress on a wide range of topics related to federal spending, subsidies, and fiscal policy. Her perspective on oversight is one of someone who conducted oversight not from a position in Congress, nor from a state legislature, but as a nonprofit seeking to inform the public and equip decision-makers with facts.

Ryan co-founded Appalachian Mountain Advocates, which she continues to chair, and sits on the boards of directors of the Fund for Constitutional Government, Project on Government Oversight, and R Street Institute.

Together, we discuss habitual oversight like the GAO’s high-risk list, and oversight on a wide range of topics including oil & gas and cybersecurity. I enjoyed this conversation and hope you all do as well.

The views expressed on Oversight Matters do not necessarily represent the views of Wayne State University or Wayne State Law School.

Oversight Matters Episode 3: California Assemblymember Ken Cooley Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

Assemblymember Ken Cooley shares stories on his favorite oversight memories, writing a comprehensive state legislative oversight handbook, and a special letter from Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.

The views expressed on Oversight Matters do not necessarily represent the views of Wayne State University or Wayne State Law School.

Oversight Matters Episode 2: Senator Carl Levin Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of Oversight Matters, Ben visits with Senator Carl Levin to discuss his new memoir, Getting to the Heart of the Matter: My 36 Years in the Senate. Together, they discussed the Detroit City Council, some favorite Senate memories, and the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan. Clips are shared throughout the podcast, featuring Senate colleagues sharing acclaim for Senator Levin’s service and legacy.

The views expressed on Oversight Matters do not necessarily represent the views of Wayne State University or Wayne State Law School.

What is oversight? How oversight generates positive reform. Part 2. Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

What is oversight? How oversight generates positive reform. Part 1. Jan 15, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of Oversight Matters, we will hear from two of the nation's leading experts on congressional oversight about the power of diving into the facts, the impact of ordinary Americans telling their stories and inspiring change, the capacity of oversight to hold global corporations accountable and to make even the wealthiest and most powerful people face the music for letting their customers or shareholders down.

Topics include social security disability, credit card interest reform, predatory sweepstakes, the Enron hearings, and secret swiss bank accounts.

You will hear why oversight matters.

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