WITF Smart Talk Podcast

February 7, 2019

Wolf budget focuses on education, workforce development

What to look for on Smart Talk, Wednesday February 6, 2019:

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is proposing a $34.1 billion 2019-2020 fiscal year budget for the state that focuses heavily on education and workforce development.

In his annual budget address Tuesday, Wolf outlined a broad plan of his priorities for Pennsylvania over the next 12 months. The governor started his budget message by saying he wasn’t asking for a tax increase. That’s even though Wolf’s plan calls for roughly a billion dollars in additional spending from the current fiscal year.

Some of the highlights include:

$13.7 billion for public education — a 3.3% increase.
Establishing a minimum salary for teachers of $45,000 annually
Increasing the minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 an hour by July 1 and increasing the minimum by 50 cent increments to $15 by 2025
Reducing the corporate net income tax from 9.99% to 5.99% by 2024
Allocating an addition $10 million for schools that provide technical and trade skills

Gov. Wolf also wants to enact a severance tax on natural gas drillers to pay for infrastructure upgrades.

Appearing on Wednesday’s Smart Talk to provide analysis of the governor’s budget plan is Franklin and Marshall College political analyst and pollster Dr. G. Terry Madonna.

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February 7, 2019

What happens to juveniles charged as adults? / New districts change election results?

More than 400 youth were charged in adult court in Pennsylvania in 2017 because of a law passed in 1995 (courtesy Joshua Vaughn, The Sentinel)

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, February 7, 2019:

Before 1995, criminal homicide was the only charge (other than traffic violation’s) that required a person under 18 appear in an adult court.

Then came Act 33, which was passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature and elevated certain felonies, committed under specified conditions and by people between the ages of 15 and 17, to adult court.

Act 33 made a significant impact on how the Commonwealth charges and adjudicates juvenile crime. In 2017 alone, more than 400 children aged 14 to 17 were charged with criminal offenses in adult court.

Adult courts can mean sentencing to adult jails, alongside adult offenders. The problems created for juveniles in this system are exponential.

The Carlisle Sentinel recently published an investigative series looking into how juveniles are treated within the adult criminal process.

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the series’ findings is Sentinel reporter Joshua Vaughn.

Joshua Vaughn

Also, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled last year that the Congressional district boundaries were unconstitutional. The Court asked the state legislators to offer an alternative map, but when they failed to do so, the Court adopted its own boundaries.

Before the most recent election there were 13 Republicans and five Democrats representing Pennsylvania in Congress. After the election, there was an even split of nine Republicans and nine Democrats.

What would the results have been if the election was held using the old boundaries?

Keystone Crossroads reporter Emily Previti analyzed the data and joins Smart Talk to discuss those results.

Emily Previti

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February 5, 2019

Bucknell poll measures Trump influence on voters/What’s next for Marsy’s Law in PA

President Donald Trump waves after stepping off Marine One, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, right, and son Barron Trump, on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Washington. Trump is returning from a trip to his Florida resort. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, February 5, 2019:

A recent national survey conducted by Bucknell University’s Institute for Public Policy Polling (BIPP), found that President Trump’s performance in office is influencing whether voters wll vote for Republican candidates in the future. The poll results are not good news for Republicans, especially when it comes to young voters.

Seventeen percent of American voters under age 35 felt that, given President Trump’s performance in office, they would support Republican candidates in the future. By comparison, 45 percent of American voters ages 55 and over felt that Trump’s term would make them more likely to support a Republican candidate in the future.

Appearing on Tuesday’s Smart Talk to discuss the Bucknell poll is Chris Ellis, Associate Professor of Political Science at Bucknell University.

Dr. Chris Ellis

Also, the U.S. Constitution and every state constitution provides legal rights for individuals accused of a crime and those convicted of a crime. Yet, in the U.S.many of those rights do not extend to victims of crime. Pennsylvania is one of those states without a Victims’ Rights Amendment to its Constitution.

That may be about to change.

It’s called Marsy’s Law for All and it was named after Marsalee Nicholas, a California co-ed murdered by an ex-boyfriend. Only a week after her death, her family members walked into a grocery store and were confronted by the accused murderer. They were not told that he had been released on bail.

The Marsy’s Law amendment will require that victims of violent crime and their families be treated with respect and dignity by the criminal justice system. And their safety must also be considered when courts set bail and release conditions.

The Marsy’s Law amendment passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly last session, and now needs one more passage by lawmakers before it goes to voters for a referendum.

Joining Smart Talk to talk about what is next for the legislation is Democratic Senator John Sabatina Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm, and Jen Riley, State Director, Marsy’s Law for Pennsylvania.

Jennifer Riley, Jennifer Storm, and Senator John Sabatina

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February 4, 2019

Election reform package and the 2019 State of Tobacco Control report

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, February 4, 2019:

States are granted the legal authority to hold elections by the U.S. Constitution. So, each state’s laws and regulations for conducting elections are as diverse as the state.

According to some members of the Pennsylvania legislature, the state election code needs modernized. A few changes that have been proposed would require a constitutional amendment to attain election reform.

The Senate’ State Government Committee assessed the Pennsylvania election code last session and, as a result, a group of Senators issued a memorandum outlining co-sponsorship election reforms.

Joining us on Monday’s Smart Talk to discuss the bipartisan initiative are two co-sponsors, Republican State Senator Mike Folmer representing parts of Lebanon, Dauphin, and York Counties and Democratic State Senator Judy Schwank representing Berks County.

Republican State Senator Mike Folmer (Lebanon, Dauphin, and York Counties) and Democratic State Senator Judy Schwank (Berks County).

Also, the American Lung Association put the state of Pennsylvania on notice that tobacco, as the leading cause of preventable death and disease, must become a priority for state elected officials.

The ALA identified three action areas for the state:

Raise the age of sale to 21 for all products, from the current age of 18.
Fund prevention and cessation programs, then don’t redirect the money.
Close loopholes in Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act.

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the State of Tobacco Control report and E-cigarette use among teens are Sarah Lawver, advocacy director, American Lung Association in Pennsylvania and Jennifer Hobbs Folkenroth, National Senior Director, Tobacco Health Education, American Lung Association.

Sarah Lawver, advocacy director, American Lung Association in Pennsylvania and Jennifer Hobbs Folkenroth, National Senior Director, Tobacco Health Education, American Lung Association.

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February 1, 2019

Pennsylvania sets carbon goals / Water quality systems need upgrade

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, February 1, 2019:

Last year, Governor Wolf signed an executive order to reduce carbon pollution in Pennsylvania. Carbon emissions are thought to be a major factor affecting global climate change, which Wolf calls “the most critical environmental threat facing the world.”

But the devil is in the details. Achieving a 26 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050 (from 2005 levels) is going to take the commitment of numerous state agencies and Pennsylvania taxpayers.

The executive order also establishes a “GreenGov Council” to coordinate the state agency response and monitor progress toward meeting the goals. The Secretaries of the Departments of General Services, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources will co-chair the Council.

Appearing on Smart Talk Friday to talk about reducing state carbon emissions are Patrick McDonnell, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Governor Wolf’s Deputy Chief of Staff Sam Robinson.

Sam Robinson and Secretary McDonnell.png

Governor Wolf’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Robinson, and Secretary Patrick McDonnell, PA Department of Environmental Protection.

Also, when the American Society of Civil Engineers released the 2018 Infrastructure Report Card in December, Pennsylvania earned an overall GPA of C minus. Seven of the state’s 18 critical infrastructure categories earned below average marks.

Drinking water is one of the categories with a D grade because of an estimated $14.2 billion in infrastructure needs over the next 20 years. Aging wastewater and stormwater systems have equally alarming projected resource demands.

Joining Smart Talk, along with Secretary McDonnell, to talk about what Pennsylvania can do to raise the grade is Greg Scott, ASCE Pennsylvania representative.

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January 31, 2019

STEM education and the rise of female inclusivity

portrait-of-young-female-college-student-in-chemistry-class-focused-picture-id958693616.jpg

iStock image

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, January 31, 2019:

As men continue to dominate the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the visibility of women in the those professions often goes unseen.

In fact, women make up almost half of the workforce in the United States. But when it comes to STEM-related careers, they quickly become outnumbered by men, making up only 24 percent of Americans in these fields.

Fortunately, the youngest generation of women is making their way up to the top as early, secondary, and post-secondary education programs begin to put a focus on females in STEM.

In Pennsylvania alone, many undergraduate programs are providing ample opportunities for women to establish careers in STEM-related fields. From 2013-2017, there was an 84 percent increase of female students enrolled in STEM courses at Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology. And at institutions like Harrisburg University, more than half of enrolled students are in graduate programs involving analytics, microbiology and “techpreneurship,” with 50 percent of the overall student population being women.

Appearing on Thursday’s Smart Talk to discuss the rise of women in STEM and the potential lack of inclusivity in STEM education is Stephanie Slocum, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Central Pennsylvania representative, Judd Pittman, STEM Advisor for the Department of Education, Beth Teske, Assistant Head of School for Academics and Science Department Chair at Linden Hall School for Girls, and Olivia Bennett, sophomore engineering student, York County School of Technology.

Judd Pittman, Olivia Bennett, Beth Teske, and Stephanie Slocum

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January 30, 2019

Deer season starting on Saturday?/Reconstruction: Forgotten history/Living history/Bethesda Mission expanding?

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, January 30, 2019:

The Pennsylvania Game Commission gave preliminary approval Tuesday to starting the firearm deer-hunting season on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. If adopted, the move would break a long-standing tradition of starting deer season on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Game Commission spokesman Travis Lau joins us on Wednesday’s Smart Talk to provide details.

The Reconstruction period after the Civil War is generally thought to be from 1865 to 1877. It’s a time that doesn’t get much attention in the history books, yet it’s a time when decisions were made that still are being felt today. Many of those decisions didn’t have a positive impact.

On Wednesday’s program, we’re joined by Dr. Allen Guelzo, author of the new book Reconstruction: A Concise History. Dr. Guelzo is the Henry R. Luce Professor of the Civil War Era and Director, Civil War Era Studies Program at Gettysburg College.

Events at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) typically include living-history activities. These feature individuals dressed in period clothing, reenacting the lives of soldiers from different time periods in the Army’s history.

Reenactment events allow visitors the opportunity to see how soldiers lived, and to gain an understanding of the complexity of military operations during the different wars.

On Saturday, February 9th from 10am to 4pm, the USAHEC Visitor and Education Center will host a free public event that will feature many living history organizations, along with hundreds of reenactors from all periods of U.S. Army and world military history.

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the event is Karl Warner, an educator with the USAHEC.

Karl Warner

Also, the Bethesda Mission in Harrisburg recently launched the #iheartHBG campaign, a partnership with 14 local coffee shops. Their goal is to build greater community pride, bolster local business, and raise awareness for a new Community Center on Herr Street in Harrisburg.

Coffee shop patrons will receive a #iheartHBG cup sleeve when they purchase a cup of coffee at the participating businesses.

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the initiative is Katie Andreano, Communications Manager, Bethesda Mission and Rick Hawtry, owner of Capital Joe, with locations in both Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg.

Rick Hawtry and Katie Andreano

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January 29, 2019

Area highway upgrades and PA firefighters are impacted by shutdown funding

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, January 29, 2019:

Anyone traveling in and through central Pennsylvania on area highways knows that truck and car traffic volume is on the rise. Traffic growth is one of the pitfalls of a thriving economy.

More traffic means greater wear and tear on the highway system and highlights the need for possible road expansion projects.

Construction projects on I-83 around Harrisburg are currently underway. The master plan includes improvements to area interchanges and bridgework. Funding is approved and work on I-83 will happen over the next 10 years. I-83 could be expanded to 12 lanes between Paxton and Second Streets in Harrisburg.

The I-81 “plan,” however, is still in the concept phase. A feasibility study is complete, but no money is allocated and there is no timeline, either. A lot must happen before any construction takes place. I-81 may be widened to six lanes between the Maryland border and I-78.

Appearing on Smart Talk Tuesday to discuss highway planning is Mike Keiser, PennDOT District 8 Executive.

Mike Keiser

Also, fire companies in Pennsylvania are experiencing extreme shortages of volunteers. Since the 1970s the number of volunteers have dropped dramatically.

Some area companies recently received a FEMA grant to help pay for a recruiting campaign to attract volunteers. The problem is that while companies have obligated the grant money, they have yet to be reimbursed due to the recent government shutdown.

The shutdown may be over for now, but that doesn’t mean the money is flowing yet.

Joining Smart Talk to discuss the impact this has on recruitment is Duane Hagelgans, spokesman for the Lancaster County Fire Chiefs Association.

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January 28, 2019

Pennsylvania counties’ legislative priorities

serious-confident-black-businessman-sitting-at-conference-table-with-picture-id1073477990.jpg

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, January 28, 2019:

There are 67 counties in Pennsylvania, each one with unique municipalities and governing challenges.

Every year, the state’s County Commissioners assemble a list of legislative priorities that best represent the interests of all of them. Because county governments provide direct human services to their publics, their priorities are often high stake. The 2019 legislative priorities reflect this.

Voting system improvements and broadband expansion are just two of the priorities that appear on the list this year.

Joining us on Monday’s Smart Talk to discuss the 2019 County Government priorities are Lisa Schaefer, Director of Government Relations, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, and Kathi Cozzone, CCAP president and a Chester County commissioner.

Lisa Schaefer and Kathi Cozzone.png

Lisa Schaefer, Director of Government Relations for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, and Kathi Cozzone, CCAP president and a Chester County commissioner.

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January 25, 2019

Smart Talk Road Trip to Phillips Museum at Franklin & Marshall College

Image Credit: Michael Wells, Southern Arizona, 2010, Photograph, Courtesy of the Artist

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, January 25, 2019:

It’s a Smart Talk Road Trip to the Phillips Museum at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster. A new exhibit at the museum, titled Hostile Terrain, is a timely art expression on migration and border crossing between Mexico and the United States.

Hostile Terrain is a multi-media installation that utilizes material drawn from the Undocumented Migration Project (UMP), which is a long-term research, education and art collective. The UMP employs a combination of archaeological, forensic, ethnographic, archival, and visual approaches to document and understand the often-secretive migration between Latin America and the United States. The art installations focus on sensory expression to illuminate the world of clandestine migration.

The Hostile Terrain exhibit is a collaboration between curator Jason De León, artist Lucy Cahill, and founding UMP photographer Michael Wells. They appear on Smart Talk to discuss the exhibit and its inspiration.

Also appearing on the program are Amy Moorefield, Director of the Philips Museum of Art and Kourelis, an Associate Professor of Art History and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History at F and M about how the exhibit can be used as a teaching tool.

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