Conduit Street Podcast
Maryland Association of Counties
Subscribe
A podcast on Maryland policy and politics. Stay in the know about how the General Assembly, Governor, state agencies, and county leaders affect the essential services that Marylanders depend on each and every day. Tune in for deep dives into state and county issues, special guests from around the state, and our world-famous dad jokes. We’ve got you covered on the Maryland Association of Counties’ Conduit Street Podcast.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
6 hours ago
County Budgets: The Annapolis Effects
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a post-crossover look at how counties are faring in the State budget, the mounting fiscal pressures to implement the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, and promising new research on the efficacy of... dad jokes!
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage*: *Intended to Lessen the Burden of Hiring Local Blueprint Coordinators, Amended Bill Now Elevates the Mandate Counties
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Local Blueprint Implementation Plans Now Available Online
Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Report on House Bill 200 – the Budget Bill and House Bill 202 – the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act
'Hi Embarrassed, I'm Dad': How Dad Jokes Could Help Kids' Development
playlist_add
Mar 17, 2023
Creeping Up On Crossover
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Sarah Sample talk about the fast pace of the legislative session as we approach the "crossover" date and then dig into several public safety and health issues. MACo's efforts to improve laws around body-worn officers are progressing but still face hurdles ahead. They also discuss the settlements with companies who profited from the opioid scourge and the resources landing in Maryland to help fight that continuing crisis.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous **Conduit Street** Coverage*
Senate Passes Both MACo Body-Worn Camera Initiative Bills
Counties Support State Funding of Body-Worn Cameras
Counties Support Regulations on the Handling of Body-Worn Camera Footage
playlist_add
Mar 10, 2023
The State of Play for School Funding
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brianna January joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including an analysis of Supplemental Budget #1 and the latest on several bills that would have a significant impact on state and local funding for Maryland's public schools.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous Conduit Street Coverage*
Supplemental Budget Proposed: Funds Disparity Grants, Updates Education Funding
County Leaders Address State Board of Education on Blueprint Successes, Concerns
MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives
Follow MACo's advocacy efforts during the 2023 legislative session on MACo's Legislative Tracking Database
playlist_add
Mar 3, 2023
Nod to The North Star State
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson hosts Association of Minnesota Counties Executive Director Julie Ring. Michael and Julie discuss the two states' similarities and differences, the role of local governments before state policymakers, and central policy debates, including housing policy, opioid abuse, and legalizing cannabis.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Information about the Association of Minnesota Counties:
*About the Association of Minnesota Counties
National Conference of County Association Executives
Minnesota – Maryland comparisons
playlist_add
Feb 24, 2023
Local Leaders Talk Collaboration and Cannabis
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson hosts Maryland Municipal League CEO Theresa Kuhns to discuss the two organizations' collaboration on local government issues and advocacy and to dive into the many policy considerations (local government issues and otherwise) around implementing adult-use cannabis in Maryland.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Information about the Maryland Municipal League:
*About the Maryland Municipal League
MML 2023 Summer Conference Information
*Previous **Conduit Street** Coverage
*
MACo to House: Watch Revenues, Zoning on Cannabis Reform
MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives
playlist_add
Feb 3, 2023
A Local Take on the State Budget Plan
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a closer look at Governor Moore's budget and spending plan, with an eye on things that affect county governments and the services we deliver locally.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous **Conduit Street** Coverage
*
DLS: New Tax Data Reveals Disparity Grant Program Underfunded by $54M*
*Governor's 2024 Budget – What It Means for Counties
Follow MACo's advocacy efforts during the 2023 legislative session on MACo's Legislative Tracking Database
MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives
playlist_add
Jan 27, 2023
Early Session Observations
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brianna January joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a first look at Governor Moore's fiscal 2024 budget, the General Assembly's newly minted budget authority, and other odds and ends from around town.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous Conduit Street Coverage
*Governor’s 2024 Budget – What It Means for Counties
Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2023 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
Watching the 90 Day Session – Deadlines and Timetables
General Assembly to Allow In-Person AND Virtual Testimony for 2023 Sessio
MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives
playlist_add
Jan 13, 2023
New Session, New Faces
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the kickoff of the 2023 legislative session -- which features lots of new faces, new hybrid testimony protocols, new budgetary authority for the General Assembly, and more!
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous Conduit Street Coverage
*Watching the 90 Day Session – Deadlines and Timetables
General Assembly to Allow In-Person AND Virtual Testimony for 2023 Session
MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives
playlist_add
Dec 23, 2022
Session Preview: Climate, Housing, and Fostering Firefighters
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to preview the 2023 legislative session. As legislators prepare to descend on Annapolis, environmental issues, housing, a changing climate, and addressing volunteer firefighter shortages are all hot topics.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous **Conduit Street** Coverage
*MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives
Counties, Stakeholders Talk Affordable Housing at MACo Symposium
MD Climate Change 2022 Report: Mixed Bag for Counties
4 Reminders for Winter #MACoCon
playlist_add
Dec 16, 2022
Special Episode: No Pix X Conduit Collab
Conduit Street proudly presents an installment from the No Pix After Dark Podcast. In this episode, Kevin Kinnnally joins NoPix host Aaron Dante for a conversation on state/local policy and politics, MACo's advocacy and member services, effectuating change, and more!
Voted" *Best in Baltimore" *by The Baltimore Sun and Baltimore Magazine readers, No Pix After Dark seeks to build a community of human experience, storytelling, and conversation.
*Useful Links
**
*No Pix After Dark Podcast
No Pix After Dark on Twitter
playlist_add
Dec 9, 2022
Session Preview: Health, Public Safety, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to preview the 2023 legislative session. As legislators prepare to descend on Annapolis, public health, public safety, and human services are all hot topics.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous **Conduit Street** Coverage
*MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives
Maryland Braces for Flu Season with Trifecta of Respiratory Viruses
From the Ground Up: Implementing Police Accountability at #MACoCon
4 Reminders for Winter #MACoCon
playlist_add
Dec 2, 2022
Session Preview: Education (And More)
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brianna January joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to preview the 2023 legislative session. Education funding, personnel shortages, school construction, and the impact of adult-use cannabis on the workplace are all hot topics as legislators prepare to descend on Annapolis.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous **Conduit Street** Coverage
*MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives
Spending Affordability Committee Focuses on Education, State Vacancies
County Leaders to Tackle Modern Workplace Considerations at #MACoCon
Counties to AIB: More Details Needed to Inform Blueprint Implementation
playlist_add
Nov 17, 2022
Yes to Public Information, and Yes to Privacy Protections
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Hilary Ruley joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to explain why new and evolving technologies like body-worn cameras present unique challenges under Maryland's Public Information Act and the need for more balanced rules for releasing body-worn camera footage -- one that preserves transparency and accountability while protecting victims, families, and witnesses.
Hilary Ruley is the chief solicitor at the Baltimore City Law Department.
*2023 MACo Legislative Initiative: Centralized Resources for Body-Worn Cameras*
State law will soon require body-worn cameras for all law enforcement officers, but advancing this goal remains elusive. Requiring each agency, no matter how small, to create its regime for equipment procurement, footage storage, and redaction policies invites widespread duplication of effort. Moreover, requiring state laws regarding wide-open public access to the footage presents an ominous burden on custodians to…
playlist_add
Nov 11, 2022
Elections and Reflections
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Victoria Maas discuss early returns from this week's election, including state and local races, statewide ballot measures, and new term limits in Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous **Conduit Street** Coverage*
2022 County General Election Results – MACo Summary
Statewide Ballot Questions Pass Comfortably
Voters Approve New Term Limits for Anne Arundel Council, Baltimore City Elected Officials
playlist_add
Oct 28, 2022
Launching Public Safety Comms w/FirstNet
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Lori Stone joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss FirstNet -- the first high-speed, nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. This reliable, highly secure, interoperable, and innovative public safety communications platform brings 21st-century tools and technology to first responders and the extended public safety community.
Lori Stone is a Senior Public Safety Advisor (DC, MD, NC, VA, WV) at the First Responder Network Authority, an independent agency within the US Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that oversees FirstNet.
FirstNet is a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership between the federal government and AT&T. FirstNet offers public safety a communications network built to their operational and technical needs that helps them save lives and protect our communities.
Since being founded in 2012, the FirstNet Authority has colla…
playlist_add
Oct 13, 2022
Back to Basics: MACo’s Top Issues
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson walk through MACo's Legislative Initiatives for the 2023 Maryland General Assembly Session.
Counties will prioritize transparency, local decision-making, public safety, and schools in the 2023 session*. *MACo's Legislative Committee will take positions on hundreds of bills, but these four issues serve as the Association's priorities for the year.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links
*Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives
playlist_add
Oct 7, 2022
Capital Debt, School Construction, and Bonds? And No, We Don't Mean 007
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Brianna January, and Michael Sanderson discuss the significance of the Capital Debt Affordability Committee (CDAC), preview its upcoming meetings, and explain why the CDAC recommendations are often a forerunner for Maryland's short- and long-term fiscal picture.
CDAC, chaired by State Treasurer Derick Davis, will meet on October 11, 14, and 19, 2022, to discuss the State's fiscal health and consider the limit on new state capital debt for the next fiscal year.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Capital Debt Affordability Committee Sets Agenda for First Meeting Amid Quirky Year
Conduit Street Podcast: Crystal Ball on the State's Budget Surplus and Process
playlist_add
Sep 29, 2022
Why Nobody Loves the Property Tax
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss property taxes, and why people tend to despise the property tax more than any other tax.
The property tax is the largest source of local revenue for Maryland's county governments. Counties depend on property tax revenue to fund public health, schools, public safety, roadway maintenance, and other essential public services upon which all county residents depend.
Yet, people hate the property tax more than other taxes. Why? Maybe it's because the property tax is the only tax left on the books for which people must write a big check.
Income taxes and Social Security contributions are withheld from paychecks before the recipients get their hands on the money. Merchants and other businesses remit sales taxes. The property tax is the only tax that a regular person gets a bill and has to pay it.
Is the property tax a tax on consumption (your house's cost)? If so, the tax is regressive, becaus…
playlist_add
Sep 23, 2022
Crystal Ball on the State’s Budget Surplus and Process
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down the driving factors behind another multi-billion unanticipated budget surplus for the State of Maryland and what it could mean for the next legislative session.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Fed Raises Interest Rates Another 75 Basis Points, Predicts Future Hikes to Tame Inflation
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Closes with $2B Surplus, School Construction to Get Boost
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Statewide Ballot Questions Pass Comfortably
playlist_add
Sep 16, 2022
Assessing Agritourism and Agritainment
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss Maryland's agritourism property tax structure.
Maryland was the first state to formally adopt a policy providing lower assessments on land actively devoted to farming or woodland uses. It is called the "agricultural use assessment" and applies to farmland or woodland that meets the criteria outlined in State law.
Many counties are interested in promoting agricultural tourism to support the agricultural industry. Agritourism can be a means of keeping farms profitable during times of low production, and it offers opportunities to highlight Maryland counties' unique agrarian assets. However, defining these activities for tax purposes is tricky.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.…
playlist_add
Sep 1, 2022
Oversight, Opioids, and … Henry VI?
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, D'Paul Nibber joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss new developments and guidance for implementing the Police Accountability Act. Plus, learn why a new wrinkle in the historic settlement between the State of Maryland and opioid manufacturers/distributors is delaying needed resources for local governments to save even more Marylanders from the terrible problems of opioid abuse.
*Update:* *Post recording, two consent judgments were filed in Maryland's Circuit Court for Frederick County, allowing settlement funds from Johnson and Johnson and several major opioid medication distributors to flow to the State and local governments.*
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Cov…
playlist_add
Aug 25, 2022
Live From #MACoCon: SAS Talks Tech Tools for Tomorrow's Counties
Counties can’t rely on yesterday’s approaches to solve tomorrow’s problems. The core mission of local government is to serve residents, ensuring the safety and well-being of all people. Innovation is necessary to accomplish this today. With advanced analytics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, counties can put data to work, improving outcomes for residents.
At the MACo Summer Conference Podcast Spotlight session, SAS Global Government Strategic Advisor Jennifer Robinson joined Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson for a live recording of the Conduit Street Podcast. Learn how SAS supports counties in achieving better customer service, increasing constituent engagement, enhancing public safety and community trust, fostering economic growth, and more.
*Thanks to **SAS** for sponsoring this session!*
* Learn more about SAS
* Follow SAS on Twitter
* Follow Jennifer Robinson on Twitter
*Learn more about **MACo’s Summer Conference**:*
* Full Program…
playlist_add
Aug 4, 2022
Digging Into Tax Caps in Maryland
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson dive into how property tax caps work in Maryland. While proponents argue that tax caps encourage economic growth and opportunity, opponents worry that capping revenues depletes limited local resources. And nuances in Maryland law add complexity to the issue.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
playlist_add
Jul 29, 2022
Our 70th Summer #MACoCon, a Preview
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo Communications Coordinator Victoria Maas joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to preview the 2022 MACo Summer Conference, August 17-20 in Ocean City. MACo and county leaders will explore resources available for recovering and struggling businesses, creative ways to achieve common goals, and partnerships to take our communities from “surviving” to “thriving.”
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
Taking the call from anywhere: Testing remote 911 capabilities
The MACo Summer Conference is August 17-20, 2022, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. This year’s conference theme is “Taking Care of Business.”
*Learn more about **MACo’s Summer Conference**:*
* Attendee Regi…
playlist_add
Jul 13, 2022
State House Reporter Pamela Wood Sticks the Landing
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, award-winning journalist Pamela Wood joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss Maryland policy and politics, including the 2022 election, life on the state and local government beat, the rise of digital journalism, gymnastics, and more.
Pamela Wood covers Maryland politics and government for The Baltimore Banner. She previously reported for The Baltimore Sun, The Capital, and other Maryland newspapers on topics as varied as politics, local government, the environment, healthcare, and breaking news.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
Follow Pamela Wood on Twitter.
Read Pamela Wood's latest reporting online at The Baltimore Banner.
playlist_add
Jul 8, 2022
Safe and Smart Elections With David Levine
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, renowned elections expert David Levine joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss election integrity and efficiency. Topics include strategies to deter and defend against misinformation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and protecting election officials and voters from malign actors.
David Levine is the Elections Integrity Fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy, where he assesses vulnerabilities in electoral infrastructure, administration, and policies. David is also an advisory committee member for the Global Cyber Alliance's Cybersecurity Toolkit for Elections, an advisory council member for the Election Reformers Network, a member of the Election Verification Network, and a contributor to the Fulcrum. Previously, he worked as the Ada County, Idaho Elections Director, managing the administration of all federal, state, county, and local district elections.
Mr. Levine received his JD from the Case Western Sch…
playlist_add
Jun 24, 2022
Election Anxiety, and the Gas Tax Debate Returns
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson explain why some local boards of elections may struggle to report timely results for the upcoming primary election. Plus, a breakdown of why President Biden's call to temporarily suspend federal and state gas taxes faces severe headwinds on both Capitol Hill and State Circle in Annapolis.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Related **Conduit Street** Coverage*
Hogan Veto Jeopardizes Timely Election Results
Senator Kagan Calls for State of Emergency to Address Election Vetoes
Voting in the 2022 Primary Election? Here's What You Need to Know
(What's the Deal With) Maryland's Quirky Gas Tax
Presiding Officers Reject Calls for Special Session
Comptroller Calls for Special Session to…
playlist_add
Jun 9, 2022
Playing it Safe: The Latest on Infectious Threats
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, D'Paul Nibber joins Kevin Kinnally to provide a roundup of the latest public health threats, including (still) COVID-19, Monkeypox, and tick-borne diseases. Plus, learn how local health departments prevent and control communicable diseases using surveillance, outbreak response, education, preparedness, et cetera.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Monkeypox – A Maryland Primer
playlist_add
Jun 2, 2022
Empire State of Mind
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Executive Director Stephen Acquario joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss several policy issues and shared priorities. Hear how New York counties are handling a resurgence in COVID cases, working to modernize EMS, battling the opioid epidemic, managing the legalization of adult-use cannabis, and more (plus thoughts on the upcoming Belmont Stakes).
Established 330 years ago by an act of the British king, New York's counties are at the heart of New York State. From Niagara Falls to the Finger Lakes, from the Adirondacks to Long Island Sound, New York's counties represent diverse landscapes, cities, towns, farms, mountains, and everything in between.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street…
playlist_add
May 27, 2022
(What’s the Deal With) Maryland’s Quirky Gas Tax
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the policy and politics of Maryland's motor fuel tax, which on July 1 is due for an automatic inflation-driven increase of 6.6 cents per gallon.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links
*Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Presiding Officers Reject Calls for Special Session
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Comptroller Calls for Special Session to Halt Automatic Gas Tax Hike
playlist_add
May 18, 2022
Covering Lots of Ground With Rep. Trone
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Congressman David Trone joins Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally to discuss the importance of local partnerships as he works to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders -- including the opioid epidemic, criminal justice reform, mental health, and funding for medical research.
Congressman David Trone was elected in 2018 to serve Maryland’s Sixth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties. Representative Trone serves on the House Appropriations and Veterans’ Affairs Committees and the Joint Economic Committee.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Congressman Trone’s Website
Follow…
playlist_add
May 13, 2022
Talking History and Policy with Preservation Maryland
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Preservation Maryland President and CEO, Nicholas Redding, joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss preservation, smart growth, Program Open Space, Maryland's rich heritage, and more!
Preservation Maryland is the state's oldest, largest, and most effective preservation organization. Nicholas Redding has led the organization since 2014 and oversees the operations, programs, and growing professional staff.
Since his arrival, he has overseen a complex merger and the subsequent creation of Smart Growth Maryland, a dynamic new program. Additionally, he has partnered with the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center to establish the Campaign for Historic Trades, a new program dedicated to developing the next generation of traditional tradespeople.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes…
playlist_add
May 5, 2022
Session Wrap-Up: Health and Safety
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, D'Paul Nibber joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson for the last segment of a series of episodes to recap the 2022 legislative session. This week, an overview of legislation to implement the landmark opioid settlement, police accountability boards, body cameras, public safety funding, and more.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: The Opioid Settlements: Where Are We Now?
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: A FY23 Budget Compromise: Extra $46M for Police Aid, Targeting Violent Crime
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Sine Die Surprise: General Assembly Approves Police Accountability Board Fixes
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: 2022 Ses…
playlist_add
Apr 29, 2022
Session Wrap-Up: Paid Leave and Everything Education
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brianna January joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson for the second segment of a series of episodes to recap the 2022 legislative session. This week, an overview of the statewide paid family and medical leave program (FMLA), a sweeping school construction bill, community college funding, and pandemic-driven tweaks to the [Kirwan] Blueprint for Maryland's Future.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
2022 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
The Legislature Passed Paid Family Leave. Here’s What Counties Need to Know.
What’s Your County’s School Funding Requirement? Watch This Bill.
2022 End of Session Wrap-Up: Education
2022 End of Session Wrap-Up: School Construction a…
playlist_add
Apr 21, 2022
Post-Session Wrap-Up: Climate, Landfills, Ambulances
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson for the first in a series of episodes to recap the 2022 legislative session. This week, an overview of the sweeping Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, a suite of cybersecurity bills, MACo's EMS Initiative, extended producer responsibility (ERP), and more!
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
2022 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
Counties, Allies: Time to Bring EMS Support “Up to Speed”
2022 End of Session Wrap-Up: Environment
2022 End of Session Wrap-Up: Information Technology
2022 End of Session Wrap-Up: Transportation and Public Works
playlist_add
Apr 8, 2022
And Down the Stretch They Come
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson breakdown the latest on MACo's 2022 Legislative Initiatives, discuss the status of several high-profile bills, and preview the days ahead before the General Assembly adjourns Sine Die.
The Conduit Sreet Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
MACo Legislative Tracking Database
MACo Legislative Initiatives
*Previous Conduit Street Coverage*
What’s In the Highway User Revenues Deal?
Senate Passes MACo EMS Initiative
General Assembly Passes MACo Election Initiative
Governor, Presiding Officers Announce $1.86 Billion Tax Relief Plan
The Legislature Passed Paid Family Leave. Here’s What Counties Need to Know.
playlist_add
Mar 18, 2022
Everything Elections
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, State Board of Elections Director of Candidacy and Campaign Finance, Jared DeMarinis, joins Kevin Kinnally to discuss the latest election news, policy, and trends. Topics include this week's decision to push back Maryland's primary election, voting trends, cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, and a disturbing uptick of threats and intimidations against election officials.
The Conduit Sreet Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MD Primary Election, Candidate Filing Deadline Moved by Court of Appeals
MACo Legislative Initiative: SB 956 / HB 1409 -- Criminal Law - Threats to Public Officials
State Board of Elections Website
Follow the State Board of Elections on Twitter
playlist_add
Mar 4, 2022
The Business and Policy of Cannabis
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Anne Arundel Community College Business Professor Shad Ewart joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the business and policy of cannabis.
Learn why public health, social equity, local reinvestment, tax and license structures, entrepreneurial opportunities, and economic development remain at the forefront of the discussion as state lawmakers consider how to best foster the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry.
Professor Shad Ewart is an expert on cannabis policy and designed and developed the first course to explore the entrepreneurial opportunities created by the legalization of cannabis for medical use in Maryland.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Follow Shad Ewart…
playlist_add
Feb 25, 2022
Late-Ish Night With Luedtke
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, House Majority Leader Delegate Eric Luedtke joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from the Maryland General Assembly, including state/local tax policy, the Great Maryland Outdoors Act, adult-use cannabis, and more!
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: House Leaders Unveil $300M “Family Budget Boosters” Tax Relief Package
Natural Resources - Maryland Park Service and State Parks - Alterations (Great Maryland Outdoors Act)
playlist_add
Feb 18, 2022
The Boys Are Back in Town
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including an update on the Senate's return to in-person testimony; MACo's recognition awards; and a busy week for the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB), which is tasked with overseeing the implementation of Maryland's major education policy reform initiative known as the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MD Senate Updates Protocols: In-Person/Public Access Hearings Start Feb 14
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Blueprint Oversight Board Suggests Updates to Its Timeline
playlist_add
Feb 11, 2022
Senate Re-Opening, Selfies at the Polls?
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the Senate's plan to resume in-person committee hearings next week, why billions in federal infrastructure funding may play a big role in this year's budget deliberations, and a push to allow Maryland voters to take and publish "ballot selfies" at the polling place.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MD Senate Updates Protocols: In-Person/Public Access Hearings Start Feb 14
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Subcabinet for Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Implementation Established
HB 629 – Election Law - Polling Places and Early Voting Centers - Electronic…
playlist_add
Feb 4, 2022
Back to School on Education Policy
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brianna January joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss education policy and a plethora of bills related to Maryland's public schools. School funding, capital facilities, enrollment, curriculum, and the potential for "Kirwan 3.0" are all hot topics amidst the 2022 session.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
playlist_add
Jan 28, 2022
Opioid Deal in the Books, More Health and Legal Issues
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, D'Paul Nibber joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to detail a monumental deal to distribute needed resources to local governments from a historic settlement between the State and opioid manufacturers/distributors.
Plus, an update on MACo's Legislative Initiative to protect public officials from threats and intimidations, legislation to address fiscal and administrative challenges with implementing body camera programs, and a bill to reverse a Maryland Court of Appeals decision that preempts local tobacco regulation.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
playlist_add
Jan 21, 2022
Flipping Through the Fiscal Plan
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson breakdown Governor Hogan’s $58.2 billion proposed budget, including administration priorities, funding for essential county programs and services, and a peculiar omission of $125 million in seemingly mandated education funding.
Plus, we explain why a proposal to eliminate all state income taxes for retirees by 2028 — a centerpiece of the governor’s overall fiscal plan — will trigger a fascinating policy debate over long-term commitments vs. one-time spending amidst an unprecedented surplus and strong cash outlook.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Proposed Budget Documents (fiscal 2023):
Budget Highlights
* Volume I
* Volume II
*Previous Conduit Stre…
playlist_add
Jan 14, 2022
Conduit Street Podcast: '22 Session Kickoff, EMS in Crisis
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Dominic Butchko, and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the kickoff of the 2022 legislative session -- which again features virtual committee hearings, pro forma floor sessions, and strict health and safety protocols.
Plus, we explain how a 2022 MACo Legislative Initiative aims to provide immediate relief to EMS personnel, frontline responders, and hospitals -- all of whom are sounding the alarm and pleading for help amid the unprecedented strain on healthcare personnel and infrastructure.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
House Committees to Meet Virtually for 2022 Session: Here’s What You Need to Know
Senate Committees to Meet Virtually T…
playlist_add
Dec 30, 2021
Happy New Year, Let's Do The Numbers
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson preview Maryland’s budget picture and fiscal outlook, including a breakdown of the driving forces behind the record State budget surplus, higher-than-expected tax receipts, and bullish revenue projections.
Plus, a look at the Spending Affordability Committee’s recommendations to help guide fiscal 2023 budget decisions, including shoring up reserve funds, repaying unfunded liabilities, and prioritizing one-time construction costs.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Top Issues of 2022 Session: Budget and Fiscal Outlook
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Spending Fiscal Leaders on Surplus: Bolster Rainy Day Fund, Repay Unfunded Lia…
playlist_add
Dec 17, 2021
Cyber Headlines and Conference Highlights
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Dominic Butchko, and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis. This week, the latest on recent high-profile cyberattacks against state and local governments -- including the ongoing incident affecting the Maryland Department of Health. Plus, a recap of the 2021 MACo Winter Conference, a rundown of last week’s special session of the Maryland General Assembly, and more!
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MD Cybersecurity Study: State Should Do More to Help Local Govts
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: BIG Changes in Local Govt Cyber Security Insurance
The Washington Post: Opinion: Maryland has your Social Security Number. Is i…
playlist_add
Dec 3, 2021
December Grab Bag
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis. This week, a breakdown of MACo's Legislative Initiative to clarify and update election laws with an emphasis on fairness, transparency, and accountability, a preview of next week's special session of the Maryland General Assembly, and more!
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Announces 2022 Legislative Initiatives
BPW Breakthrough: Panel Seeks, Receives Cost Split to Help Counties
Conduit Street Podcast: Back to Basics – MACo's Top Issues
Conduit Street Podcast: Protecting Public Servants, Tying Up Loose Ends
playlist_add
Nov 12, 2021
Protecting Public Servants, Tying Up Loose Ends
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, D'Paul Nibber joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis.
This week, a breakdown of MACo's Legislative Initiative to protect public officials from threats and intimidations, the latest on the State's proposal to distribute opioid settlement funds, the path forward for the federal vaccine-or-test mandate for employers with at least 100 employees — which is on hold pending judicial review, and new details on next month's special session of the Maryland General Assembly.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Conduit Street Podcast: Back to Basics – MACo's Top Issues
Conduit Street Podcast: Digging Deep Into the Opioid Deal
Previous Conduit Street Covera…
playlist_add
Nov 5, 2021
Back to Basics – MACo’s Top Issues
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis.
This week, we break down two of MACo's 2022 Legislative Initiatives – reinvesting in local transportation infrastructure and ensuring first responders have the resources they need to deliver life-saving care – and discuss the latest on the $1 trillion infrastructure bill pending before Congress.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Announces 2022 Legislative Initiatives
Conduit Street Podcast: Digging Deep Into the Opioid Deal
Follow Dominic Butchko on Twitter
playlist_add
Oct 29, 2021
Digging Deep Into the Opioid Deal
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo Associate Policy Director D'Paul Nibber joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis.
This week, we preview MACo's 2022 Legislative Initiatives and explain the complexities of a looming deadline for local governments to join the State's settlements with the three largest distributors of opioid medications and Johnson & Johnson, which includes more than $500 million to fight the public health crisis.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Announces 2022 Legislative Initiatives
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Attorney General Frosh Announces Opioid Settlement with Johnson and Johnson
Previous Conduit Street Covera…
playlist_add
Oct 15, 2021
Leadership - An Episode from the MACo Archives
*On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dr. Debby Thomas joins the podcast to discuss her role at the **Professional Development Academy**, with an emphasis on the Academy's partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to equip frontline county government professionals with practical leadership skills to deliver results for counties and communities.*
With a robust curriculum developed by the Professional Development Academy in partnership with Fortune 1000 executives, public sector leaders, world-renowned academics, and thought leaders, including General Colin Powell and Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy was designed specifically for the unique challenges and opportunities of serving in county government.
Dr. Debby Thomas teaches leadership, management, organizational, behavior, and research courses and serves as the Associate Dean at George Fox University. She is also a leadership coach at the Professional Development…
playlist_add
Oct 7, 2021
Elevating Emergency Management
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Maryland Department of Emergency Management Acting Secretary Russell Strickland joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the shifting landscape of emergency management. From new and evolving threats to harnessing new tech to build resilience and redundancy, learn why elevating emergency management to Cabinet-status strengthens state/local collaboration, communication, and coordination to advance community emergency preparedness.
Last week, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) became the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM). As previously reported on Conduit Street, the Maryland General Assembly this year passed SB 658, which establishes MDEM as a forward-facing, Cabinet-level entity. The bill also transfers the 9-1-1 Board to the Department.
MACo supported the bill, as MDEM will work directly with county emergency management offices to develop scalable, flexible, and adaptable concepts and bett…
playlist_add
Oct 1, 2021
Maximizing Public Funds With three+one
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, three+one® Senior Vice President Garrett Macdonald joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss a data-driven approach to help counties maximize the value of every single dollar through the power of liquidity analysis.
cashvest by three+one® uses proprietary algorithms to produce data-driven analysis and time-horizon evaluations to empower counties to realize new revenue that will increase stability and maximize liquidity – all while increasing deposit yields. With cashvest by three+one®, local governments, higher Ed institutions, and hospitals can execute cash, operating, and investment management decisions with more confidence and ease.
The leadership of three+one® has public, private, higher Ed, and banking experience, which provides a comprehensive perspective on liquidity management. three+one has served entities nationally since 2012, bringing over $300 million in new revenue to the communities it serves.
thre…
playlist_add
Sep 24, 2021
New School Year, New Problem: A Bus Driver Shortage
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Calvert County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel Curry joins Kevin Kinnally and Brianna January to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting our local school systems and their return to in-person instruction.
Maryland's public school systems are balancing public health concerns about the surging delta variant with the benefits of classroom instruction. In the latest pandemic-related twist, a nationwide school bus driver shortage is wreaking havoc on schools and families alike.
Dr. Daniel Curry has been Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools since 2014 and was recently named Maryland's 2020 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Curry is originally from Fairmont, West Virginia, and served there as superintendent of three counties for 15 years. He then spent another 11 years as Superintendent of Schools for the Lake Forest School District in Felton, Delaware from 2003-2014.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms…
playlist_add
Sep 17, 2021
The State House Beat, with Bryan Sears
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, award-winning journalist Bryan Sears joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss Maryland policy and politics, the role of new technology and social media on news and journalism, new and evolving media business models, and a preview of what's in store for the 2022 legislative session.
Bryan Sears covers Maryland politics and government affairs for The Daily Record. Sears is also a veteran of the local government beat and frequently contributes to local television and radio programs.
The Daily Record, a multimedia news source, publishes a print and online edition five days a week and breaks news daily on its website, thedailyrecord.com.
The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
The Daily Record
Follo…
playlist_add
Sep 9, 2021
Headline Issues: Both Policy and Process
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson preview next week's Board of Public Works meeting *–* including the history and substance of a proposal to oblige county funds for state-mandated electronic pollbooks, explain why legislative-executive checks and balances are behind the delay in implementing the State Board of Education's emergency regulation to require masks in all public schools, and discuss the latest push to get public and private sector employees vaccinated.
The Conduit Street podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous **Conduit Street** Coverage*
Local Election Officials: Fund New Pollbooks 50/50 State/County
Board of Public Works – September 15 Meeting Agenda
State School Board Endorses Masking to Mitigate COVID Transmis…
playlist_add
Sep 2, 2021
Postcards from OC, Naptown, and DC
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -- including Maryland's role in new US Department of the Treasury guidelines to expedite rental assistance, a major milestone for reporting and compliance, and lingering questions -- a recap of the 2021 MACo Summer Conference, and reveal the highly anticipated results of the “Are You Smarter than MACo’s Michael Sanderson?” Maryland Counties Quiz. (Hint: Apparently, yes. It isn't pretty.)
The Conduit Street podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Previous **Conduit Street** Coverage*
New Treasury Guidelines Developed to Accelerate Rental Assistance
Revised Eviction Moratorium Struck Down By SCOTUS
#MACoCon Forum: American Rescue Plan Put to A…
playlist_add
Aug 20, 2021
Live from #MACoCon: Tanium Talks Cybersecurity
*Tanium** — the* *endpoint management and security provider built for the world’s most demanding IT environments — talks cybersecurity during a live recording of the Conduit Street Podcast at MACo's Summer Conference.*
The rapid shift to telework and growing reliance on digital platforms present new challenges for government IT systems. Cybercriminals are aggressively targeting state and local governments with sophisticated cyberattacks that jeopardize sensitive information, critical infrastructure, public safety, and the delivery of essential services.
At the 2021 MACo Summer Conference, Chris Cruz, Tanium CIO for U.S. state, local, and education (SLED), joined a live recording of the Conduit Street Podcast for a fast-paced, Q&A-style discussion on current threat trends, best practices to maintain proper cyber hygiene, and tools and safeguards to identify potential threats, contain breaches, and remediate risk within seconds or minutes — not days or weeks.
https://www.youtu…
playlist_add
Aug 12, 2021
Revisiting Redistricting
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson explain the significance of new 2020 Census data for state and local redistricting, break down the nuts and bolts of Maryland's redistricting process, and detail key timelines in the scramble to draw new boundaries in time for next year's midterm elections.
The timing of Census data, somewhat delayed by the pandemic, will make the upcoming district design an unusually compressed process. While the U.S. Census this week released raw, untabulated Census data, adjusted data won't be available until September -- according to the discussion on the Conduit Street Podcast earlier this year – leaving district-drawing commissions at every level with a short timetable to develop their final work.
In Maryland, the General Assembly has principal authority to draw both congressional and state legislative district lines.
The governor, aided by an advisory commission, submits a state legislative redistricti…
playlist_add
Jul 30, 2021
Headlines: Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a flurry of efforts to bolster cybersecurity for state and local governments, a renewed debate over what counts as infrastructure, and a look at what the US Senate's bipartisan agreement to invest approximately $550 billion in America's infrastructure might mean for Maryland.
The Conduit Street podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. You can also listen on the Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.
Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Counties Welcome Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
NACo Resources
*Learn more about **MACo’s Summer Conference**:*
* Full Schedule Details and Attendee Registration Pricing
* Attendee Online Registration
* Exhibitor Pricing and Online Re…
playlist_add
Jul 15, 2021
Live from the 2021 MD Land Preservation Conference
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson join county leaders for a panel discussion at the 2021 Maryland Land Preservation Conference at Ripken Stadium in Harford County.
Forever Maryland, Inc., a new statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of Maryland’s land, water, wildlife, and other natural values, hosted the event, themed "Preserving with a Purpose."
Howard County Council Member Christiana Rigby, Baltimore City Council Member Mark Conway, Talbot County Council Member Pete Lesher, and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman join the podcast to discuss land preservation, open space, local green/sustainable initiatives, balancing community needs, advocacy, and the importance of providing all Marylanders with green spaces like parks, playgrounds, and residential greenery to promote physical and mental health.
MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Pod…
playlist_add
Jul 9, 2021
Back to Real Summertime, Safely
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including getting back into the swing of things with interim workgroups, meetings, and policy discussions; a recap of the Maryland Municipal League's Summer Conference; and a look ahead to the MACo Summer Conference: Resilient. Responsive...Ready.
MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on the 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*
MACo Summer Conference
playlist_add
Jun 25, 2021
Teaching Through Troubled Times, w/MSEA
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) President Cheryl Bost and MSEA Executive Director Sean Johnson join Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the pandemic's impact on education -- including shifts in learning modalities, a surge in mental and social health issues, challenges with returning to in-person instruction, the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland, and more!
MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on the 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*
Maryland State Education Association
MSEA Newsroom
playlist_add
Jun 18, 2021
Getting Real (Estate) With Maryland REALTORS
MACo and the Conduit Street Podcast are proud to present an installment from the Maryland Realtors, and their own Get Real Estate Podcast. In this episode, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson join Chuck Kasky and Bill Castelli to discuss the sizzling real estate market, the nationwide housing deficit, land use policy, housing affordability, COVID-19 recovery, and more.
With national updates, market trends, and industry-leading insights, the Get Real Estate Podcast serves as a resource for all aspects of real estate in Maryland.
MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on the 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*
Maryland Realtors: Get Real Estate Podcast
playlist_add
Jun 11, 2021
Employer Issues Into the Recovery
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the challenges and opportunities for employers and employees post-pandemic, a recap of this week's House Economic Matters Committee meeting on unemployment benefits, and a preview of the 2021 MACo Summer Conference.
MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on the 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: “Resilient. Responsive…READY.” Summer #MACoCon Titles Are Here
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Unemployment Issues Spark Debate During Legislative Briefing
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Maryland to End Enhanced Federal Unemployment Benefits
Twitter: County Executive Johnny Olszewski Eats a Cicada
playlist_add
Jun 4, 2021
Politics and Policy with Professor Todd Eberly
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Professor Todd Eberly joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss Maryland policy and politics, party polarization and ideology, the state and local political landscape, and the 2021 Session.
Todd Eberly is a professor of Political Science and coordinator of Public Policy Studies at St. Mary's College of Maryland and has been named one of the most influential voices in Maryland politics.
MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on the 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*
Follow Professor Eberly on Twitter
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Maryland to End Enhanced Federal Unemployment Benefits
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor Vetoes Broad COVID Response Bill, as “Turn Back The Clock”
Previous Conduit Street C…
playlist_add
May 21, 2021
Data and Districts with Planning Sec. McCord
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Robert McCord joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to breakdown Maryland's preliminary census data, discuss the impact of the U.S. Census Bureau's COVID-related data delays on state and local redistricting, and explain why Maryland's census outreach is helping to drive the statewide vaccination effort.
Census data is used to allocate billions of dollars in federal funding for education, health, transportation, housing, community services, and job training. Maryland will lose approximately $18,250 annually for every person not counted.
Moreover, businesses and industries decide where to locate new facilities and services based on census data, creating new jobs and promoting economic growth. Census data also informs reapportionment and redistricting, along with ensuring that Maryland receives appropriate representation in Congress.
playlist_add
May 13, 2021
Public Polling, Vax Hesitancy with Mileah Kromer
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dr. Mileah Kromer joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to explain why public polling is essential for helping health experts and policymakers understand vaccine hesitancy, discuss some intriguing incentives being offered by states to boost vaccination rates, and break down the results from the latest Goucher College Poll.
The Goucher College Poll measures the opinions of Maryland residents and voters on important policy, social, and economic issues.
In her role as director of the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center, Dr. Mileah Kromer oversees every aspect of the Goucher Poll, including survey instrument construction, sampling, data analysis, and the development of appropriate survey methodologies. In addition, she is responsible for interviewer training and lab supervision.
In addition to her duties as director, Dr. Kromer teaches courses on American politics and research methods. Her scholarly interests include public opi…
playlist_add
Apr 29, 2021
We’re Back! Summer #MACoCon Is a Go
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo Member Services Director, Virginia White, joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the 2021 MACo Summer Conference, which MACo plans to host as an in-person event from August 18-21, 2021 at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. Strict safety protocols will be in place and the number of participants will be reduced to ensure social distancing.
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.
*2021 MACo Summer Conference: “Resilient. Responsive…Ready”*
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world. All aspects of modern life have been affected – public health, of course, but also how we conduct business, educate our schoolchildren, and govern our communities. Some of the…
playlist_add
Apr 23, 2021
Session Reflections, On to Budgets
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a rundown of the final days of the 2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, reflections on the strangest legislative session to date, a look ahead to county budgets, and a look at why leading economic indicators may not tell the whole story amidst the enduring COVID-19 pandemic.
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: 2021 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Feds Release New Guidance for State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Advisory Panel: Keep State Property Tax Rate Steady
Vote for the 2021 Mary…
playlist_add
Apr 9, 2021
#AfterDark Late Session Rundown
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the path forward for a suite of bills intended to add to police accountability and standards. The mostly party-line vote has stakeholders awaiting the Governor’s action on the several proposals. Also this week, an outlook for the final days of the legislative session, an update on the push to expand access to broadband, and a look at competing proposals to legalize and regulate sports wagering in Maryland.
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: Sweeping Police Reforms Passed, Await Governor’s Action
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: General Assembly Passes…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2021
Budgeting in Tumultuous Times
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Anne Arundel County Budget Officer Chris Trumbauer joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the ins and outs of budgeting amidst a pandemic, using budgets to set priorities, and the impact of a bipartisan agreement between Governor Hogan, House Speaker Jones, and Senate President Ferguson to allocate more than $3.9 billion in federal funding that the State expects to receive through the American Rescue Plan Act.
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: State Announces $300 Million to Boost Broadband Access
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Answers MACo’s Call to Restore Cuts to County D…
playlist_add
Mar 26, 2021
Session Reset: All the Big Issues
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the latest on two competing proposals to reform law enforcement protocols and accountability in Maryland, the budget plan, sports wagering, adult-use cannabis, and the significance of an unusually high amount of chatter on "local bills."
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*
Conduit Street Podcast: The State of Policing
Conduit Street Podcast: Highlighting Healthcare
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Senate, Following House, Passes County-Friendly Budget
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: House & Senate Budget Chairs: It’s Time to Fully Fund Community Colleges
Previous Conduit Street Cover…
playlist_add
Mar 12, 2021
Busy Week in Annapolis
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the governor's decision to reopen Maryland, the significance of the looming "crossover" deadline, and what the State and local governments can expect from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.
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: Governor Rescinds State Authority For Greater Local COVID Restrictions … So, Now What?
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Senate President: Bills Are Backed Up
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan: State and Local Effects
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Details, Timetables Emerging on the Americ…
playlist_add
Mar 5, 2021
Mid-Session Musings, #AfterDark
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast #AfterDark, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including long floor sessions, busy committee hearings, and multi-day committee voting sessions. Also this week, a look at the process for municipal incorporation/annexation, and why county governments -- and their residents -- have skin in the game.
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: Broader View Matters on Municipal Incorporation Process
MACo Legislative Tracking Database
MACo Testimony
playlist_add
Feb 19, 2021
Overrides Overview... and what is "Rebasing" Anyway?
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast #AfterDark, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the path forward for the [Kirwan] Blueprint for Maryland’s Future now that both chambers of the General Assembly overrode the governor’s veto of the multi-year plan that obliges some $4 billion in annual state and county spending above current education funding formulas and projections by its eventual phase-in in FY 2030, and explain why rebasing funding formulas can lead to long-term, dramatic cuts for essential programs and services.
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: Kirwan Blueprint Has Passed… Now What
Previous Conduit Street coverage:…
playlist_add
Feb 12, 2021
#AfterDark: Vaccine Explanations and Session Updates
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast #AfterDark, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Alex Butler discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the latest on county concerns about COVID-19 dose allocations, planning for vaccination locations, and the tension between local health departments’ “prioritizing” approach versus private providers’ more open approach; updates on several bills that aim to boost encourage recycling -- including a proposal to establish a statewide bottle deposit program; and efforts to enhance wastewater treatment across Maryland.
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: County Leaders Across MD: Step Up Vax Coordination and Communication
Previous C…
playlist_add
Feb 5, 2021
#AfterDark, Take Two... Hot Topics
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast #AfterDark, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Drew Jabin discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a recap of "police day" in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, an update on several bills that aim to build out broadband across Maryland, and new intrigue surrounding the push to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis in Maryland.
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
*MACo Legislative Tracking Database
MACo Testimony
playlist_add
Jan 28, 2021
#AfterDark Experiment #1
On the inaugural episode of Conduit Street Podcast #AfterDark, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest on the governor's stimulus package -- including competing fiscal analyses, timing, and a new, add-on proposal from Senate Democrats; recap some of the week's most intriguing bill hearings, and provide updates on broadband, funding for local health departments, COVID-19 liability protections, and criminal justice 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.
*Useful Links*
MACo Legislative Tracking Database
MACo Testimony
playlist_add
Jan 22, 2021
Highlighting Healthcare
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Pegeen Townsend joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the proactive steps hospitals and healthcare providers are taking -- including partnering with local health departments -- to expedite the vaccine rollout; the challenges and opportunities related to the accelerated shift to telehealth amid the COVID-19 pandemic; and priorities for the 2021 session.
Pegeen Townsend is vice president of government affairs for MedStar Health. In her role, Townsend oversees all government relations activities in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and at the federal level for MedStar Health. She is charged with building MedStar's relationship with local, state, and federal officials to elevate the system as a key provider in the region, pivotal to the healthcare industry. In addition, Townsend leads initiatives that place MedStar Health in a more active role regarding relevant issues and new policies being debated and/or resolved thr…
playlist_add
Jan 15, 2021
Kicking Off the Strangest Session
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson recap day one of the 2021 legislative session. Annapolis is quiet as hearings, briefings, and floor sessions are being held on Zoom and YouTube. Advocates and legislators alike are adjusting to new processes and procedures as they tackle the large load of pre-filed bills and grapple with how to best provide meaningful relief to Maryland residents and businesses struggling to stay afloat amid the deepening COVID-19 pandemic.
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: Hogan Unveils $1 Billion Stimulus Package
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Bookmark This Cheatsheet for Submitting Testimony in #MDGA21
Previous Conduit Stree…
playlist_add
Jan 7, 2021
Revved Up, But Not Over Reassessments
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson walk through the nuts and bolts of the rapidly approaching 2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, clarify what the recent rise in property tax assessments actually means for local governments and Maryland residents alike, and discuss why a proposal to extend the timeframe between property assessments could pressure counties to raise tax rates in order to keep pace with spending for education, public health, public safety, roadway maintenance, and other essential services.
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: Property Values Rise 8.1% According to SDAT’s 2021 Reassessment
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: 202…
playlist_add
Dec 18, 2020
Fiscal Picture... Still Fuzzy
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Drew Jabin joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss Maryland’s Spending Affordability Committee, which this week approved a number of recommendations to help guide state budget decisions in the months ahead, including dipping into the state’s reserves to address a projected cash shortfall and structural deficit in the upcoming fiscal year; new analysis on The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund — which is dedicated to implementing the recommendations from the Kirwan Blueprint bill; the push for the state to prioritize teachers and school personnel to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; and the latest on federal stimulus negotiations.
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*
Pr…
playlist_add
Dec 10, 2020
Looking Ahead, and Leadership Tools
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the evolving plans for the Maryland General Assembly to convene safely for the 2021 Legislative Session. Also this week, Dr. Debby Thomas joins the podcast to discuss her role at the Professional Development Academy, with an emphasis on the Academy's partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to equip frontline county government professionals with practical leadership skills to deliver results for counties and communities.
With a robust curriculum developed by the Professional Development Academy in partnership with Fortune 1000 executives, public sector leaders, world-renowned academics, and thought leaders, including General Colin Powell and Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy was designed specifically for the unique challenges and opportunities of serving in county government.
Dr. Debby Thomas teaches leadership, management, organizat…
playlist_add
Nov 20, 2020
Standing On a Corner, With a Friend From Arizona
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Arizona Association of Counties (AACo) Executive Director Jennifer Marson joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss how Arizona is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona's election results and process, and a number of other pressing issues in our respective states.
Jennifer Marson manages the daily operations of the Association and the Government Services Foundation, directs the state and federal government affairs program, and cultivates new business and membership opportunities. She also serves as the primary liaison to the National Association of Counties, other state associations, and coordinates the AACo's educational outreach programs.
Jen’s research and advocacy areas of expertise include property taxes, elections, public records, criminal justice, law enforcement, justice and superior courts, and education. Jen has been with AACo since 2002 when she started as the legislative intern. Since then she has w…
playlist_add
Nov 13, 2020
Bond Rating Basics
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Jennifer Diercksen joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the ins and outs of municipal bond ratings — including the role of ratings agencies in assessing creditworthiness; the factors that influence interest rates, investment appetite, and bond pricing; and the differences between short-term and long-term debt ratings.
Jennifer Diercksen is a First Vice President at Davenport & Company, one of the oldest employee-owned, independent financial services firms in America. She works primarily as a financial advisor to state and local governments, authorities, and not-for-profit entities in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Prior to joining Davenport, Jennifer was an AVP at Moody’s Investors Services; a Consultant at Deloitte Consulting; and an Investigator for Surveys and Investigations on the U.S. House of Representatives, Appropriations Committee. She earned her MPA from Syracuse University – Maxwell School o…
playlist_add
Nov 6, 2020
Running Down the Results
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Drew Jabin joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to breakdown the latest state and local election results -- including the latest on county races, statewide ballot questions, county-specific ballot questions, and some intriguing ballot initiatives from across the country that may influence Maryland policy and politics.
Stay tuned to MACo’s blog and our Conduit Street podcast for unbiased, non-partisan election news, details, and insider tips on what it all means for county government.
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: It’s Election Day: Here’s What You Need to Know
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: County Ballot Questions: Here’s What We…
playlist_add
Oct 30, 2020
Capitalizing on Our Community Colleges
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brad Phillips joins Kevin Kinnally and Drew Jabin to discuss the history and mission of Maryland's community colleges, their commitment to access and equity, and why -- as the state works to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic -- they may be more important now than ever.
Brad Phillips is the Deputy Executive Director at the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC). MACC serves as the advocate and unified voice for the state’s 16 community colleges, as well as the educational needs of the students they serve.
Working with elected officials, policy-makers, business groups, local, state, and federal government representatives, and stakeholder organizations, MACC aims to make post-secondary education accessible to all Marylanders, grow the percentage of Marylanders who are college and career-ready, increase community college completion rates statewide, and develop recognition of the community college contribution to economic…
playlist_add
Oct 19, 2020
Election Fun and Question One – With P.J. Hogan
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, P.J. Hogan joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss election issues and breakdown the proposed constitutional amendment (Question 1) which, if approved by voters in the November election, would adjust the State’s budget process.
Former Maryland State Senator P.J. Hogan serves as a member of the Maryland State Board of Elections and is the principal of Cornerstone Public Affairs' Annapolis office.
As a Maryland State Senator, P.J. represented the 39th Legislative District located in Northern Montgomery County from 1994 – 2007. P.J. was re-elected to his fourth term in 2006. His Senate committee assignments included Budget and Taxation where he served as Vice-Chairman of the full committee, and Chairman of the Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee. He was also a member of the Pensions Subcommittee and the Capital Budget Subcommittee.
MACo has made the podcast available through all major platforms by se…
playlist_add
Oct 15, 2020
The Maryland Mindset, with Guest Mileah Kromer
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dr. Mileah Kromer joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to breakdown the results from the latest Goucher College Poll, discuss the ins and outs of political polling, and debunk some common myths about polling methods and methodology.
The Goucher College Poll measures the opinions of Maryland residents and voters on important policy, social, and economic issues.
In her role as director of the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center, Dr. Mileah Kromer oversees every aspect of the Goucher Poll, including survey instrument construction, sampling, data analysis, and the development of appropriate survey methodologies. In addition, she is responsible for interviewer training and lab supervision.
In addition to her duties as director, Dr. Kromer teaches courses on American politics and research methods. Her scholarly interests include public opinion and state politics. Her work has appeared in Survey Practice, Social Science Quarterly…
playlist_add
Oct 9, 2020
State Revenues: Looking Beyond the Headline
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…
playlist_add
Oct 2, 2020
2021 Top Issues: Put Public Health First — Protect Services and Promote Funding
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, i…
playlist_add
Sep 25, 2020
2021 Top Issues: Broadband Accessibility Act of 2021
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.
As previously reported on Conduit Street, MACo’s Legislative Committee voted at the September 16, 2020 meeting to adopt the Association…
playlist_add
Sep 18, 2020
2021 Top Issues: Elections Fairness and Funding
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.
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.
*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 expen…
playlist_add
Sep 11, 2020
Legislators' Roadmap to Reconvene
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.
*Useful Links*
Maryland Matters: Josh Kurtz: The Pros and Cons of a Special Session
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Moves to Phase 3 Reopening, County Decisions Mi…
playlist_add
Sep 4, 2020
The Doctor Is In — A Follow-Up Visit
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.
*Useful Links*
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:…
playlist_add
Aug 27, 2020
Watching Washington... Still
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.
*Useful Links*
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
playlist_add
Aug 21, 2020
West Coast Swing
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.
*Useful Links*
CSAC Website
Follow CSAC on Twitter
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: U.S. Senate Republicans Unveil HEALS Act: No New Fundin…
playlist_add
Aug 13, 2020
Revisiting: Reopening, Relief, and Revenues
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.
*Useful Links*
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 Sch…
playlist_add
Jul 30, 2020
A Conduit St Look at Pennsylvania Avenue
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 f…
playlist_add
Jul 24, 2020
Wrestling With Reopening
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano joins Kevin Kinnally, Drew Jabin, and Michael Sanderson to discuss the health, safety, and logistical challenges of educating children in the fall.
As previously reported on Conduit Street, local education agencies are developing plans to reopen in the fall – whether that occurs in-person, remotely, or in a combination of the two – with a focus on the health and safety of students, teachers, and school personnel, while encouraging equitable access to the services and resources necessary for a high-quality education.
Also this week, we discuss growing concerns about the shortage of personal protective gear, election judges, and adequate polling places for the November election. As previously reported on Conduit Street, the Maryland Association of Election Officials (MAEO), the professional membership organization comprised of local election officials and Ele…
playlist_add
Jul 16, 2020
Big Issues, Big Data
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Beth Blauer joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the role of quality data in helping governments make informed decisions in order to protect public health and support local businesses and workers. Beth also discusses her role in developing and maintaining the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Case Tracker -- which government agencies, public health departments, the public, and news outlets regularly rely on for the latest updates on the confirmed cases, deaths, and recoveries connected to the pandemic.
Beth Blauer is the executive director of the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Civic Impact. As a dedicated public servant and international expert on government performance programs, Beth has spent her career working to improve people’s lives by bringing data into governments’ decision-making processes.
Prior to leading the Johns Hopkins Centers for Civic Impact, Beth designed and launched Socrata’s GovStat platform f…
playlist_add
Jul 9, 2020
Budget Balancing Breakdown
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss what may be on the chopping block as the State looks to offset COVID-19-related economic woes. Also this week, a recap of last week's Board of Public Works meeting, including a summary of what was — and wasn't — cut from the budget to account for increased spending and reduced revenues amid the 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.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Board of Public Works Pares Cuts, Spares Counties
Board of Public Works: Amended List of Approved Budget Cuts
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Franchot Says He Will Oppose Proposal to Slash County Disparity Grants
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Countie…
playlist_add
Jun 25, 2020
A View From the Senate
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Senator Cheryl Kagan joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the 2020 legislative session and what may on tap for 2021. Topics include elections, Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911), telehealth, law enforcement, styrofoam, unemployment insurance, the debate over Maryland's state song, and more!
From Senator Kagan's biography:
"Senator Cheryl C. Kagan (D-District 17) represents Rockville and Gaithersburg and serves as the Vice Chair of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. Sen. Kagan has earned a reputation as an independent-minded legislator with a strong voice for her constituents on public safety, consumer protection, transportation, government transparency, and more. While in the Senate, Kagan has passed landmark laws to help nonprofits; enhance our 9-1-1 emergency response systems; become the first State in the nation to ban “Styrofoam” food and beverage containers; and advocate for local govern…
playlist_add
Jun 18, 2020
The State of Policing
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Everett Sesker joins Kevin Kinnally, Natasha Mehu, and Michael Sanderson to discuss the state of policing. Topics include implicit bias, Maryland's Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights (LEOBR), the "defund the police" movement, community policing, and how new technology is playing a major role in how police serve and protect the community.
Everett Sesker, a law enforcement consultant at the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), trains police officers to understand and overcome implicit bias, as well as assesses and identifies potential risks that may hinder the reputation, safety, security, and operations of law enforcement agencies across Maryland.
Mr. Sesker retired at the rank of Major from the Prince George’s County Police Department after 22 years of service. He has held command positions in training, narcotics, community relations, district stations, headquarters, and public relations.
Prior to joining LGIT, Sesker…
playlist_add
Jun 11, 2020
Unemployment, From Every Angle
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Drew Jabin, and Michael Sanderson discuss why an unprecedented number of COVID-19-related unemployment claims are putting tremendous pressure on all levels of government, what Congress has done (or neglected to do) to ease the burden on state and local governments, and explain why a technical fix is necessary to protect non-profits and local governments from being overwhelmed by huge invoices from the State of Maryland.
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: MACo Summer Series Schedule & Details Now Available!
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Locals and Nonprofits: Avoid “Raw Deal” on Unemployment
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Kag…
playlist_add
Jun 4, 2020
Elections - What a Week
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Natasha Mehu, and Michael Sanderson discuss the early returns from Maryland's presidential primary election, examine some of the administrative issues that plagued the process, and look ahead to how and why election policy, procedures, and oversight may look very different the next time around.
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*
Conduit Street Podcast: Holding Elections Amid a Pandemic
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Hogan Urges Marylanders to Vote By Mail for Presidential Primary Election
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Board Authorizes Additional In-Person Voting Sites for Baltimore City
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo President Middleton Wins Re-El…
playlist_add
May 28, 2020
State of the Podcast
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the evolution of the podcast and ask listeners to weigh in on future topics, guests, bumper music, artwork, and more!
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.
Follow MACo on Twitter.
Follow the Conduit Street Podcast on Twitter.
playlist_add
May 21, 2020
Crisis Communications
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Mike Ricci joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the importance of communications in a time of crisis, including why reliable data underpins both crisis planning and response.
Mike Ricci, the director of communications for Governor Larry Hogan, previously served as the director of communications for former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan and as the deputy director of communications and chief speechwriter for former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner.
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.
playlist_add
May 14, 2020
Quiet "Veto Day" Still Makes Noise
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss why an unusually quiet "veto day" still made plenty of noise across Maryland.
Governor Hogan last week, through statements and in the absence of any traditional “bill signing ceremony,” revealed his decisions regarding legislation passed during the recent legislative session, itself abbreviated by coronavirus worries. The bottom line – 37 vetoed bills, including multiple high-profile advancements, and many questions for next steps by legislative leaders.
MACo has made the podcast available through all major podcast 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: Governor Vetoes Kirwan, Tax, Fiscal Bills in Silent Session Cap-off
Schoolhouse Rock: America - I'm Just a…
playlist_add
May 7, 2020
KEEP CALM and COME to Your CENSUS!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Robert McCord joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss how state and local leaders are adjusting to ensure a fair and accurate 2020 Census amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Census data is used to allocate billions of dollars in federal funding for education, health, transportation, housing, community services, and job training. Moreover, businesses and industries decide where to locate new facilities and services based on census data, creating new jobs, and promoting economic growth.
An accurate census count, or lack thereof, has a lasting effect on counties, particularly when it comes to the distribution of federal funds. An under-counted population may lead to a significant decline in federal funding flowing to county governments or to county residents.
MACo has made the podcast available through all major podcast platforms by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also liste…
playlist_add
Apr 30, 2020
Health and Humanity Amidst a Pandemic
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest health and human services news amid the state and local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
MACo has made the podcast available through all major podcast 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*
Conduit Street Podcast: Holding Elections Amid a Pandemic
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor Announces State Will Begin Reporting Coronavirus Patient Race Data
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Hogan Orders Release of Nursing Home Data on COVID-19 Cases
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Inmate Manufacturing Programs Repurposed to Make Masks, Other Protective Gear
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Department of Aging Launches Senior Call Check Program
Previous Conduit Stree…
playlist_add
Apr 24, 2020
Double Take on Kirwan Trigger, Cares Funding, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson revisit last week’s episode to clarify the means by which the “trigger” provision in the Kirwan Blueprint bill for education funding could take effect, discuss the politics and process of the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and explain how Maryland will distribute CARES Act funding to local jurisdictions.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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*
Conduit Street Podcast: Running the Numbers
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Kirwan Blueprint Bill Heads to Governor, With a “Trigger” Provision
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Feds Offer Detailed Guidance on CARES Funds
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: U.S. Senate Passes C…
playlist_add
Apr 17, 2020
Running the Numbers
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, David Juppe joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the fiscal implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, examine the "trigger" provision in the Kirwan Blueprint bill for education funding, and explore the viability of dipping into the state's rainy day fund to respond to the coronavirus public health crisis.
David Juppe, a professor in the Public Affairs department at the University of Baltimore and former senior operating budget manager at the Department of Legislative Services, is an expert on state and local finances.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Kirwan Blueprint Bill Heads to Governor, With a “Trigger” Provision…
playlist_add
Apr 9, 2020
Revisiting the Bag Ban... and Beyond
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Alex Butler joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the fate of the "bag ban" bill from the 2020 legislative session. We also discuss the surprising connection between the bill and the COVID-19 pandemic.
HB 209/ SB 313 - Plastic Bag Reduction Act, would have prohibited retailers from providing customers with certain plastic carryout bags and required retailers to collect 10 cents for every “durable bag” they provide. However, the bill would also have needlessly preempted incoming or already established bag ban programs in Baltimore City and Howard and Montgomery Counties and in practice prohibit any other county from establishing such a program.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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…
playlist_add
Apr 7, 2020
Holding Elections Amid a Pandemic
On a special bonus episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, David Lublin joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss both the practical and legal questions around running elections amid the COVID-19 public health crisis.
David Lubin, a professor of government in the School of Public Affairs at American University and the former Mayor of the Town of Chevy Chase, is an expert on American campaigns and elections. Lublin is also the founder of the Seventh State, a blog covering Maryland policy and politics.
As previously reported on Conduit Street, Governor Larry Hogan ordered the special general election to fill the late Rep. Elijah Cummings’s congressional seat in Maryland’s Seventh District be conducted via mail. Hogan also postponed Maryland’s presidential primary due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
As health officials warn that social distancing and other measures to contain the COVID-19 epidemic might be in place months, the Maryland State Board of Electio…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2020
Maryland's Wacky Budget Process
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss why the Old Line State's one-of-a-kind budget process makes Maryland's governor one of the most powerful in the country.
While most state legislatures have the authority to increase or add an appropriation to the governor’s budget, Section 52 of Article III of the Maryland Constitution prohibits the General Assembly from increasing any budget item, adding any new appropriations to the governor’s budget for Executive Branch agencies, or moving funds from one program to another.
But, it is time for a change? The General Assembly last month passed SB 1028 – Balancing the State Budget, legislation that could transform the state budget process. This proposed constitutional amendment, if approved by the Maryland voters at the November 2020 election, would allow the General Assembly to move items around in the budget.
The Senate amended the bill to grant the governor line-item veto power…
playlist_add
Mar 30, 2020
Liberty in Trying Times
On a special bonus episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Walter Olson joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to examine the role of state and local emergency powers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walter Olson is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute’s Center for Constitutional Studies. a libertarian think tank in Washington, D.C. A resident of Frederick County, Olson recently served on the Frederick County Charter Review Commission. Olson has also served as the co-chair of Maryland's Redistricting Commission since 2015.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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*
CATO Blog: The Constitutional Police Power, In And After An Emergency
CATO Blog: A Takings Rationale For Some Shutdown Payouts?
Follow Walter Olson on…
playlist_add
Mar 27, 2020
All Hands on Deck
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, Natasha Mehu, Drew Jabin, and Alex Butler recap MACo's advocacy in the 2020 session of the Maryland General Assembly.
This year, for the first time in since the Civil War, the General Assembly closed session early on March 18, due to precautionary social distancing measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Despite the unusual circumstances, MACo’s advocacy still led to more positive outcomes for its members. Bills that we supported had a greater likelihood of passage, while bills we opposed had a larger tendency to fail. MACo also helped improve many pieces of legislation through articulating county positions in amendments and will continue to work with State partners in several areas of ongoing administrative improvement.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a…
playlist_add
Mar 19, 2020
Abrupt Ending, Awareness Everywhere
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a recap of the final days of an abridged session of the Maryland General Assembly; a rundown of some significant bills that passed before lawmakers adjourned early for the first time since the Civil War due to concerns over the COVID-19 epidemic, and a look at how the coronavirus is wreaking havoc on elections, budgets, and other essential state and local functions/services.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Counties Share: Community Resources During Coronavirus Shutdown
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor Hogan Takes “Unprecedented…
playlist_add
Mar 13, 2020
Everything Coronavirus – Practices, Policy, and the Public
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news on the novel strain of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19. Calvert County Health Officer, Dr. Larry Polsky, joins the podcast to discuss state and local efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: General Assembly Adopts New Practices For Late 2020 Session
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Hogan Signs Emergency Legislation to Combat Coronavirus
playlist_add
Mar 6, 2020
Blueprint On Fast Track: What’s In? What’s Out?
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes on the Kirwan Blueprint legislation - which received its public hearing on February 17, and in the last several days has sprung to life, with House action appearing imminent.
The House’s two committees with joint jurisdiction of the bill – Appropriations and Ways & Means – reviewed a set of “leadership” amendments culled from many submitted by stakeholders, and now appear ready to advance the bill.
*What's In?*
Among a lengthy list of bill amendments are two items that affect county funding, in both cases seeking to limit the funding obligation left for county governments to absorb through the multi-year phase-in of the plan.
The “Relief” table distributed to House members earlier this week is shown below – encompassing the series of amendments that alter the required county contributions under the bill.
*What's Out?*
No “County Phase-In”…
playlist_add
Feb 28, 2020
Point of Sale Policies, Pondering Polls, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Alex Butler discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the "bag ban" bill; a proposal that would require Maryland to establish a bottle deposit program; and interesting tidbits from the latest Goucher College Poll.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: MACo Proposes Amendments to Plastic Bag Bill to Prevent Preemption
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Bill Introduced Mandating Bottle Deposit Program
Goucher College Poll - February 2020
playlist_add
Feb 21, 2020
Blueprint Ballyhoo, Sizing Up Services, and Tricky Tech
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a recap of the hearing on the Blueprint for Maryland's Future - the bill to implement the recommendations from the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education; a new proposal to fund the Blueprint by "modernizing" Maryland's sales and use tax; and a breakdown of the wave of tech-related bills connected to public safety.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: MACo on Kirwan Blueprint: Rely on State Funding
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Missed the Kirwan Hearing? Here’s Great Coverage
Previous Conduit Street C…
playlist_add
Feb 14, 2020
Kirwan Blueprint Bill and Tidbits Around Town
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a breakdown of Kirwan Commission Blueprint bill, with far-reaching recommendations for school funding and outcomes; a bill to apply the sales and use tax to (some) services; a bill to ban most plastic bags, which, as introduced, would preempt several existing or pending county programs and divert revenues from important local environmental purposes; and other tidbits around town.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Breaking Down The Kirwan Blueprint Bill
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Proposes Amendments to Plastic Bag Bill to Prevent P…
playlist_add
Feb 6, 2020
Blueprint Buildup, Local Focus, and Cranky Cancels
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the long-awaited introduction of the Kirwan Commission bill, with far-reaching recommendations for school funding and outcomes; MACo’s partnership with LOCAL Maryland to fight against state preemption — including legislation to clarify the process for any future legislative preemption; and "cranky cancels."
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Kirwan “Blueprint” Bill: Coming This Week, Hearing Feb 17
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Local Preemption Targeted by LOCAL Maryland Coalition, and MACo Bill
LOCAL Maryland
Maryland Matters: O…
playlist_add
Jan 30, 2020
Word on the (Conduit) Street
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a breakdown of multiple bills aimed at curbing tobacco use/vaping; a rare parliamentary maneuver on the House floor; a look at what's really going on during the first few weeks of session; and commentary on the first video live stream of the House of Delegates.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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*
Maryland Matters: Live From Annapolis, it’s the House of Delegates!
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Tobacco Tax Increase Would Help County Health Programs
playlist_add
Jan 24, 2020
"Supercharging" School Construction
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis. This week, we break down the Built to Learn Act of 2020 -- which would drive an additional $2.2 billion in school construction funding, by leveraging casino “lockbox” revenues for bonds.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: School Construction “Game Changer” Draws a Crowd
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: 2020 Built to Learn Act – “Supercharged” School Construction Bill
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Speaker Jones: School Construction Will Be “The First Bill In”
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Fiscal Briefing Highlights Budget Big…
playlist_add
Jan 17, 2020
First Look at the Fiscal Plan
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including what Governor Hogan's fiscal year 2021 budget proposal means for counties; this week's economic briefing from Moody's Analytics to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee; and a slew of potential revenue-generating proposals being buzzed-about around town.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Governor’s 2021 Budget Proposal – What It Means for Counties
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: It’s Back! Governor Revives SDAT Cost Shift To Counties
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor Hogan Proposes $1 Billion Tax Cut for Retirees
Previou…
playlist_add
Jan 10, 2020
2020 Session Preview
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Natasha Mehu, and Michael Sanderson preview the 2020 session of the Maryland General Assembly. School funding, school construction, public health, mental health, taxes, revenues, preemption, public safety, and criminal justice issues are all hot topics.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: MACo Announces 2020 Legislative Initiatives
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Kirwan “Chatter” Already In High Gear
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: General Assembly to Consider Sports Wagering Proposal
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: LOCAL Maryland Coalition Advancing Anti-Preemption Message
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: 202…
playlist_add
Dec 19, 2019
Special Edition: Live from Charm City
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally join Maryland Senator Cory McCray for a live recording in Baltimore City. We talk with leaders of three of Baltimore’s anchor institutions, and discuss their visions for success.
Special guests include Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) President Debra McCurdy, Baltimore City Schools CEO Sonja Santelises, and Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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.
Special thanks to Function Coworking Community for hosting this week's episode!
playlist_add
Dec 12, 2019
Conference Chatter, Tax Talk, Fiscal Fodder, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a recap of the MACo Winter Conference; an overview of the county income tax -- and why some are calling for local flexibility to create “brackets” like most income tax systems (including the federal and state taxes on Marylanders); a breakdown of Maryland's revenue volatility cap, and an update on state revenue projections for FY 2020 and beyond.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: See How It Went: Winter #MACoCon Photo Wrap Up
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Sun Supports County Income Tax Flexibility
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: St…
playlist_add
Dec 9, 2019
Live at #MACoCon: New Technology, New Policy – The Ever-Shrinking Island of Cable Television
Technological change continues to advance rapidly - public policy needs to catch up. Your county likely has cable television franchise agreements built for the 1980s, but what is your role in the telecommunications market of the 2020s?
At this year's MACo Winter Conference, special guests joined Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally for a live recording of the Conduit Street podcast. The fast-paced, Q&A-style session focused on opportunities and challenges concerning the county role in the telecommunications market of the 2020s -- including regulation, rights-of-way, taxation, community access, and first amendment issues encountered along the way.
*Panelists*:
* Arthur Scott, Associate Legislative Director, National Association of Counties (NACo)
* Joanne Hovis, President, CTC Technology and Energy
* Michael Sanderson, Executive Director, MACo
* Kevin Kinnally, Associate Director, MACo
The 2019 MACo Winter Conference, *“*Building for the Future*,”* was held on December 4…
playlist_add
Nov 21, 2019
Kirwan Funding Proposal, Criminal Justice Issues, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Natasha Mehu, and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a new proposal from stakeholder groups supporting the Kirwan education plan to support tax reforms to help support its substantial costs -- including a slate of revenue proposals; the significance of a new report that says the proportion of Maryland's African American prison population is more than double the national average; and a look at the latest trends in criminal justice reform.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: “Funding Our Future” Effort Puts A Finer Point on Kirwan Costs, Means
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Di…
playlist_add
Nov 14, 2019
Kirwan Update, E-Book Embargo, Ridesharing Regs, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a recap of the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education's latest meeting — which saw a deep reaction to the formula funding workgroup’s proposals to “phase-in” the Commission’s series of recommendations; the latest on a publisher's e-book embargo — and why county libraries are pushing back; and why one major airport is banning curbside passengers pickups by ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft.
You can listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.
*Useful Links*
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Kirwan Commission 11/12: Fazed by Phase-In; Triggered by Teacher Testing
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Full Kirwan Commission Gets Updated, Back on Track to Finish Work
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: County Libraries Respond to E-book Embargo
playlist_add
Nov 7, 2019
Interesting Election Tidbits, Kirwan Chatter, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including some interesting races and intriguing ballot initiatives from Election Day, as well as a recap of the latest meeting of the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education – including the latest drama surrounding the panel as proponents and opponents of its recommendations ramp up their advocacy efforts.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Full Kirwan Commission Gets Updated, Back on Track to Finish Work
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor Declines Invitation to Kirwan, Relies on Brinkley
Previous Conduit Street Coverage…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2019
Senate Shuffle, Health Headlines, Cleaner Climate, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Natasha Mehu, and Les Knapp discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including longtime Senate President Mike Miller's decision to step down after presiding over the chamber for over thirty years; inmate Medicaid exclusion and healthcare in jails; a new state task force to examine the effects of vaping; the latest on renewable energy policy and climate change issues; and an update on opioid litigation.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Miller Steps Down as Senate President, Caucus Nominates Ferguson to Succeed Him
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Joint Task Force Sets Focus on Medicaid Inmate Exclusion and Healt…
playlist_add
Oct 17, 2019
Kirwan Formulas and Finishing Touches
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the final meeting of the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education's Formula Funding Workgroup.
With this week’s adoption of the funding plan details for the Blueprint for Maryland program, we break down the eventual county costs – and place them into a context with current law, in addition to current trends. We estimate the new mandated county costs at $1.9 billion in FY 2030 dollars – about $900 million more than the DLS-forecasted costs of the fully phased-in Kirwan plan, in FY 2030 dollars, as presented to the Workgroup.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Kirwan Fo…
playlist_add
Oct 10, 2019
First Look at Kirwan Costs, 2020 Census Grants, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the final allocation of $5 million in state grants to local governments and non-profits to promote the 2020 Census, and a first look at the costs of implementing the recommendations of the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education.
The Kirwan Commission's School Funding Formula Workgroup, nearing its end, distributed and discussed several analyses that illustrate the potential effects of the plan on county finances – but more work and refinement awaits, in time for next week’s decision meeting.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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…
playlist_add
Oct 3, 2019
School Funding Focus, Tricky Tax Issues, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the emergence of new details from the Kirwan Commission's formula funding workgroup; an update on the multistate appeal of the federal government's $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions; a court ruling on the constitutionality of Chicago's "Netflix tax;" and a breakdown of a tax assessment loophole known as the "dark store theory."
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Kirwan Funding Workgroup Closing in on Final Recommendations
Kirwan Commission: Cost Savings and Offsets (December 2018)
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Federal J…
playlist_add
Sep 26, 2019
Goucher Poll, Fiscal Check-Up, and What's Up with Kirwan?
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including interesting tidbits from the new Goucher Poll; the significance of the latest revenue projections from the Board of Revenue Estimates; and a breakdown of the puzzling sequence of events that led to a closed-door meeting of the Kirwan Commission's funding formula workgroup.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Kirwan Funding Workgroup Closing in on Final Recommendations
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Kirwan Formula Workgroup: Brief Updates, But No Public Progress on Costs, Formulas
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Board Bumps Up Revenue Proj…
playlist_add
Sep 19, 2019
2020 Initiatives and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including MACo's 2020 Legislative Initiatives; a look at actions being taken at the federal, state, and local level to address the youth vaping epidemic; and the latest twist in the complex litigation filed by thousands of state and local governments against manufacturers, distributors, and others accused of fueling the nation's opioid crisis.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: MACo Announces 2020 Legislative Initiatives
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Montgomery Council Aims to Curb Youth Vaping Epidemic
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Purdue Pharma Fi…
playlist_add
Sep 12, 2019
Leadership, Labor Day, and Lunchboxes
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including last week's trip to the National Folk Festival in Wicomico County; big changes to House leadership and committee assignments; the latest on the school calendar debate; and a recap of last week's meeting of the Kirwan Commission's funding workgroup.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Kirwan Formula Workgroup: Progress Toward New Foundation Amount
Maryland Matters: Speaker Jones Announces Dozens of Leadership, Committee Changes
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Senate Votes to Overturn Post-Labor Day School Start Rule
Conduit Street Podcast: L…
playlist_add
Sep 8, 2019
Live at the National Folk Festival
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally are joined by special guests at the National Folk Festival in Wicomico County. The National Folk Festival—one of America’s largest, most prestigious and longest-running celebrations of arts, culture, and heritage—was held for the second consecutive year in the City of Salisbury.
Festival organizers expect the event to draw 120,000 attendees and contribute $45 million to the local economy. Special guests include Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver, Delegate Carl Anderton, Salisbury Mayor Jake Day, and Wicomico County Council Member Josh Hastings.
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.
Visit the National Folk Festival's website for more information.
playlist_add
Aug 29, 2019
Oklahoma Opioid Opinion, Bay Bridge Buzz, and Kirwan Catch-Up
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the highly anticipated ruling in Oklahoma’s landmark opioid lawsuit targeting Johnson & Johnson – and what it means for the thousands of state and local governments with similar claims, new details on possible locations for a second Chesapeake Bay crossing, and a recap of last week's meeting of the Kirwan Commission's Funding Formula Workgroup.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Oklahoma Subjects Johnson & Johnson to Landmark Opioid Ruling
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MdTA Releases Bay Crossing Choices, Will Hold “Ope…
playlist_add
Aug 21, 2019
Conference Chatter, Snowballing School Debate, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally recap the 2019 MACo Summer Conference – “Winds of Change," which focused on the changes being seen at every level of government and constituent services and how counties are harnessing that momentum for the good of all Marylanders. By all accounts, this year’s conference was the largest gathering of Maryland government stakeholders the event has sever seen!
Education funding - particularly the looming uncertainty around the ambitious, multi-billion-dollar overhaul of Maryland’s education system, was a hot topic throughout the conference. We discuss a panel discussion led by Dr. William "Brit" Kirwan, potential implications for county budgets, House Speaker Adrienne Jones' comments on how the State could potentially raise revenue to help fund the Kirwan Commission's recommendations, and Governor Hogan's remarks on what implementing the Commission's plan would mean for taxpayers and Marylan…
playlist_add
Aug 18, 2019
Live at #MACoCon with MDP & the US Census
The US Census plays an essential role in American democracy. Most fundamentally, it ensures that communities get the right representation in government. Less obviously, it plays a critical role in distributing hundreds of billions of federal dollars for a wide range of public services — including education, health, transportation, housing, community services, and job training.
At the 2019 MACo Summer Conference, Maryland coordinators for the United States Census and Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning Robert McCord joined Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally for a live recording of the Conduit Street Podcast. The fast-paced, Q&A-style session focused on state and local resources and best practices to promote the most accurate 2020 Census.
https://twitter.com/WalterOlsonMd/status/1161729622964412417
Panelists included:
* Robert McCord, Secretary, Maryland Department of Planning
* Lee Osberry, Partnership Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau
* Ashley Roush, Partnership…
playlist_add
Aug 1, 2019
School Funding, Fiscal Report Card, and Podcast Picks
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis. At the top of the list is school funding—particularly an update on the Kirwan Commission's Funding Formula Workgroup, the thirteen-member panel charged with working through what is perhaps the most challenging portion of The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future — the development of a plan to finance, realign, and apportion the costs of these ambitious, but expensive, goals.
Next up is Maryland's fiscal report card. We explain the significance of the State retaining its triple-AAA bond rating, and what it means for Maryland's upcoming bond sale.
Finally, we highlight some of our favorite podcasts (besides this one, of course).
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.
*Useful Links*
Previ…
playlist_add
Jul 23, 2019
By the Numbers: #MACoCon
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally are joined by special guest Virginia White, MACo's Member Services Director, for a behind-the-scenes look at MACo's annual Summer Conference.
Nearly 3,000 individuals from across Maryland will gather in Ocean City, MD on August 14-17 to discuss advancements and changes being seen at all levels of government, from cybersecurity to Phase III WIP to school funding and everything in between. This week’s podcast dives in and takes a look at the content and all the moving pieces that make up the largest – and most anticipated - gathering of Maryland government officials.
It's no secret that the annual crab feast, a highlight of MACo's conference, is a "can't miss" event…but have you ever wondered just how many crabs it takes to satisfy the hundreds of attendees at the all-you-can-eat event? Or how many hotel rooms are booked with #MACoCon attendees? Know what the “flush count” is and why it…
playlist_add
Jul 18, 2019
Preemption Tension
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally are joined by special guest Les Knapp, MACo's legal and policy counsel, to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis. This week we focus on two recent preemption decisions with major implications for county governments.
First, in a victory for county governments, the Maryland Court of Appeals denied a petition to hear an appeal of a lower court decision finding that local governments are not impliedly preempted from regulating the use of pesticides. We discuss the significance of the decision.
And in a disappointing decision for county governments, the Maryland Court of Appeals affirmed that the state can preempt local governments when granting approval for large scale solar and wind energy projects. We explain why this decision creates a great deal of uncertainty for county governments, as well as its impact on a 2017 MACo Legislative Initiative to ensure local governments have a role in…
playlist_add
Jul 11, 2019
Happy New (Fiscal) Year and What Counts as a Meeting? You Might Be Surprised...
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally are joined by special guest Robin Eilenberg, MACo's research director, to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis. At the top of the list is the 2019 MACo Budgets-in Brief survey. July marks the start of the fiscal year for Maryland’s county governments, when new budgets go into effect. We discuss the latest county-by-county budget details, including taxes, salaries, and education funding.
And we explain why a recent ruling from Maryland’s Open Meetings Compliance Board may cause jurisdictions to reassess some of the more “informal” means used to arrive at custodial and administrative matters.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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.
*Usefu…
playlist_add
Jun 28, 2019
Supremes Speak, Fiscal Follow-Up, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that partisan-gerrymandering challenges to electoral maps are political questions and thus beyond the reach of the federal courts — dismissing challenges by voters in Maryland and North Carolina, an update on the budget impasse between Governor Larry Hogan and the General Assembly, and a recap of MACo's trip to Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: SCOTUS: Federal Courts Have No Role in Partisan Gerrymandering Cases
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor & General Assemb…
playlist_add
Jun 20, 2019
Budget Battle, SALT Smackdown, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the ongoing budget impasse between Governor Larry Hogan and the General Assembly, new guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that squashes attempts by some states to circumvent the federal cap on the deductibility of state and local taxes (SALT), remembering former Maryland House Speaker Roy Clayton Mitchell Jr., and what we're looking forward to in the weeks ahead.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Governor & General Assembly Remain At Odds Over FY 2020 Restricted Funding
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Feds Squash SALT Cap Worka…
playlist_add
Jun 13, 2019
Electric Vehicle Shock (On Revenues), School Funding Formulas, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including how the rising popularity of alternative fuel vehicles is challenging the general philosophy of transportation funding, a look at the newly appointed Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Funding Formula Workgroup, and a breakdown of the latest article from a special Conduit Street blog series on Maryland's school funding formulas: School Funding, Part 3: She Works Hard For The Money (Cost of Education).
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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*
Chicago Tribune*: *Illinois will hike fee for Teslas, Bolts, and other EVs — but to $248, not $1,000: 'They’ve cut it back from an outrageous…
playlist_add
Jun 6, 2019
270 Traffic, 51 States, and 1,500 Lawsuits
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the Board of Public Works' approval of Governor Hogan's controversial plan to use private companies to widen highways in the region... with a catch, how the renewed push for D.C. statehood could have major consequences for the Old Line State, and Natasha Mehu is back to discuss how major developments in the State of Oklahoma could set a precedent for more than 1,500 lawsuits against opioid manufacturers.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Board of Public Works Moves Hogan’s Modified Traffic Relief Plan Forward
Previous Conduit Street Coverag…
playlist_add
May 30, 2019
Sediment, Cyber, Schools, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a new report from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation criticizing state efforts on bay cleanup – with its sharpest barbs for Pennsylvania, new cost estimates for Baltimore City to recover from a devastating ransomware attack, the growing cybersecurity threat, and a breakdown of the latest article from a special Conduit Street blog series on Maryland's school funding formulas: School Funding, Part 2: Money Changes Everything (The Wealth Formula).
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: CBF: PA is Far Off Track With Bay Cleanup
Previous Conduit Street Co…
playlist_add
May 24, 2019
Signing off, Cleaning up, and Checking on Tech
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the significance of Governor Larry Hogan's decision to cancel the final bill signing ceremony of 2019, the status of the Clean Energy Jobs Act... an issue being reframed by Governor Hogan's expression of support for expanding the mandate to 100% clean energy by 2040, and explain why new technology (particularly ride-sharing applications and traffic navigation aides) is driving new policy in Maryland and across the United States.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music 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: Governor Re-frames Energy Debate: 100% Clean by 2040, Reach Zero-Carbon
Previous…
playlist_add
May 16, 2019
Eye on Annapolis... and Beyond
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally sit down with the founder of the Eye on Annapolis and co-host of The Maryland Crabs podcast, John Frenaye. Listen in for the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including state and local politics, budgets, and a look ahead to the 2020 and 2022 elections.
playlist_add
May 9, 2019
Key Court Cases, City Shuffle, Maryland Shines in South
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Les Knapp discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including two Maryland court decisions with major implications for local governments, big changes in Baltimore City leadership, and a look at why, when it comes to the state of state and local politics, Maryland has a leg up on our friends down South.
playlist_add
May 3, 2019
Madame Speaker, Mister Mayor
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the historic election of Delegate Adrienne Jones as the 107th Speaker of the House, the looming uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the [Kirwan] Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and big changes in Baltimore City leadership.
playlist_add
Apr 25, 2019
Complete Count Conversation
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the latest in the three-way race for Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. Also this week, tricky policy issues for county human resources offices and a look at the 2020 Decennial Census.
An accurate census count, or lack thereof, has a lasting effect on counties, particularly when it comes to the distribution of federal funds. With the 2020 census nearing, the 2020 Maryland Complete Count Committee (CCC) helps the state prepare and mobilize for the 2020 decennial census. The Maryland CCC includes nonprofit leaders, elected officials, state agency heads, and county and municipal government representatives.
playlist_add
Apr 17, 2019
After-Session Afterthoughts
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the three-way race for Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, the latest on the potential for a special legislative session in the coming weeks, and a rundown of legislation that could be subject to a gubernatorial veto.
playlist_add
Apr 12, 2019
Session-End Summary, Toasting the "Coach"
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the tragic death of Michael E. Busch, the longest-serving House speaker in the history of Maryland and 40-year-veteran of the Parks and Recreation Department in Anne Arundel County, recap a number of issues that came down to the wire as the General Assembly adjourned Sine Die, rundown major issues of the 2019 session, and consider the political posture of the Maryland General Assembly.
MACo has made the podcast available through both iTunes and Google Play Music by searching Conduit Street Podcast. You can also listen on our Conduit Street blog with a recap and link to the podcast.
playlist_add
Apr 5, 2019
Pre-K-Through-12, Prescription Drugs, Preakness, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including an update on "The Education Blueprint for Maryland's Future," new developments on prescription drug affordability, the status of legislation concerning the future of Pimlico Race Course, and a preview of what's to come before the General Assembly adjourns sine die.
playlist_add
Mar 29, 2019
"Spring Cleaning" Policy Roundup
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including an update on the budget, a strange twist on the End-of-Life Option Act, vetoes, veto overrides, redistricting, new rules for ticket resellers, and a proposal to change the definition of milk.
playlist_add
Mar 21, 2019
Major Issues Mashup
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the status of the "Fight for Fifteen" minimum wage bill, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a proposal to abolish the Handgun Permit Review Board, school funding, school construction, and intriguing language in the Senate's version of the 2019 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act "BRFA."
playlist_add
Mar 15, 2019
Dueling Budgets, Solar, Septics, General Issue Updates, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including dueling budget proposals from the House and Senate, an update on small cell wireless siting, and general news and notes from the Maryland General Assembly.
Also this week, Les Knapp joins the podcast to provide updates on solar siting, septics, the Forest Conservation Act, and the "Green Amendment."
playlist_add
Mar 8, 2019
Breaking Down the Kirwan “Blueprint”
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally break down "The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future," legislation to transform the State’s early childhood, primary, and secondary education system into a world-class system based on the recommendations of the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education.
This bill implements the “blueprint” for the goals of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, and takes first steps toward funding multiple educational priorities shared across multiple stakeholders including counties. Even with the longer-term efforts of the Commission still unfolding, and the county obligation toward those ends still unclear, county governments support these steps to target new funding, provide new direction and accountability, and set new expectations for Maryland’s educational system.
playlist_add
Mar 1, 2019
Committee Crunch Time, Public Safety Pop-Ups, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a week of big hearings on Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911), funding for local health departments, school construction, and small cell wireless siting, a proposal to ban the use of public genealogical databases to solve criminal cases, and examine the impact of a recent Supreme Court decision holding that civil asset forfeiture at the state and local level must occur under the same constitutional protections against excessive fines as they do at the federal level.
playlist_add
Feb 22, 2019
Weekly Annapolis Roundup, Prickly Projects, Personal Privilege, and Public Polling
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including some very interesting and thoughtful remarks from Senate President Mike Miller regarding Maryland's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the latest on the future of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore City, the status of a plan to build a new football stadium in Prince George's County, new developments on the push to legalize adult-use cannabis, and intriguing numbers from the latest Goucher Poll.
playlist_add
Feb 15, 2019
Brinkley on Budgets, Amazon's About-Face, Action on Airbnb, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including Secretary of Budget and Management David Brinkley's presentation to MACo's Legislative Committee, the latest on a proposal to allow school systems to start school before labor day, new developments on the race for Maryland State Treasurer, big news on Amazon's HQ2, a new proposal to require short-term hosting platforms like Airbnb to collect sales and use taxes, and a preview of the latest Goucher Poll.
playlist_add
Feb 8, 2019
Session Shakeup, School-Year Suspense, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally recap the latest from Annapolis, including a deluge of bills, a new panel to select the next Maryland Treasurer, the latest on a proposal to strip the Maryland Comptroller of regulatory authority over alcohol, tobacco, and petroleum, the national vote interstate compact, and school year suspense.
playlist_add
Feb 1, 2019
State of the State, Party Priorities, Jail-Based MAT, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Natasha Mehu recap Governor Larry Hogan's fifth State of the State address, discuss the legislative priorities for both Maryland Democrats and the Maryland GOP, and explain the push to mandate medication-assisted treatment in Maryland's prisons and jails.
playlist_add
Jan 25, 2019
Kirwan Commission Wraps 2018 Work, Fiscal Mother Lode, and the Latest from #MDGA19
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally recap the final meeting (sort of) of the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, discuss local requests for education funding, explore the Department of Legislative Services' 2019 Fiscal Briefing, and round up the latest news from the Maryland General Assembly.
playlist_add
Jan 18, 2019
Clues to Hogan's Budget Proposal, Economic Uncertainty Looming, and the Latest from #MDGA19
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest on Governor Hogan's highly anticipated budget proposal, explain why economic uncertainty looms large over Annapolis, examine the potential ramifications of a protracted federal government shutdown, and highlight the latest news and notes from the Maryland General Assembly - including new proposals for sports betting and the "Fight for $15."
playlist_add
Jan 11, 2019
2019 Session Preview
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Natasha Mehu preview the 2019 session of the Maryland General Assembly. Education, healthcare, minimum wage, Tobacco 21, cannabis, sports betting, redistricting, public safety, and criminal justice issues are all hot topics.
playlist_add
Jan 1, 2019
Delayed or Derailed? What's Next for Kirwan? #MACoCon and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the fallout from the decision to further delay a final report from the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, look ahead to what Kirwan recommendations may still be on the table for 2019, preview the (record-breaking) 2019 MACo Winter Conference, and more!
playlist_add
Dec 20, 2018
Kirwan's Kryptonite, Stadium Squeeze, WotUS, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the fallout from the decision to further delay a final report from the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, review Governor Hogan's plan to keep the Washington Redskins in Maryland, and review the latest proposal to revamp Pimlico Race Course.
Also this week, Les Knapp, MACo's Legal and Policy Director, joins the podcast to discuss the latest on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new proposal regarding the definition of the Waters of the United States (WotUS).
playlist_add
Dec 13, 2018
Major School Construction Proposal, Clues to the Kirwan Cost Split, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss Governor Hogan's new proposal to dedicate nearly all of the revenues resulting from the education "lockbox" constitutional amendment to school construction, examine the latest clues from the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education on what a county funding component might look like in a post-Kirwan landscape, review MACo's Half-Day Annapolis Immersion Training, and recognize the Department of Legislative Services for their recent award from Governing Magazine.
playlist_add
Dec 5, 2018
#NG911 Report, Kirwan Testimony, Ranked-Choice Voting, #MACoCon, and County Awards
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally dig into the final recommendations from the Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 Across Maryland, discuss testimony from last week's meeting of [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, and examine ranked-choice voting systems.
Also this week, Virginia White, MACo's Member Services Director, joins the podcast to preview the 2019 MACo Winter Conference, including the Newly Elected Officials Orientation and the MACo County Champion Awards.
playlist_add
Nov 28, 2018
Spending Affordability, Volatile Revenues, & a Touch of Kirwan
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally examine Maryland's short-term and long-term fiscal outlook. In the short-term, legislators are mulling an FY 2020 budget that includes a $168 million cash balance and a $2 million structural balance. But will the good times last? Plus, a recent article by Len Lazarick from the Maryland Reporter details the possible fiscal impact of the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education's recommendation to increase teacher pay by 10% and reduce actual classroom teaching time from 80% of the current school day to 60%. We'll discuss.
playlist_add
Nov 15, 2018
Election Tidbits, Congressional District Dilemma, and Amazon Is Coming! ... Sort of
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss some of the "too close to call" election races in Frederick County, review the fate of some of the more intriguing ballot questions from across the country, explain the significance of a federal court's ruling that Maryland's 6th Congressional is unconstitutionally gerrymandered and must be redrawn in time for the 2020 election, and ponder what Amazon's decision to co-locate its HQ2 headquarters in Arlington, Virginia and New York City might mean for Maryland.
playlist_add
Nov 7, 2018
Special Edition: General Election Roundup
On this special edition of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Natasha Mehu breakdown state and local results from the 2018 primary election.
playlist_add
Nov 2, 2018
Kirwan Wrap Up, Early Voting Numbers, Election Preview, and High-Stakes Ballot Questions
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss significant developments from this week's meeting of the the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, preview Maryland's general election, explain the significance (or lack thereof) of the spike in early voting numbers, and examine some of the more intriguing ballot questions from across the country.
playlist_add
Oct 25, 2018
School Funding Update, #NG911 Commission Convenes, 21st Century Libraries, and more!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news from the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, recap this week's meeting of the Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 Across Maryland, and examine some of the ways libraries are reinventing themselves as content becomes more accessible online and their role becomes less about housing tomes and more about connecting learners and expanding knowledge.
playlist_add
Oct 19, 2018
Complete Streets, Small Cell Update, Maryland Health Connection, & Prescription for Change
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally is joined by MACo's Legislative Director Natasha Mehu to discuss Complete Streets, update listeners on the recent action taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding small cell wireless siting, explain why Maryland reaps the benefits of a state-based health exchange, and discuss MACo's advocacy for re-prioritizing public health in the face of the opioid epidemic by reviving local health department funding and targeting drug treatment funding to address demand where it is needed most.
playlist_add
Oct 11, 2018
Split the Check for School Construction? Not So Fast...
Kevin Kinnally is joined by MACo's Research Director, Robin Eilenberg, to discuss school construction in Maryland. For many years the State-county partnership on school construction has been strong, with the Department of Legislative Services reporting that from fiscal 2006 through 2013, the State provided $2.4 billion in new funds for school construction while Counties provided $2.1 billion for school construction.
Increases in school construction costs in recent years, however, threaten to strain that relationship and offset the balance of the shared commitment to building and renovating facilities for Maryland’s K-12 students. Eligible cost definitions and state environmental and labor mandates are at the heart of the division.
playlist_add
Oct 4, 2018
New Laws Take Effect, Internet Regs Spark Latest Clash Over States' Rights, & More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss a handful of new Maryland laws, which took effect this week, explain why California's new net neutrality law sparked the latest debate over states' rights, and examine the impact of congressional action (or inaction) on state laws.
playlist_add
Sep 27, 2018
Revenue Write-Up, 2020 Census, Listener Mailbag, & More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest revenue projections from the Board of Revenue Estimates, discuss the importance of the 2020 Census and how it affects local governments, and answer questions from our listener mailbag.
playlist_add
Sep 21, 2018
Headlines & Happenings - Education, #NG911, Goucher Poll, Disaster Response, & Small Cells
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and happenings around Maryland.Listen in to hear updates on the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, the Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 Across Maryland, interesting tidbits from the most recent Goucher Poll, mutual aid in the wake of natural disasters, and the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC)proposed order intended to streamline and reduce industry’s costs for the deployment of small cells in local right of ways at the expense of local authority.
playlist_add
Sep 13, 2018
Pondering Potential "Pay-Fors"
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss ways in which Maryland could increase state revenues. The budget deficit, coupled with new and expensive funding proposals, could lead to a plethora of revenue-generating policy proposals, also known as "pay-fors" -- literally, paying for something that the government wants to buy.
playlist_add
Sep 6, 2018
Keeping up with Kirwan
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news from the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, including new recommendations on how to best provide more resources for at-risk students, and explain why the Commission may refrain from issuing recommendations on some of the most critical components of education funding in Maryland.
playlist_add
Aug 31, 2018
Digging Deeper on "Elevating Teaching," Candidate Shuffle, & More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news from the Kirwan Commission, including new recommendations on pre-K, teacher pay, and college and career readiness, and explain the process for replacing a candidate for public office in the event they decline their party's nomination, which is exactly what happened this week in Prince George's County.
playlist_add
Aug 23, 2018
Smart Growth, Bay 'Pollution Diet,' & #MACoCon Recap
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally are joined by MACo’s Legal and Policy Counsel, Les Knapp, to discuss the future of Smart Growth in Maryland, the health of the Chesapeake Bay, and recap #MACoCon. Listen in to hear an update on "A Better Maryland," the ongoing implementation of the Chesapeake Bay’s "pollution diet," and the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements established by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and overseen by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
playlist_add
Aug 20, 2018
Live at #MACoCon with Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally are joined by Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger for a live recording at MACo's Summer Conference in Ocean City, Maryland. Listen in to hear about how Congressman Ruppersberger's experience in local government affect his decision-making on Capitol Hill, the importance of municipal bonds, an update on election security, and more!
playlist_add
Aug 9, 2018
Maryland's Opioid Crisis: Where Do We Go from Here?
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally are joined by MACo's Legislative Director, Natasha Mehu, to discuss Maryland's opioid crisis. Listen in to learn how the heroin and opioid epidemic was born, innovative state and local efforts to battle heroin and opioid misuse and abuse, and the resources necessary to stem the crisis in Maryland.
playlist_add
Aug 8, 2018
Introducing the DLS Podcast
The Conduit Street Podcast is pleased to announce that our friends at the Maryland Department of Legislative Services (DLS) have launched a podcast. In this week's premiere episode, Matthew Bennett and Patrick Frank discuss bond sales in Maryland.
A link to the podcast can be found on the DLS website.
The Conduit Street Podcast will be back later this week with an episode on Maryland's opioid crisis.
playlist_add
Aug 2, 2018
What's up with the Bay? SALT Suit, & Recruiting Top-Tier Teachers
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss how and why recent storms have sent sediment and debris pouring into the Chesapeake Bay, examine the multistate lawsuit against the federal government in response to the $10,000 limit on the federal deduction for state and local taxes (SALT), and break down the Kirwan Commission's High-Quality Teachers and Leaders workgroup.
playlist_add
Jul 27, 2018
New tech Driving New Policy - Part Two
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss how new technology is driving new policy in Maryland. In part two of this two-part series, we focus on small cell wireless technology, solar energy siting, body-worn cameras, and Next Generation 9-1-1.Click here to listen to part one of this series, where we discuss ridesharing, peer-to-peer property rentals, drones, GPS and navigation software, and autonomous vehicles.
playlist_add
Jul 19, 2018
On the Road with MACo, "Staggering" Price of Pre-K, & Primary Election Roundup
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss MACo's odyssey across Maryland, update the "too close to call" county primary races, and explore the potential implications of the Kirwan Commission's staggering cost estimates for expanding high-quality, full-day pre-K in Maryland.
playlist_add
Jul 10, 2018
New Tech Driving New Policy - Part One
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss how new technology is driving new policy in Maryland. In part one of this two-part series, we focus on new and evolving technology that is external to government - ridesharing, peer-to-peer property rentals, drones, GPS and navigation software, and autonomous vehicles.Stay tuned for part two of our discussion, which will focus on how new policies could impact new technologies and their effect on land use, zoning, public safety, and privacy/transparency.
playlist_add
Jul 3, 2018
Beating the Heat, Janus v. AFSCME, & Primary Races We're Still Watching
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss how counties are helping their residents beat the heat, explore the potential impacts of the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Janus v. ASFCME, and review some of the county primary races that remain too close to call.
playlist_add
Jun 27, 2018
Special Edition: 2018 Primary Election
On this special edition of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson breakdown state and local results from the 2018 primary election. Read our Conduit Street blog for full coverage of the 2018 Maryland primary election.
playlist_add
Jun 21, 2018
SCOTUS Sounds Off, Early Voting Boom, Riveting Races, & More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss early voting numbers for the 2018 primary election, explore the role of county governments in state and local elections, examine the impacts of three major Supreme Court decisions, review MACo's Legislative Initiatives process, and look ahead to the 2018 MACo Summer Conference.*Note: We'll be back next week with a special edition of the Conduit Street Podcast to breakdown the results of the primary election.
playlist_add
Jun 8, 2018
Primary Ballot Battle, Kirwan 2.0, Wynne Whammy, & #MACoCon
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down the primary ballot battle between gubernatorial Candidate Valerie Ervin and the State Board of Elections, provide insight on the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence In Education, discuss the latest twist in the Wynne saga, and preview the 2018 MACo Summer Conference.
playlist_add
May 10, 2018
Procurement, Property Taxes, & Public Works
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Barbara Zektick discuss the importance of procurement in county government, review a number of property tax bills from the 2018 General Assembly Session, and explain the relationship between local departments of public works and the United States Federal Highway Administration.
playlist_add
Apr 26, 2018
Kirwan Commission, Take Two. Fiscal Forecast, Session Resources, & Interim Intrigue
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson highlight some of the best resources for information on the General Assembly, provide insight on the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence In Education (which reconvened this week), discuss Maryland's fiscal picture, and preview some hot-button issues for the 2018 interim.
playlist_add
Apr 11, 2018
Sine Die Send-Off & Session Recap
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss a number of issues that came down to the wire as the General Assembly adjourned Sine Die. Kinnally and Sanderson also provide listeners with a recap of the 2018 legislative session.
playlist_add
Apr 6, 2018
Sine Die Is Quickly Approaching... What's Locked Up? What's Still Lingering?
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss a number of issues that have been resolved by the General Assembly as well as a number of issues that still require attention.
playlist_add
Mar 30, 2018
School Construction Kerfuffle, Forest Bill In Limbo, Fending Off Hackers, & More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss a controversial measure to change Maryland's school construction funding process, provide an update on the latest iteration of the Forest Conservation Act, examine the impact of cybersecurity on local governments, and recap the final Legislative Committee meeting of 2018
playlist_add
Mar 23, 2018
Post-Crossover Roundup, School Construction, School Safety, & More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson provide listeners with a roundup of MACo's 2018 Legislative Initiatives, as well as a host of other bills MACo has weighed in on this year, discuss the latest on school construction, and examine the debate on school safety
playlist_add
Mar 15, 2018
"Crossover" Coming, Fiscal Follow Up, Body Cameras Back-And-Forth, and More!
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the looming "crossover" deadline, review the latest on the State's fiscal plan, break down MACo's Legislative Initiative to modernize the Maryland Public Information Act, and look ahead as the dust begins to settle on the 2018 session.
playlist_add
Mar 9, 2018
Small Cells, Big Concerns. Fiscal Plan Coming Together, State Song Dilemma, & the Road Ahead
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson pay tribute to the late Senator Wayne Norman, who passed away suddenly last week, discuss the latest on the State's fiscal plan, break down this week's budget decisions, review the latest push for small cell deregulation, examine the state song dilemma, and preview the road ahead.
playlist_add
Mar 2, 2018
Local Roads Funding "Deal," BRFA Hearings, Unpacking the Big School Construction Bill, & School Safety
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss a potential "deal" on local roads funding, explain MACo's position on the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA), break down the Knott Commission school construction legislation, and examine a new proposal for funding to enhance school safety across Maryland.
playlist_add
Feb 23, 2018
Conduit Street Podcast: Call If You Can, Text If You Must. Sunshine Laws, Attorney's Fees, #LIFT4MD, & Beer Wars
Maryland’s Public Information Act creates a balanced framework for guaranteeing public access to open information, while protecting sensitive and private material. The rapid ascension of new technologies has strained the implementation and effect of these laws – potentially chilling their otherwise beneficial use. SB 788/HB 1638, Public Information Act - Revisions, clarifies and reframes the Maryland Public Information Act to better accommodate citizen electronic engagement, personal surveillance footage from first responders and other county officials, and the release of sensitive personal information.
MACo this week testified in opposition to HB 1270/SB 1042. In theory, the bill seeks to ensure there is adequate legal representation for low-income individuals asserting a constitutional claim in State courts. In practice, the bill would trigger a rush of litigation and costs for the State and local governments and create a profoundly unbalanced system that favors plaintiffs ove…
playlist_add
Feb 16, 2018
County Collaboration on Tax Reform, Lockbox Redux, Employer Mandates, and Bad Docs
The MACo Legislative Committee formally adopted a statement this week to express its views on broad-based tax reform proposals pending before the General Assembly, designed to react (in various ways) to the recently enacted federal tax reforms. Absent state action, some Maryland taxpayers would see an increase in their state and county tax liability — the potential means to offset these changes sit before the legislature in multiple variations of changes to deductions, exemptions, rates, and brackets — each with distinct distributional effects.
Governor Larry Hogan this week announced a “lockbox” proposal to ensure that taxes on casino revenues set aside for education are used to supplement, not supplant state funding for public schools. Last month, legislature leadership announced a plan to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot. The ballot question would ask voters to approve of putting a “lockbox” on casino money (around $500M per year), requiring it to…
playlist_add
Feb 9, 2018
9-1-1 Takes Center Stage, Huge Drop of Bills Introduced, Sick Leave Law Looms, and Senate Changes Afoot
Both county and municipal governments, still feeling the permanent effects of devastating cutbacks to state roadway funding, have made restoring Highway User Revenues a perennial legislative priority. HB 1569, introduced today, represents a compromise between counties and municipalities, whereby all local governments would have their local share of Highway User Revenues fully restored.
A law requiring employers to provide employees with sick leave will go into effect on Sunday, despite a veto last year from Governor Larry Hogan and a last-ditch effort by the state Senate to delay its implementation. The law requires employers with 15 or more full-time employees to provide workers with at least five days of sick and safe leave per year.
The Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) (SB 285/HB 634), one of MACo's 2018 Legislative Priorities, had a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee this week. Counties from across the state sent public safety professionals to stress th…
playlist_add
Feb 2, 2018
#FixtheFund, Opioid Litigation, Wave of HUR Bills, Local Aid Intrigue, and more!
Maryland lawmakers on Tuesday unveiled a plan to amend the state constitution to ensure that taxes on casino revenues set aside for education are used to supplement, not supplant state funding for public schools.
Also this week, Baltimore City became the latest jurisdiction to announce plans to file lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, doctors, and so-called “pill mills,” in an effort to stem the drug abuse epidemic that is killing tens of thousands of Americans each year.
Could a compromise be in the works for the restoration of local highway user revenues? A new wave of bills may be pointing in that direction.
Finally, the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) has released their annual report detailing state aid to local governments and local effects of the state budget. The report includes details on virtually every component of state aid to local governments in the proposed FY 19 budget.
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sa…
playlist_add
Jan 25, 2018
New Tax Analysis, Paid Leave Dilemma, Fiscal Outlook, and More!
The Comptroller’s Office on Thursday held a briefing on its analysis of the impact of federal legislation on Maryland revenues. Meanwhile, Governor Larry Hogan unveiled his plans to protect Marylanders from state & local tax increases resulting from the recent federal tax overhaul.
On Monday, the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) delivered its annual fiscal briefing to the General Assembly budget committees. Occurring right on the heels of the federal government shutdown, the tone was markedly different from the Governor’s budget proposal announcement.
Also this week, Senate Finance Chairman and chief sponsor of a new law requiring most employers to provide workers with sick leave, Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton introduced a bill to delay enforcement of the new law. While most legislators would seemingly support the legislation, its passage is far from certain.
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down t…
playlist_add
Jan 20, 2018
Tax Relief Proposals, Governor's Budget... and More!
House Speaker Michael E. Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. on Tuesday announced a package of bills designed to ease Maryland taxpayers’ increased tax burden resulting from the federal government’s tax reform package. The legislative package includes a proposed expansion of personal exemptions at the state level and a decoupling of the estate tax from the federal system.
The Governor’s proposed budget of $44 billion represents a 2 percent increase over the fiscal 2018 budget – and according to him, “responsibly holds the line on spending without raising taxes, cutting services, or raiding special funds.”
Most importantly to counties, the budget shifts nearly all costs of the State Department of Assessment and Taxation onto county governments – raiding county coffers, rather than “special funds.” It makes counties responsible for 90 percent of all costs associated with assessment functions, information technology services and the Office of th…
playlist_add
Jan 12, 2018
The General Assembly Is in Session!
The Maryland General Assembly is now in session. The 438th session convened in Annapolis on Wednesday. Notwithstanding the pageantry, ceremony, pomp, and circumstance, lawmakers got off to a fast start. On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson recap the week in Annapolis and discuss some of the key issues likely to be addressed between now and Sine Die.
playlist_add
Jan 4, 2018
Session 101
With the 2018 Session right around the corner, it's the perfect time to review the legislative process, define some popular legislative lingo, and highlight dates of interest. On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson present a timely refresher on what to expect when the General Assembly convenes next week.
playlist_add
Dec 18, 2017
Small Cell Broadband/Election Issues
In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss small cell broadband and election issues.
The future of wireless will evolve from large, macro-cell towers to include thousands of densely-deployed small cells, operating at lower power. Small cell wireless facilities are deployed by mobile operators to extend network coverage and/or increase network capacity. State and local governments across the country have expressed concerns over legislation that would pre-empt local government regulations when it comes to siting antennas and other infrastructure in public rights of way such as power poles, street lamps, and traffic signals.
Nine states and the District of Columbia have already approved automatic voter registration, and 32 states have introduced automatic registration proposals this year.
Same Day Registration (SDR) allows eligible voters to register to vote and cast their ballots on the same day. Depending on the state, this one-stop pr…
playlist_add
Dec 1, 2017
Solar, Solar... Everywhere?
In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Les Knapp discuss the relationship between local governments and Maryland's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.
playlist_add
Nov 17, 2017
The Power of Partnership
In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss MACo's upcoming Winter Conference. MACo’s Winter Conference will focus on intergovernmental cooperation and ways that counties can partner with entities in the public and private sector to achieve the best results for Maryland’s residents. Sessions will highlight collaboration across county lines and service areas to address priorities like the opioid epidemic, Next Gen 9-1-1, and the environment, along with other important topics like mutual aid agreements and cooperative purchasing. 500+ local government decision-makers will meet to discuss partnership opportunities in the public and private sectors. Don't miss it! The 2017 MACo Winter Conference will be held December 6-8. 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay hotel in Cambridge, Maryland.
playlist_add
Nov 9, 2017
We're Back! Updates On School Funding, Federal Tax Reform, & Maryland's State Fiscal Picture
In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss new developments in education funding, federal tax reform, and Maryland's fiscal picture.
playlist_add
Oct 13, 2017
Education Funding In Maryland
In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss education funding in Maryland.
playlist_add
Oct 5, 2017
How Would Federal Tax Reform Affect Maryland?
Federal tax reform is a hot topic in Washington, and two potential changes could wreak havoc on county finances. Congress is considering eliminating both the deductibility of state and local taxes (SALT) and the tax exemption for municipal bonds to pay for other priorities.
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss how the latest tax reform proposal would affect Maryland.
playlist_add
Sep 28, 2017
MACo's 2018 Legislative Initiatives
In the premiere episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss MACo's 2018 Legislative Initiatives.
playlist_add