Our special guest is Greg Lawson from The Buckeye Institute! We talk about some riveting ideas they are proposing for Ohio's energy policies, higher education reform, and other critical topics shaping our state.

Here are some key takeaways:

Energy Policy Reform:

• Greg Lawson emphasized the potential of modular nuclear plants to meet Ohio's rising energy demands while maintaining a market-based approach.
• There's a strong push to streamline permitting processes, enabling quicker and more efficient energy solutions.
• The importance of balance and being resource-agnostic, focusing on practical, needs-based energy production without unnecessary subsidies.

Higher Education Overhaul:

• Lawson highlighted the need for higher education institutions to share the risk of student loans, ensuring they produce job-ready graduates.
• Emphasis on reforming administrative bloat, which could reduce tuition costs significantly.
• The critical need to align educational programs with current market demands, especially in STEM fields and practical skill certifications.

School Choice Expansion:

• Ohio's move towards universal EdChoice vouchers, making education funding more student-focused.
• Addressing logistical challenges such as transportation and underutilized school buildings to support the growth of school choice.
• Advocating for parity in support services for voucher students to ensure equitable educational opportunities.

Common Sense Moments

00:00 "Seeking Strong Leadership in the West"

07:38 Ohio's Evolving Energy Landscape

13:07 Rise of Smaller Energy Collaborations

17:45 "Hope for Energy Production Expansion"

27:00 Rethinking Education for Modern Workforce

30:24 Universities Must Ensure Graduates' ROI

37:25 Promoting Trade and Certificate Jobs

40:57 Government's Role & Private Sector Decline

48:41 Enhancing School Voucher Resources

49:37 School Infrastructure and Choice Challenges

59:16 "Individual Freedom in Public Unions"

01:00:44 Unlawful Deductions as Wage Theft

01:09:05 Game Win and Policy Insight

01:11:19 Nonprofit Funded by Private Donations

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

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Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

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Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.