Capitol Gains

In recent years, tensions around race and culture in the U.S. have intensified, revealing deep divides that often manifest through state preemption of local laws and regulations. The relationship between different levels of government is a hallmark of America's unique approach to governance. When functioning effectively, it can surpass the more centralized systems seen in Europe and elsewhere. However, the growing trend of states overriding local rules—particularly in ways that amplify political divides—remains a critically underexplored aspect of our national discourse on race and culture.

Our guest today, Amy Liu of the Brookings Institution, is deeply familiar with these dynamics. She joins us to delve into the theory behind state preemption, providing concrete examples from recent history that highlight its detrimental effects on the economic vitality and social cohesion of our diverse nation. Liu also offers thoughtful strategies for addressing and mitigating the impact of state preemption, emphasizing the significant costs we bear as a society when these power struggles go unchecked.

There are two reports we mention in this episode. They are: Remaking Economic Development, and Why State and Local Relationships Matter.

This episode was edited by Adam Linder of Bespoken Podcasting.

These days, there isn't a lot that can happen without a form of insurance. From buying a home, hopping in an Uber, using public WiFi, to investing in a mutual fund - insurance is everywhere. Weather-related events are increasing in size and frequency around the country and this is making property insurance unaffordable for many, which causes a lot of problems many may not be fully considering. This trend does not appear to be getting any better and the larger implications are not pretty.

Joining the podcast for this episode is the Environmental Defense Fund's Carolyn Kousky to discuss why elected officials, policy-makers and the insurers themselves have been unable to solve for this problem. Dr. Kousky sets the stage for how we got to a point where major insurance companies are declining to do business in many parts of the country and offers some realistic ways to address the problems at hand.

As we are apt to do, Capitol Gains takes a look at climate change through a financial lens we all can appreciate - insurance and our pocket books - and takes a look at it from the community finance angle.

The report we mention in the episode can be read here.

The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or other associated parties.

Adam Linder of Bespoken Podcast edited this episode.

Former Congressman Ben McAdams talks about his past and present and opines on the future of community finance given the hyper-partisan nature of national politics.

The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or other associated parties.