SPPI-TV

In the latest episode of SPPI-TV, join us for a thought-provoking discussion on one of the most debated topics in public policy: the minimum wage. Our guest, Rebekah Paxton, Director of Research and State Coalitions at the Employment Policies Institute, brings her expertise to shed light on this critical issue. Hosted by D. Dowd Muska, Vice President of Research at SPPI, and Patrick Brenner, President at SPPI, this episode promises to offer deep insights and explore various perspectives.

The episode kicks off by delving into the origin and historical context of the minimum wage, both at the federal and state levels. Our experts provide an overview of the data, presenting a comprehensive picture of the impact on individuals affected by the minimum wage, the profile of typical minimum wage earners, and the implications for businesses of different sizes and sectors.

Drawing from extensive research, the discussion highlights surprising points of agreement, even among some on the left, regarding the effects of the minimum wage. Notably, our experts reference a classic 1987 New York Times editorial that reinforces the consensus on certain aspects.

With a focus on Nevada, a state with the highest unemployment rate in the nation, the conversation explores the potential consequences of the recent minimum wage hike. By examining local minimum wage policies in places such as West Hollywood and Santa Fe, the episode reveals the varying approaches and their impact on businesses and local economies.

Moving beyond theoretical debates, our experts examine the real-time effects of the minimum wage on the economy. They analyze the implications for labor force participation, inflationary pressures, and other economic indicators both in the present and in the months to come.

In a compelling segment, the episode dares to imagine a "minimum wage-free" America, exploring what such a scenario would look like. By considering alternative approaches to wage regulation, our guests offer valuable insights into the potential consequences and benefits.

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In the latest episode of SPPI-TV, titled "What's a Microschool?", host Patrick Brenner sits down with special guest Don Soifer, the cofounder and CEO of the National Microschooling Center. Join them as they delve into the fascinating world of microschools and explore their potential to revolutionize education.

Don Soifer is a visionary leader who has dedicated his career to transforming education through innovative approaches. As the CEO of the National Microschooling Center, a groundbreaking nonprofit organization, Soifer has been instrumental in empowering small learning environments to become dynamic and diverse local communities that unlock the full transformative potential of education.

With a rich background in education and public policy, Soifer brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. He founded Nevada Action for School Options in 2018, a nonprofit that champions the growth of high-quality, personalized educational opportunities for all learners in Nevada, regardless of the educational sector. Soifer's commitment to innovation and his role as a charter school authorizer has resulted in an impressive track record in the sector, serving on the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority and the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board.

As a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow and a co-founder of the Lexington Institute, one of the nation's leading public policy think tanks, Soifer has demonstrated his expertise in education policy and research. He has authored numerous influential papers and articles and has advised government officials at all levels on enacting evidence-based policy changes.

Tune in to this episode of SPPI-TV to learn more about microschools, their benefits, and the transformative potential they hold for the future of education. Join Patrick Brenner and Don Soifer as they shed light on this innovative approach and discuss how it can shape the educational landscape in profound ways. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with a true trailblazer in the field of education.

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In this episode, hosts Patrick M. Brenner and D. Dowd Muska are joined by special guest Shawn Peterson, President of Catholic Education Partners. Together, they delve into the hotly debated topic of universal school choice.

Join us as we explore the potential benefits and challenges of implementing universal school choice policies. Shawn Peterson brings his wealth of experience and expertise in advocating for parental choice in education, having worked on legislative and policy issues for over two decades. As an influential figure in the field, Shawn shares insights from his role at Catholic Education Partners and his involvement with various education-focused organizations.

Throughout the episode, we'll navigate the complexities surrounding universal school choice, discussing its impact on families, communities, and the broader education landscape. We'll address questions like: How can universal school choice empower families and children to access the benefits of a Catholic education? What policy considerations are crucial for ensuring equitable access to quality education options? And what can we learn from Shawn Peterson's experiences in advocating for parental choice in education?

Tune in to SPPI-TV and join the conversation on universal school choice. Gain a deeper understanding of this important policy issue, discover innovative solutions, and explore the potential future of education in our communities. Don't miss this enlightening and thought-provoking episode that aims to shape the conversation and inspire change.

Remember to subscribe to SPPI-TV for more engaging discussions on public policy, featuring policymakers, experts, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of our communities. Together, let's explore the issues that matter and find solutions that make a difference.

Join us on the next episode of SPPI-TV as we dive into the latest Native American current events with our special guest, Dr. Katherine Spilde. In this episode, we'll explore two significant developments: the Chaco Canyon buffer zone update and the groundbreaking Haaland v. Brackeen Supreme Court decision.

First, we'll discuss the controversial 10-mile barrier implemented by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland around Chaco Canyon Monument. Despite opposition from the Navajo Nation, Haaland's decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences, impacting tribal members' property rights and costing millions over the next two decades. We'll examine the implications of this action and the support it receives from New Mexico's Congressional delegation.

Next, we'll delve into the landmark Haaland v. Brackeen Supreme Court case, which upholds the importance of tribal sovereignty and protects the cultural identity of Native American children. We'll explore the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), its historical context, and its role in ensuring the welfare and preservation of Native American families. We'll also discuss the case's background, its journey through the courts, and the significant implications of the Supreme Court's decision.

Don't miss this insightful episode as we gain expert insights from Dr. Katherine Spilde and explore the latest developments impacting Native Americans. Tune in to SPPI-TV for a thought-provoking discussion on the Chaco Canyon buffer zone update and the Haaland v. Brackeen Supreme Court decision, highlighting the importance of tribal sovereignty and the preservation of Native American heritage.

In a recent interview with Stacy Washington from Stacy on the Right on Sirius XM Patriot, we delved into the deeply concerning ASK Academy rape incident, shedding light on the impact of gender-inclusive policies on women's safety in schools. This thought-provoking discussion explored the case in detail, the challenges faced by the victim's family, and the broader implications of such incidents on the ongoing conversation surrounding gender inclusivity.

During the interview, we focused on the case at hand, where a 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped in a trans-inclusive bathroom at the ASK Academy in New Mexico. We examined the concerns raised by this incident, particularly regarding the potential compromise of women and girls' safety under gender-inclusive policies. We discussed the distress experienced by the victim and her family, including their struggle to seek justice and the lack of support from the school administration.

In the latest episode of SPPI-TV, the public policy podcast of the Southwest Public Policy Institute, join host and SPPI president Patrick M. Brenner as he embarks on a captivating international journey. Titled "Discussions Abroad," this episode offers a unique glimpse into the lives and perspectives of Patrick's family members, who are currently enjoying their summer in Nottingham, England.

In this special edition, Patrick sits down with his father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Susan Abernathy. Drawing upon their extensive life experiences, Robert and Susan provide valuable insights into public policy issues from their own unique vantage points. As passionate advocates for social justice and active community members, their perspectives are sure to inspire and provoke thought.

But the discussions don't stop there. Patrick's three children, Charlotte, Marie, and David, also join the conversation, offering their fresh and diverse perspectives on the world of public policy. Through their youthful lens, they shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing their generation, both at home and abroad.

Join SPPI president Patrick M. Brenner and his insightful guests as they bridge the gap between generations and continents, fostering understanding and inspiring action. "Discussions Abroad" promises to be an engaging episode filled with thought-provoking insights, personal anecdotes, and a shared commitment to sound public policy.

Join us for the next episode of SPPI-TV titled "Bitcoin Mining and Decentralized Finance" as we explore the fascinating world of cryptocurrency and its impact on the economy, energy grid, and the environment. Our guest speakers for this episode are Eric Peterson, the Policy Director with Satoshi Action Fund, and John Berlau, senior fellow and Director of Finance Policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Our host is Patrick Brenner, the President of the Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI).

John's work focuses on how public policy affects access to capital, entrepreneurship, and investments made by the public and business community alike. In recent years, he has studied the consequences of financial reform efforts passed by Congress like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the government’s response to the 2008 financial crisis including the Dodd-Frank Act, the placement of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship, and the rise of cryptocurrency.

Satoshi Action Fund is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization dedicated to informing policymakers and regulators about the benefits of Bitcoin mining and its potential as a tool for stabilizing the grid, promoting economic growth, and fostering environmental sustainability. They actively engage in political campaigns and grassroots efforts to shape public policy and create a favorable landscape for Bitcoin mining.

During this episode, we will delve into the concept of Proof-of-Work, the consensus mechanism behind the Bitcoin protocol, which Satoshi Action Fund is committed to protecting. We will discuss how this innovation can have a positive impact on various aspects of our society, including the economy, energy grid stability, and environmental conservation.

Eric Peterson, as the Policy Director of Satoshi Action Fund, will share insights on their model policy, designed to help states attract more Bitcoin mining activities in a sustainable and effective manner. They advocate for policy actions that unlock energy assets, protect the industry from discrimination, and promote research and understanding of this innovative technology through the establishment of commissions or councils.

Join us for the next episode of SPPI-TV titled "Powering the Future" as we delve into the current state of energy production and distribution. Our guest speakers for this episode are D. Dowd Muska, the Vice President of Research at the Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI), and Larry Behrens, the Western States Director with Power the Future.

In this episode, we will be discussing SPPI's report, originally published in November 2022, titled "A Bright, Shining Disappointment: Solar Photovoltaic’s Failure in the Southwest." Dowd Muska will provide insights and analysis on the underwhelming performance of solar photovoltaic energy in the Southwest region of the United States. The report sheds light on the fundamental challenges faced by solar energy, its low contribution to the energy mix, and the reasons behind its inability to live up to expectations.

Larry Behrens, with his wealth of experience in state government and communications, will share his insights on energy and environmental policies in New Mexico. Having worked closely with implementing energy policies and overseeing key agencies, Behrens understands the impact of such policies on the lives of everyday citizens. He will provide valuable perspectives on how these policies can support energy workers and contribute to thriving communities.

Tune in to SPPI-TV Ep. 11: "Powering the Future" to gain a deeper understanding of the current energy landscape and explore the challenges and opportunities for the future. We believe that by sharing facts and research, we can foster a better-informed population and engage in a productive national conversation on energy. Together, let's strive for a high-quality life and a well-preserved environment, honoring the hard work and dedication of those who power our future.

Join host Patrick M. Brenner, president of the Southwest Public Policy Institute, in an insightful episode of SPPI-TV as he delves into the captivating world of interest rate caps and the role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

With esteemed guests Todd Zywicki, renowned legal scholar, Andrew Duke, Executive Director of the Online Lenders Alliance, and John Berlau, Director of Finance Policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, this episode promises an engaging discussion on the impact of interest rate regulations and the implications for consumers and the financial industry. Don't miss this opportunity to unravel the complexities surrounding interest rate caps and gain valuable insights from our esteemed panel of experts.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of SPPI-TV to gain a comprehensive understanding of the detrimental impact of taxpayer-funded advocacy.

In the latest episode of SPPI-TV, join hosts Dowd Muska and Patrick Brenner as they delve into the Southwest Public Policy Institute's groundbreaking report titled "They Lobby — You Pay: Why and How to Stop Taxpayer-Funded Advocacy." This episode sheds light on the pervasive issue of government entities using taxpayer funds for lobbying and advocacy and explores the urgent need to address this practice.