Missouri Viewpoints with Mike Ferguson

Mar 11

Making Missouri A Leader in Medical Research. Also, Getting Down to Business in Education Reform

March 11, 2018

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – You probably know someone who’s been hit by the flu bug this year. The epidemic spread through most of the country over the past few months. For most people, it’s just a matter of waiting it out and letting the sickness run its course. For others, the virus was serious and for some it was deadly.

Saint Louis University researchers are working to develop, among other preventative medicines, a universal flu vaccine. Millions of dollars are being invested in SLU research. This week, the University’s Vice President for Research, Ken Olliff, explains what they are doing and how they hope is affects both the health and economy of Missouri (and the nation).

Also, most people agree that Missouri’s public education system needs improvement. The debate is what to change and how to improve what’s being done now.

Linda Rallo from Aligned makes their case for listening to Missouri’s business leaders when updating what is taught.

On the web:

Saint Louis University

Aligned

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/making-missouri-a-leader-in-medical-research-also-getting-down-to-business-in-education-reform/

Mar 01

State Policy Update and The Debate Over Utility Rates

by Mike Ferguson

March 1, 2018

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – Arguably the biggest task of the State Legislature is to decide how to spend our money. This week, State Rep. Kurt Bahr (R) updates us on the wonky process of creating a state budget and discusses what it means to everyone. He also talks about some of the proposals to expand school choice in Missouri.

Also, Cara Spencer from the Consumers Council of Missouri explains their opposition to a proposal that would change how investor-owned utilities, are regulated. She says the bill is good for the companies but bad for customers.

On the web:

Kurt Bahr

Consumers Council of Missouri

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/state-policy-update-and-the-debate-over-utility-rates/

Feb 19

Health Care Policy: Politics and Services for the Disabled in Missouri

by Mike Ferguson

February 19, 2018

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) –

From Washington to Jefferson City, the debate seems to no longer be should government direct health care but how should government policy direct health care?

This week, Americans for Prosperity’s Missouri State Director, Jeremy Cady updates up on his organization’s work as lawmakers deal with health care and other reforms. That list of priorities includes labor reform and tightening up civil asset forfeiture laws.

In the second segment of the show, Barb Griffith from the Missouri Association of Rehabilitation Facilities explains how some community programs work to empower those with intellectual disabilities. They help organizations provide services which help those with disabilities live as independent of lives as possible. Griffith addresses recent cuts to funding for those programs.

On the web:

Americans for Prosperity – Missouri

MARF

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/health-care-policy-politics-and-services-for-the-disabled-in-missouri/

Feb 19

Legislative Update with Reps. Gina Mitten (D) and Phil Christofanelli (R)

by Mike Ferguson

February 19, 2018

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – Despite one party’s control over both chambers of the State Legislature and the Governor’s Office, the 2018 General Assembly has been contentious.

This week, State Representatives Gina Mitten (D) and Phil Christofanelli (R) provide their views on the work that’s getting done – and not getting done.

On the web:

Rep. Gina Mitten

Rep. Phil Christofanelli

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/legislative-update-with-reps-gina-mitten-d-and-phil-christofanelli-r/

Feb 19

Adoption & Foster Care and Behavioral Health in Missouri

by Mike Ferguson

February 19, 2018

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – Thousands of young people are in Missouri’s foster care system.

Many need caring foster parents. Some need “forever families”. This week, Summer Renne from the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition updates us on the realities and myths of kids in foster care. She also explains how you can help even if you cannot be a foster or adoptive parent right now.

Also, is the opioid abuse crisis a criminal problem or is it a health problem?

Katie Reichard from the Missouri Coalition for Community Behavioral Health tells us why she thinks increased mental and other health care have to be a part of the solution.

On the web:

Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition

Missouri Association for Community Behavioral Health

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/adoption-foster-care-and-behavioral-health-in-missouri/

Jan 30

#MOLeg 2018: What Will Actually Get Done This Year at the Capitol?

by Mike Ferguson

January 30, 2018

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – Almost within minutes of Governor Eric Greitens’ State of the State Address, headlines in Missouri were not about his policy objectives for the state. The headlines were about accusations of an extramarital affair that happened shortly before he was elected.

The Governor has admitted to having an affair in 2015.

What does that mean to the dynamics at the State Capitol? Lawmakers and executives still have policy decisions to make.

This week, Brad Jones from the Missouri chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business outlines what they hope to see done. Jones also assesses the current – and often tense – climate in the Capitol right now.

Also, political commentator and Fontbonne University Professor Mark Kasen provides his assessment of the policy debates and politics dominating the Legislative Session at this point.

On the web:

NFIB Missouri