Y CT Matters

Y CT Matters

There are personalities behind the policies. And when we disagree, the common ground is ... conversation. Yankee Institute President Carol Platt Liebau talks with people across our state and country about the topics that are impacting YOU — and covers the human interest stories that make Connecticut unique. Join us weekly for news, policy — and a bit of fun thrown in, as well.

Episodes

March 22, 2024 25 mins

The Independent System Operator-New England (ISO-NE) is warning that the batteries pushed by blue states in the region to prepare the grid for increased solar and wind generation may have significant trouble recharging in low temperatures. Nick Pope – a Connecticut native and Daily Caller contributor – shares further insights into the report. Find his full article here.

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The Connecticut Center for Educational Excellence (CTCEE), a Yankee Institute project, launched just over a year ago, providing scholarships to low-income students and families across Connecticut. Carolanne Marquis, the CEO of CTCEE, shares how 900-plus families have applied for such scholarships, and how students have already benefited emotionally and scholastically in less than a year at their new schools. She also advocates for ...

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After his election to the 30th Senate District in 2023, Stephen Harding was named the Senate Minority Leader in February. He joins the show to share insights into key issues, such as housing, fiscal responsibility and electric vehicle mandates, as well as collaborating with different caucuses. Learn more about him here.  

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In a recent report by PJ Media, over 75% of red state business owners say they are happy in their current location, while only about 30% of blue state employers say the same. So what is it like doing business in Connecticut? Chris Ulbrich — CEO of Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc. — explains the positives and challenges of operating in the Constitution State. Learn more about his company, which is celebrating its ...

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Who was George Washington? Why does he still matter in American life? Historian Kevin Gutzman, a professor and former chairman in the Department of History at Western Connecticut State University, returns to the podcast to share Washington’s monumental legacy and why he is worthy of praise today. His latest book The Jeffersonians is available now. Learn more at kevingutzman.com.

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The General Assembly’s new legislative session began on Feb. 7. So what’s happened since then? More than you’d expect. Yankee Institute’s Bryce Chinault (Director of External Affairs) and Meghan Portfolio (Manager of Research and Analysis) break down what bills are being introduced and the scuttlebutt at the Capitol. Learn more on YI’s breakdown on bills on our Take Action page, here.

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What do we mean when we talk about the electrical grid? What are Independent System Operators (ISOs)? How will energy infrastructure and markets be impacted by electric vehicle mandates? Portia Conant — senior markets analyst from Yes Energy — joins the podcast to answer those questions and more. Learn more about Yes Energy here.


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The CT Mirror released a three-part series examining the effectiveness and viability of the 2017 bipartisan fiscal guardrails. Some state leaders believe they’re needed, others argue for reforms, and another contingent suggests eliminating the guardrails entirely. But Suzanne Bates — a former Yankee Institute Policy Director who sat on the Spending Cap Commission that presented the guardrails — notes how quickly state lawmakers hav...

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 In 2004, Connecticut agreed to adopt California’s emissions standards. Fast forward 20 years, state lawmakers are now discussing how to implement electric vehicle (EV) mandates like the Golden State. But how has shifting to “green” energy impacted California? Edward Ring of the California Policy Center explains the detrimental effects, and why Connecticut should steer clear. Learn more about him here.  

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With Donald Trump winning the Iowa Caucuses, how will the subsequent primaries play out, including Connecticut? How will the other candidates react? Prof. Gary Rose, who teaches political science at Sacred Heart University, gives insights to the 2024 Presidential Election.

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Electric vehicle (EV) mandates have not been thought through, argues Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-35th District). From building sufficient infrastructure to being unable to charge EVs during power outages, there are a host of issues with the government mandates. However, Sen. Gordon expects EV mandates to be proposed during the session, starting Feb. 7. 

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From electric vehicle mandates to housing, what policies will be up for debate in the upcoming legislative session, beginning Feb. 7? Eric Gjede, a chief lobbyist at Statehouse Associates, shares his insights for what’s in store in 2024.

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December 29, 2023 23 mins

The state’s restaurants are hurting, still recovering from the pandemic and overburdened by regulations. Meanwhile, a ‘one fair wage’ bill that’s been introduced in other states and is gaining traction here — which would mandate minimum wage for tipped workers — would make things even harder for businesses, limit workers’ income and make a night out more expensive. Scott Dolch, President and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Associ...

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 How has the Israel-Hamas war impacted free speech at Yale University and on other college campuses? Lauren Noble, executive director and founder of the Buckley Institute at Yale, shares insights onthe impact of increased antisemitism, and discusses a new study about how more students support shout downs than oppose them. Learn more about the Buckley Institute here

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What is Hanukkah and what does it mean for the Jewish people this year, especially in light of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas? Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld, director of Agudath Israel of America office in Connecticut, explains the holiday’s history and why it has been, and remains, a source of spiritual strength for the Jewish people over thousands of years.

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Video evidence of multiple people dumping votes into absentee ballot dropboxes in Bridgeport ignited controversy, a trial, and a new mayoral primary. But the perpetrators have not faced direct charges. So a group of city residents have filed a lawsuit on Nov. 21 demanding them to be arrested for ballot fraud. Cameron Atkinson, a criminal defense and civil rights attorney, is leading the suit on behalf of Fight Voter Fraud, Inc., a ...

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How did Thanksgiving become a national holiday? Although President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation in 1863, much of the grassroots campaign is tied to the tenacity of Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book (the most widely circulated magazine at the time) and author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Author Mike Allegra, who wrote Sarah Gives Thanks, joins the show to discuss Hale’s efforts to establish Thanksgiving as a...

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How can nonprofits and charitable organizations innovate their way toward new and exciting possibilities? Leah Kral — senior director of strategy and innovation at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University — studies just that in her latest book Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Nonprofits Inspire and Deliver Results. She explores hands-on design thinking strategies and techniques to use as a disciplined proce...

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The Tax Foundation recently released its 2024 State Business Tax Climate Index. So where did Connecticut rank overall? How did Connecticut stack up against other states in varying subcategories? Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects for the Tax Foundation and author of the Index, explains Connecticut’s rankings and how it could improve. Read the full report here.

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