Back in Session: A DMGS Podcast

by Duane Morris Government Strategies

Welcome to "Back in Session," a podcast focused on exploring various state-level policies and legislation shaping our nation, one state at a time. Join our hosts, Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara from Duane Morris Government Strategies, as they engage a diverse range of guests to bring you behind the scenes of the legislative process.

Whether you are a policy wonk looking to dive into recent legislative developments, or a  ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • Keystone Conversations: Budget, Tax Cuts, and Liquor Reform with Special Guest PA State Rep. Tim O'Neal

    Keystone Conversations: Budget, Tax Cuts, and Liquor Reform with Special Guest PA State Rep. Tim O'Neal

    S02 E10
    42:34

    Join us in this insightful episode of the Back in Session podcast as co-hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Pennsylvania State Representative and Republican Whip, Tim O'Neal. Dive into the complexities of the recent state budget, explore the dynamics of special vs. general elections, and learn about crucial legislative efforts aimed at transparency and consumer convenience. Whether you're a Pennsylvania resident or a political enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on state politics and governance. Don't miss out on this great conversation! About Rep. O'Neal: Relying on his private-sector experience, Rep. Tim O’Neal is working to create and protect jobs, improve infrastructure, ensure our energy diversity and independence, and reform state government. He is serving his third full term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after assuming office following a May 2018 special election. Tim was elected to serve as the Republican Whip for the 2023-24 Legislative Session. A life-long resident of southwestern Pennsylvania, Tim graduated from Jeannette High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). While an undergraduate, he served in the ROTC program at IUP and was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard. After graduation, he served on active duty, including a tour in Afghanistan. He rose to the rank of captain. While in combat, Tim was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor. Once he returned from active duty, he chose to settle back in southwestern Pennsylvania and earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business. After working in the energy industry, Tim was a human resources director for a construction company. In his spare time, Tim coaches football and enjoys spending time outdoors. Tim resides in South Strabane Township with his wife, Julia, and their three children, Lucy, Daniel and Simon. The 48th Legislative District covers the city of Washington; Amwell, part of Carroll (Districts 3, 4 and 5), East Finley, Fallowfield, Morris, North Franklin, part of North Strabane (Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), Nottingham, Somerset, South Franklin, South Strabane, and West Finley townships; and the boroughs of Donora, East Washington and Green Hills.

  • Food for Thought: Navigating Advocacy and the Legislative Aisles with PFMA's Alex Baloga

    Food for Thought: Navigating Advocacy and the Legislative Aisles with PFMA's Alex Baloga

    S02 E09
    33:12

    In this episode, the Back in Session hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara dive into their excitement for the upcoming National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. They then welcome this week's special guest, Alex Baloga, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), for an insightful discussion on his career journey, PFMA's mission, and their advocacy work. Alex shares recent legislative successes, the challenges of representing the competitive retail industry, and how PFMA navigates the partisan divide in Pennsylvania's government. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the intricacies of legislative advocacy and the importance of collaboration. About PFMA: The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) is a statewide trade association advocating the views of the food and beverage industries. Our membership includes convenience stores, supermarkets, independent grocers, wholesalers, distributors, and consumer product vendors of all sizes operating in Pennsylvania and beyond. About Alex Baloga: Alex Baloga became PFMA President and CEO on July 1, 2017. After joining PFMA in 2013 as director of government relations, he was promoted to director of government and public relations in 2014 and to vice president of external relations in 2015. Baloga leads PFMA's day-to-day operations and helps implement its strategic vision, working with the board of directors, of which he is a member. He leads PFMA’s government relations efforts at the local, state and federal levels. He also manages PFMA’s federal, state and Philadelphia Food PACs along with PFMA’s Legislative, Pharmacy and WIC Stakeholder’s committees. He serves on the Classification and Ratings Committee for the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau. He is a board member on the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund. He joined the Pennsylvania Department of Health's newly formed Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Advisory Group in 2022. He sits on the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE) Board of Directors, the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association Board of Directors and the NACS Legislative Committee. In addition, he represents PFMA members on the Pennsylvania Lottery Sales Advisory Council. Baloga previously served as deputy finance director for Robert P. Casey’s re-election campaign for U.S. Senator, where he directed the fund raising activities in central Pennsylvania. He has extensive contacts from his experience as an associate lobbyist for a contract lobbying firm in Pennsylvania. In addition, he worked in U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s Government office as a regional field manager, serving as the senator’s liaison to government, community and constituent groups in central Pennsylvania; monitoring local issues and developments, and representing Senator Casey at civic meetings and community events. Baloga has earned recognition for his work in the food retail industry on several 40 under 40 lists, including Central Penn Business Journal, City & State PA and The Griffin Report. He recently was recognized in City & State PA’s 2022 PA Agriculture Power 100. He also earned the 2018 Excellent in Government Affairs Award from the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Baloga earned his bachelor’s degree in History with a specialty in Political Science from West Virginia University. Learn more about PFMA: https://www.pfma.org/

  • Striving for Zero: A Deep Dive into Automated Speed Enforcement with Mark Hutchinson from Blue Line Solutions

    Striving for Zero: A Deep Dive into Automated Speed Enforcement with Mark Hutchinson from Blue Line Solutions

    S02 E08
    39:22

    In this episode of the Back in Session Podcast, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara are joined by Mark Hutchinson, the CEO and founder of Blue Line Solutions. With a rich background in law enforcement, Mark shares his personal journey and the heartbreaking incidents that led him to create Blue Line Solutions, a company dedicated to improving road safety through automated speed enforcement technology, with a focus in school zones and work zones. Listeners will gain insights into: The mission behind Blue Line Solutions and their commitment to "Strive for Zero" – aiming for zero crashes, zero injuries, and zero fatalities. How innovative LiDAR technology is used to accurately capture speeding vehicles, ensuring effective enforcement in school and work zones. The importance of combining public information and education with enforcement, a strategy proven effective by the "Click It or Ticket" campaign. Overcoming the misconception that automated enforcement is just a money grab and emphasizing Blue Line's focus on safety over profits. The future of automated enforcement, including potential expansions of the use of the technology. The impactful work of the Lipford Foundation, supporting families of fallen officers. Join us for an enlightening discussion that highlights the critical role of automated speed enforcement in saving lives and making our roads safer. Learn About Blue Line: https://www.truebluesafer.com/ Learn About the Lipford Foundation: https://lipfordfoundation.com/

  • Shaping Policy and Building Bridges: A Conversation with SGAC President Terra McClelland

    Shaping Policy and Building Bridges: A Conversation with SGAC President Terra McClelland

    S02 E07
    47:17

    Welcome to this episode of the "Back in Session" podcast, featuring a dynamic discussion between hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara, and their special guest, Terra McClelland, the current president of the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) and Vice President of Government and External Affairs for Benevis. In this episode, discover Terra’s insights on professional development, state-level policy, and her fascinating journey in government affairs. Plus, hear about her unique experiences in presidential advance work (in the Office of the First Lady) and her passion for making a difference in underserved communities. About Benevis: Benevis is a leading dental healthcare delivery organization for practices focused on delivering life-changing oral care and orthodontics to underserved communities. Through comprehensive care and operational services that expand access to dentistry, Benevis has a 20-year history of providing the highest quality care to approximately 5 million children and adults. Its network reaches more than 100 locally branded dental offices across the U.S. that deliver treatment through 1.2 million visits each year. Benevis also advocates for programs and legislation that ensure all families have access to the oral healthcare they need and deserve. For more information, visit Benevis.com. About the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC): The State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) is the premier national association for multi-state government affairs professionals, providing opportunities for networking and professional development. SGAC's mission is to advance and support the state government affairs profession by fostering community among peers and elected officials, building knowledge, and promoting diverse perspectives in a nonpartisan environment. Learn more at: https://www.sgac.org/

  • Safety in Sight: A Conversation on AI Gun Detection Technology with Burgess Nichols from ZeroEyes

    Safety in Sight: A Conversation on AI Gun Detection Technology with Burgess Nichols from ZeroEyes

    S02 E06
    24:06

    In this episode of the "Back in Session" podcast, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara delve into the innovative world of AI technology applied in gun detection with Burgess Nichols from ZeroEyes. Starting with some light-hearted sports banter, the conversation transitions into a serious discussion on how AI can help mitigate mass shootings through advanced detection systems. The episode also covers ZeroEyes' efforts in working with legislators and communities to ensure a cooperative approach to security and emergency response, emphasizing the importance of education and transparency in technology deployment. About ZeroEyes: Founded in 2018 by a team of Navy SEALs and elite technologists following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school active shooter incident, ZeroEyes was created to protect people from having to face similar circumstances. As veterans and parents, ZeroEyes’ co-founders were compelled to develop a proactive solution to keep people safe after seeing and hearing about mass shootings occurring in schools and other public places, and the impact they have on our society. Drawing from over 50 years of collective military experience, they provide military-grade intelligence monitoring to facilities like schools, commercial buildings, and defense sites. Learn more: https://zeroeyes.com/