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  • Voices of the South: Leaders on What’s Next

    Voices of the South: Leaders on What’s Next
    2026/09/24
    We set up a podcast microphone at this year’s Southern Legislative Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, so we could hear directly from legislators and legislative staff across the region. They share the issues they believe will shape the South over the next five years, advice for the next generation of public servants, and their perspectives on what makes the Southern region unique—from its people and hospitality to its innovation and economic growth.

    Learn more at CSG South.
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    10 分
  • Reentry on the Road: Florida’s Approach to Community Corrections

    Reentry on the Road: Florida’s Approach to Community Corrections
    2026/09/10
    Florida is rethinking how probation and re-entry services reach the people who need them. Lindsey Gray talks with Joe Winkler, Assistant Secretary of Community Corrections for the Florida Department of Corrections, about the state’s award-winning mobile probation and re-entry units. They explore how bringing supervision, treatment, employment resources and other services directly into communities is removing barriers, reducing technical violations and offering a model other states can learn from.

    Learn more at CSG South.
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    37 分
  • Leading Through AI: What's Next for State Government

    Leading Through AI: What's Next for State Government
    2026/08/27
    Artificial intelligence has become a practical tool for improving operations and serving citizens more effectively. In this episode of Real | State, Lindsey Gray sits down with Doug Robinson, Executive Director of NASCIO, to explore how states are moving beyond AI experimentation and into enterprise adoption. They discuss the governance, workforce, privacy, and cybersecurity foundations needed for responsible AI, emerging use cases from fraud detection to citizen services, and why agentic AI could become the next major transformation for state government.

    In this episode:

    What is the biggest opportunity for AI in state government?

    According to NASCIO Executive Director Doug Robinson, AI's greatest long-term opportunity is improving citizen services while increasing operational efficiency. States are already using AI for document generation, chatbots, cybersecurity, fraud detection, and case management, with future applications expected to transform how residents interact with government.

    How are states using artificial intelligence today?

    Most states have moved beyond pilot programs and now have AI tools in production. Common uses include Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and other commercial AI solutions that improve employee productivity, automate document preparation, enhance customer service, strengthen cybersecurity, and support fraud prevention.

    What are the biggest challenges states face when adopting AI?

    Successful AI adoption depends on strong governance, high-quality data, workforce training, and public trust. State leaders are balancing innovation with responsible risk management while developing policies around privacy, ethics, transparency, and security.

    What is agentic AI and why does it matter for government?

    Agentic AI represents the next generation of artificial intelligence, capable of completing complex tasks by navigating business rules and workflows with greater autonomy. State CIOs believe it will become one of the most impactful technologies over the next several years, particularly for improving citizen services and streamlining government operations.

    How can states adopt AI responsibly?

    Doug Robinson emphasizes that responsible AI starts with governance. States should establish clear policies, involve privacy and cybersecurity leaders, train employees on ethical AI use, protect sensitive citizen data, and continuously evaluate AI systems as the technology evolves.



    Learn more at CSG South.
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    33 分
  • Building Credibility into Public Service

    Building Credibility into Public Service
    2026/08/13
    What makes public institutions credible in an era of AI, social media, and declining public trust? Recorded live at the CSG South Senior Legislative Conference (SLC) in Lexington, Kentucky, host Lindsey Gray sits down with Missouri Senate Administrator Patrick Baker and Assistant Director of Senate Research Josh Norberg to explore why credibility remains the foundation of effective public service. They discuss how legislative staff earn trust, while examining the growing challenges posed by information overload, artificial intelligence, and rapidly evolving public expectations.

    In this episode:

    How can legislative staff build trust with lawmakers?

    Legislative staff build trust by being reliable, prepared, organized, nonpartisan, and committed to delivering accurate information. Following through on promises and maintaining neutrality regardless of political leadership strengthens long-term credibility.

    What role does nonpartisanship play in state legislatures?

    Professional legislative staff serve the institution rather than a political party. Maintaining neutrality ensures lawmakers from all perspectives receive trusted research, policy analysis, and procedural guidance, helping preserve confidence in the legislative process.

    How does AI affect credibility in government?

    AI can improve efficiency and provide valuable starting points for research, but it cannot replace human judgment. Legislative leaders emphasize the importance of verifying AI-generated information, relying on primary sources, and using experienced professionals to evaluate facts before policy decisions are made.

    Learn more at CSG South.
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    43 分
  • The Future of Medicaid: Challenges, Costs & Care

    The Future of Medicaid: Challenges, Costs & Care
    2026/07/30
    Medicaid is at the center of some of the biggest policy debates facing states today—from rising healthcare costs and workforce shortages to rural hospital sustainability and evolving federal requirements. Recorded live at the Southern Legislative Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers moderates a timely discussion with Senator Jim Burgin (North Carolina), Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (Georgia), Representative Ashley Hudson (Arkansas), and Jeb Duke, Senior Vice President of Medicaid Markets at Humana. Together, they explore the future of Medicaid, including federal policy changes, workforce shortages, AI and telehealth, rural healthcare access, and strategies for building a more sustainable healthcare system across the South.

    Learn more at CSG South.
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    1 時間 11 分
  • Rural Louisiana: Sustaining Communities for the Next Generation, with Rep. C. Travis Johnson

    Rural Louisiana: Sustaining Communities for the Next Generation, with Rep. C. Travis Johnson
    2026/07/16
    How can rural communities preserve their identity while preparing for the future? In this episode of Real | State, host Lindsey Gray sits down with Louisiana Representative C. Travis Johnson to explore how strategic investments in workforce development, transportation, agriculture, tourism, and technology can strengthen rural communities without sacrificing the history and culture that make them unique.

    In this episode:

    What are the biggest challenges facing rural communities in the South?

    Rural communities across the South face challenges including workforce shortages, infrastructure needs, economic diversification, and retaining young people. Success depends on creating long-term opportunities while preserving the local culture, history, and identity that define these communities.

    How can rural communities attract economic development without losing their identity?

    Representative C. Travis Johnson explains that communities should be intentional about economic development by investing in tourism, historic preservation, local businesses, and infrastructure while protecting the traditions and culture that make rural communities unique.

    Why is workforce development critical for rural America?

    Workforce development prepares residents for high-demand careers in transportation, logistics, skilled trades, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and cybersecurity. Investing in education and technical training gives young people opportunities to build successful careers without leaving their hometowns according to Rep. Johnson.

    How can technology strengthen rural communities?

    Emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, smart agriculture, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing—are creating new opportunities for rural communities. By embracing innovation while preserving local heritage, rural regions can remain competitive and create sustainable careers for future generations, said Rep. Johnson.

    Learn more at CSG South.
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    28 分
  • From Policy to Results: Governing Tennessee Effectively, with Sen. Bo Watson

    From Policy to Results: Governing Tennessee Effectively, with Sen. Bo Watson
    2026/07/02
    How do states know whether public policy is actually working? Tennessee Senator Bo Watson joins Real | State to discuss the importance of measuring outcomes—not just passing legislation. From education reform and government transparency to higher education governance and long-term accountability, Senator Watson shares how Tennessee evaluates success, adapts policies over time, and builds public trust through data-driven decision-making.

    In this episode:

    What is outcome-based policymaking?

    Outcome-based policymaking focuses on whether legislation achieves measurable results rather than simply whether a law is passed. Policymakers evaluate long-term performance using data, accountability measures, and program outcomes, according to Sen. Watson.

    Why is government transparency important in education?

    Transparency allows taxpayers, researchers, and policymakers to better understand how education dollars are spent, compare results across school systems, and make more informed decisions about future investments.

    What education reforms has Tennessee implemented?

    Tennessee has pursued major reforms including literacy initiatives, school choice, charter schools, career readiness pathways, and improved financial transparency to strengthen student outcomes and increase accountability.

    Why do state governments play such an important role in public policy?

    State governments are responsible for balancing budgets, delivering essential public services, and implementing policies that directly affect residents' daily lives, making them the primary drivers of domestic governance, according to Sen. Watson.

    What challenges will states face over the next decade?

    According to Sen. Watson, states will increasingly face financial pressures as federal responsibilities shift to the states, requiring careful budgeting, policy prioritization, and innovative approaches to serving citizens.

    Learn more at CSG South.
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    47 分
  • Inside Kentucky’s Economic Development Evolution, with Speaker Pro Tem David Meade

    Inside Kentucky’s Economic Development Evolution, with Speaker Pro Tem David Meade
    2026/06/18
    Kentucky Speaker Pro Tem David Meade joins host Lindsey Gray to discuss the state's economic development strategy, from site readiness and infrastructure investments to workforce development, housing affordability, energy needs, and emerging opportunities in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Meade also shares insights from his role as Chair of CSG South, offering a regional perspective on the policies shaping the future of economic competitiveness across the South.

    In this episode:

    What are Kentucky's biggest economic development priorities today?

    According to Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, Kentucky's economic development strategy focuses on strengthening infrastructure, preparing a skilled workforce, maintaining a competitive tax environment, and ensuring sites are ready for major business investments. He emphasized that economic growth depends on being prepared before companies begin searching for expansion opportunities.

    Which industries are driving Kentucky's economic growth?

    Meade identified aerospace and aviation as Kentucky's fastest-growing industries, alongside continued growth in automotive manufacturing. He also stressed the importance of supporting small businesses, which employ a significant portion of Kentucky's workforce and are critical to local economies.

    Why is site readiness important for economic development?

    Meade explained that companies often spend years planning expansions, but when they are ready to move, they need locations that are immediately available. Kentucky has invested heavily in infrastructure, utilities, and industrial sites so the state can respond quickly when opportunities arise.

    What role does energy play in Kentucky's economic future?

    Meade said energy availability is one of the most important factors companies consider when choosing a location. As industries such as data centers and advanced manufacturing expand, Kentucky is working with utilities and energy providers to ensure sufficient capacity and reliable infrastructure for future growth.

    Learn more at CSG South.
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    24 分